Tempted to self-tan? We test a selection of face and body favourites and explain how to achieve a salon-perfect look at home
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
Body
When choosing a body formulation, look for brands that specify what colouring they're good for on the packaging - Piz Buin and Almay are two to try. Always follow the instructions for the best results. As with a facial self-tanner, if unsure of the end result, blend your body product with a light moisturiser for a more subtle colour, or apply a light, first layer which can then be 'built up' to your perfect shade.
California Tan Self-Tanner Sunless Spray with Flawless Tint, £19.99 for 150ml (www.californiatansunless.com)
What's this? A tinted fast-drying spray with pump for error-proof application.
Application: The formula is quickly absorbed and slightly tinted so you can see where it's going.
Drying time: A minute or two.
Result: It took a few hours to develop but my fair skin was left noticeably golden brown and streak-free.
iVillage verdict: Perfect if you like a speedy, hassle-free application, however it does take a while to develop which can be frustrating if you want quick results.
4.5/5
Dior Bronze Self-Tanner Shimmering Glow for Body, £19.50 for 125ml
What's this? A fresh, soft gel-creme enhanced by golden micro-particles for a natural, even fast tan.
Application: The consistency and smell are gorgeous and it smoothes over skin easily.
Drying time: 10 minutes max.
Result: A very realistic, subtly shimmery golden brown that lasted four-to-five days.
iVillage verdict: Great if you are time-pressed or want a 'designer' self-tanner - this looks good and application is easy. However, if you are very fair or prefer a subtle colour this may be too deep.
5/5
St Tropez Shimmering Bronzing Mist, £32.50 for 270ml (0115 983 6363)
What's this? A spray mist laced with gold shimmer that develops over a few hours into a deep, long-lasting tan.
Application: It goes on very dark but do not be alarmed! I found the applicator quite tricky so recommend wearing latex gloves and applying with your hands.
Drying time: One minute.
Result: Once you've washed the cosmetic bronzer off, you are left with a golden tan which lasts about four days.
iVillage verdict: If you want a tan to rival an A-lister, this gives amazingly even, believable colour. However, you do need follow the instructions to get the best result, allowing time to exfoliate and moisturise first.
4.5/5
Face and body
Piz Buin Mid Self-Tan Foam, £11.99 for 150ml
What's this? A light, oil-free foam that dries in five minutes. Perfect for use on face and body and ideal for novice self-tanners.
Application: The mousse applied easily and was absorbed instantly so you need to be swift, and wear plastic gloves to avoid tanned palms!
Drying time: Get dressed in 10 minutes.
Result: An even and natural-looking tan in a flash.
iVillage verdict: A fast-drying, unscented product. However, you can't really take your time when applying as the formulation dries quickly. It also applies invisibly, so you can't see where it's going.
4.5/5
Clinique Radiant Bronze Face and Body Tinted Self-Tanner SPF15, £13.50 for 125ml
What's this? This tinted self-tanning lotion creates a gradual, customised radiance that starts with an instant glow and develops in one hour, with colour maximising in 24 hours.
Application: It's a lovely consistency and is tinted so you can see where you are applying it. However, it does take a bit of rubbing in, and you need to exfoliate well beforehand.
Drying time: 10-15 minutes.
Result: Instant colour which might be a little dark on pale skin. The resulting realistic golden hue would suit most people.
iVillage verdict: A good option if you're prone to breakouts - this is oil-free, allergy tested and non-acnegenic. However, this product does take time to apply so you need to have time on your hands.
4/5
The Tan Commandments
Remove any unwanted hair first, as fake tan can stain it and make it appear darker.
- Apply a light moisturiser to elbows, knees and heels beforehand to prevent patchiness.
- If your skin is oily or spot-prone, choose an oil-free variant or one which contains AHAs, an ingredient that is increasingly being used for smoother, more even results.
- People with sensitive skin should avoid products containing chemicals and alcohol - read the label.
- For subtle colour, try Liz Hurley's trick of using facial self-tan on your body.
- Avoid stained palms by wearing latex gloves (available from chemists) to apply fast-acting self-tanner.
- Can't reach your back? California Tan's Back Towelette, £4.99 for one sachet, is designed to tan those hard-to-get-to places.
- Immediately after self-tanning, use a cleansing wipe on elbows, nails and eyebrows, and around heels and your hairline.
- Fade streaks and unwanted stains with exfoliating scrub or alcohol-based toner.
Details and prices are correct at time of publication