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Glowing report: Self-tanners review 2005
The fake-tanning market is a minefield - once you've debated over the formulation, do you choose a lotion, spray or mousse? What about drying time and the end result? If, like most people, you prefer your tan to look fresh and flawless as opposed to streaky and unrealistic, learn to fake it like a pro with our review of top self-tanners and the Tan Commandments.
The difference between face and body self-tanners
What's the difference between face, body and leg formulations? Sinead Armstrong, Marketing Manager for California Tan, explains: 'One of the main differences is the levels of DHA (the active ingredient in self-tan products) used. The face is more delicate so needs less DHA, whereas legs need more as they tend to be the most difficult area to tan.'
Face
Ensure even results by first exfoliating gently with a facial exfoliant. Apply the self-tanner to your palms and smooth evenly over your face, blending down the neck. If you're trying a product for the first time or are very pale, try mixing it with facial moisturiser to dilute the colour. However, most facial self-tanners have been formulated to suit most colourings, so don't be afraid to experiment!
L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Instant Tan, £10.99 for 30ml
What's this? A dual-action self-tan featuring two formulas - one to give skin an instant visible colour, the other to actively self-tan for a longer-lasting result.
Application: The creams blend together and apply smoothly on to the skin.
Drying time: About 10 minutes.
Result: An instant golden glow and prolonged colour that lasted a few days.
iVillage verdict: A good option if you have greasy skin - the added AHAs will ensure smooth, even results. However, it's not for you if you don't want instant results, as the colour is very visible upon application.
4/5
Estee Lauder Go Bronze Plus Tinted Self-Tanner for Face, £18 for 50ml
What's this? A tinted self-tanner that gives a sun-kissed glow and helps protect from the sun with SPF15.
Application: The creamy consistency makes it easy to apply.
Drying time: Almost immediate, although it can leave a slight residue on your pillow.
Result: Instant results which may be a little scary for fair skins and novice tanners. The next day I looked as though I had been away - my complexion was glowing with colour, which lasted around three days.
iVillage verdict: Great if you like to look noticeably tanned or want to intensify a natural tan. However, if you are very pale the results may be too dark.
3.5/5
Boots Soltan 3 in 1 Self-Tan Peel Off Face Mask, £6.99
What's this? A mask which exfoliates, moisturises and adds a radiant, healthy glow.
Application: Easy - apply a thin layer of the runny gel with the supplied brush.
Drying time: 20 minutes before you can peel the mask off.
Result: Unfortunately the mask didn't peel off, so I removed it with a cotton pad. For three days, my fair skin looked warmer, even and glowing.
iVillage verdict: I was looking forward to peeling the mask off, so was disappointed when it didn't. This is a fun product with a pampering twist, however, if you're not used to self-tanners, you may prefer to try a conventional one first.
3.5/5
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Created: 28/06/2005 Updated: 12/07/2005
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