Sales of fake tan are up year on year, and expected to reach £1billion globally by 2026. New formulas mean that patchy palms and that tell-tale biscuit smell are a thing of the past. All it takes is a little prep, says tanning expert and founder of Isle of Paradise Jules Von Hep. “With a little knowhow, getting your glow right every time is easy,” he says.
WHICH FORMULA IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Drops “If you’re a tanning novice, drops are one of the easiest to use,” says Jules. “Think of them like a cordial – they need to be mixed with moisturiser and the more drops you add, the deeper your tan will be.”
Mist/water “This is another great option for novice tanners,” says Jules. “Simply spray on to the skin and rub it in with your hands, a bit like when you spray on SPF at the beach.”
Express Jules says: “You’ll find quick-working mousses are perfect when you need a last-minute tan for an event. Some develop in just 30 minutes, but the longer you leave them, the deeper the glow.”
Facial tanners Jules says these are “great for maintaining a consistent glow on the face and are super easy to use. “Use one as the last step in your evening routine to wake up glowing. Or apply one before make-up for an energising glow boost that lasts all day.”
HOW TO ACHIEVE A FLAWLESS GLOW
For the face “The best application technique depends on which formula you’re using, so pick the one that works best for you,” says Jules. “But as a general rule, every other day use two to four self-tan drops with your favourite moisturiser, four to five spritzes of self-tan water, or half a pump of self-tan mousse.”
For the body “It’s all in the prep,” says Jules. “Moisturise dry areas such as hands, feet, elbows and knees before and after application but don’t apply moisturiser to the rest of your body. Whether you’re using a mitt or a brush for your application, work the tan in with sweeping, lengthways motions to ensure even pressure – don’t use circular motions. Finally, buff and blend. Use a blending brush to sweep over drier areas – knuckles, wrists, knees, elbows, feet, ankles – as well as the hairline and decolletage. Remember to remove any excess tan from your palms, soles, nails and in between fingers.”
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