In the Spotlight

Beauty Expert’s Guide to Self-Tanners

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to expose our pasty white flesh that’s been kept under wraps for months. If your skin is in need of a boost but you want to avoid the harmful effects of the sun, then fake-tanning is definitely the way to go! Self-tanners have certainly come a long way in recent years. From their ability to lift the complexion, to brightening eyes & teeth, to reducing the appearance of tiredness, the benefits are endless! Whether you’re on the search for a gradual tan, or one that’s super long-lasting, we’ve put together a selection of our favourites that are sure to leave you bronzed and streak free!

Best Tan Accelerating Lotion: Gatineau Tan Accelerating Lotion

For those of you who want to enjoy the sunshine, but want a healthier-looking and more even looking colour, then the Gatineau Tan Accelerating Lotion is the perfect product. With a triple action formula, this tan accelerator prepares, boosts and prolongs your tan leaving your skin feeling every bit beautiful!

What’s in it: Vanilla pod extract is used to fight against the appearance of sun burn, whilst grape seed oil and vitamin E help prevent premature skin ageing.

The Benefits:

  • Helps to prevent premature skin ageing
  • Boosts and promotes tan
  • Contain no ‘nasties’

Best Gradual Tan: St. Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Lotion

If you prefer to build a golden glow gradually rather than instantly becoming 3 shades darker, the St. Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Lotion has been designed to slowly intensify in colour – allowing you to gradually build a healthy sunkissed glow.

What’s in it: Enriched with Aloe Vera to help soothe the skin, whilst innovative Aromaguard Fragrance technology has been added to help banish that unpleasant fake tan smell.

The Benefits:

  • No ‘self tan smell’
  • Quick-drying and non-sticky
  • Can be re-applied daily for more depth
  • Streak-free finish

Best Long-Lasting Tan: Vita Liberata Phenomenal 2-3 Week Tan

Formulated with 70% organic ingredients, Vita Liberata’s Phenomenal 2-3 week tanning mousse has been designed to last up to four times longer than the normal fake-tan! The product also contains Vita Liberata’s ground-breaking moisture lock system so your skin will feel super-smooth and hydrated too!

What’s in it: One of the key ingredients in this product is cucumber which contains several anti-inflammatory benefits to calm and soothe the skin. Antioxidant-rich raspberries are also added to keep your skin and tan looking youthful!

The Benefits:

  • Moisture locking system for 72 hour skin hydration
  • Made with 70% organic ingredients
  • Lasts four times longer than regular tan

Best Tan for Light/Medium Skin: Xen-Tan Fresh Tanning Mousse

When you have a light complexion, finding the perfect self-tan can be a struggle. Xen-Tan’s Fresh Tanning Mousse leaves a light sun-kissed glow for both the face and body. Scented with a gorgeous vanilla fragrance, this tan is an absolute delight to use too!

What’s in it: Contains a whole host of wonderful ingredients including green tea, ginkgo biloba, aloe vera and vitamins D&E so your skin will receive the ultimate hydration!

The Benefits:

  • Delightful fresh grapefruit and warm vanilla fragrance
  • Super-easy to apply
  • Oil and paraben-free

Best Tan for a Super-Rich/Dark Tan: Xen-Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe

If you’re an experienced tanner or just in need of a tan that’s super rich, then Xen-Tan’s Dark Lotion Luxe is a must! Boasting more tanning agent than ever before, this tan can be used all over the body and is sure to give you that darker olive looking finish!

What’s in it: Bursting with gingkgo biloba, green tea extract, aloe & shea buuter, your skin will be left feeling soft, smooth and super-hydrated too!

The Benefits:

  • Packed with a host of wonderful ingredient for extra skin nourishment
  • Lasts up to 10 days
  • Leaves beautiful olive-toned glow


Kerry Courtney

Kerry Courtney

Skincare Specialist

A self-confessed skincare addict, I’m always on the search for new products to add to my collection! I believe there’s nothing quite as flattering as when your skin heralds a certain luminescence. I’ve recently qualified as a Beauty Therapist, so when I’m not writing about all things beauty, I love nothing more than pampering my friends & family!


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