I was very late in the game to appreciating self tan. I discovered two tanning products this year that I fell in love with, that made me realise that maybe I didn’t hate self tans I just hadn’t been using the right ones. So if you’re looking for the opinion of someone who hates streaks, the biscuit smell, stains on the bed sheets and uneven patches . . . I’m your gal! I have lined up my self tan favourites that are for those of us who want to fake it in a natural looking way. With the rain that we’re having this June in Scotland, I need all the help I can get with that ‘holiday glow’.
THE BODY
Tan Smoothie Organic Self Tanning Mousse
This tan, what can I say … I LOVE IT! Like really, really love it. I have received SO many compliments when wearing this tan, it makes me want to live in it. It is a mousse formula that I apply with the Tan Smoothie Mitt (which is incidentally also the best mitt I have ever used). Let it dry, get dressed and get on with my day. The bottle says to leave on for 4-5 hours, now I have used it a few times, I know that I am happy to leave it on for 8 hours and the colour is deep but still very natural looking. You can smell the usual tan scent while you have the product on your skin for those few hours, but the minute you rinse it off there is NO smell. I have experienced no streaking at all, but I do make sure to exfoliate and moisturise before I apply it. There is a wash-off guide colour to help you make sure your application is streak free! Enriched with natural fruit extracts and organic Aloe Vera, Tan Smoothie Self Tan Mousse also contains Co-Q10, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Peach Extract, and Coconut Extract to nourish the skin, and it can be used on face & body!
It is currently a special launch price on Amazon, I’m not sure when the price will change but I would definitely recommend the set with the mitt because I feel it made a huge difference to the application!
THE FACE
Sisley Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skincare
I don’t really like using instant self tan on my face, it can catch in my eyebrows and hairline, and I feel sometimes block my pores. I much prefer using skincare/self tan combos à la Sisley on my face. This one is pretty foolproof. Before you see the price, think of this product as primarily skincare using Sisley’s plant based, scientifically proven technology before you think of it as a self tan. First and foremost this is a skin-perfecting and protective moisturiser with a long list of plant-based active ingredients:
- Wild Pansy extract: increases the circulation of water in the epidermis.
- Chestnut extract: improves the skin’s barrier function, hydrates.
- Plant Glycerin: hydrates.
- Stevia Leaf extract: increases the skin’s hydration and softness.
- Phytosqualane: provides comfort, limits dehydration.
- Alkekengi Calyx extract: promotes collagen synthesis, anti free-radical action.
- Sunflower oil: nourishes and softens the skin.
- Vitamin E Acetate: anti-free radical action, reinforces the skin’s natural defences.
- Geranium (essential oil): tones.
- Lavender (essential oil): soothes and balances.
- Marjoram (essential oil): soothes.
On top of all the above, it’s non-comedogenic self-tanning action combines DHA and Erythrulose. Two self tanning molecules with complementary properties, creating a natural-looking, even and long-lasting tan, visible within 2 hours after application. It’s so foolproof you can use it quickly in the morning to give you a glow. It has a pleasant scent (no giveaway fake tan smell) and is quickly absorbed without streaking or clinging to eyebrows. I know it has a large price tag, so if you are unsure I would ask your closest counter for a sample so you can try before you buy. But in my opinion, this is 100% worth the price tag. If you’re ready to give it a go, you can shop HERE.
THE SPRAY
Vita Liberata Spray Tan
If you don’t like DIY tans then I would recommend the Vita Liberata Spray Tan. I had mine at One Spa Edinburgh ( you can read all about that here). The Vita Liberata spray tan offers an instant bronzing colour while your tan develops over 6 – 8 hours. Available in Hawaii ( Light), Ecuador ( Medium), & Brazil ( Dark). I went for medium, washed off in the shower after 6 hours to leave me with a beautiful golden, kissed by the sun colour and none of that tell tale biscuit smell. I would definitely try Dark for a ‘just back from a 2 week holiday’ kind of tan. You can search for your closest available Vita Liberata spray tan here.
THE WASH-OFF
Vita Liberata Body Blur HD Skin Finish
“Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish in Medium gives the most flawless skin finish and is great for reducing the appearance of cellulite and spider veins. It’s like wearing luxury sheer stockings…everywhere!”
This has been on my wish list for a long time, so when the summer weather kicked in I decided it was time to make the purchase! Vita Liberata Body Blur is an instant skin finish that covers imperfections, smoothes skin appearance and gives a natural-looking tan that washes off and hydrates for an incredible HD-ready finish. Tinted BB properties reflect light for a photo-ready skin finish on body. Can also be used on the face, alone or under foundation as the ultimate make-up prep. A unique Moisture Locking System gives 72 hour skin hydration. Shea Butter and Aloe Vera extracts condition skin, offering a velvet soft skin finish. Summer wedding legs here I come!
Whats your favourite self tan? Let me know in the comments xxx
