This ultimate fake tan guide is dedicated to every Summer soul out there!Finding the right fake tan is a bit like finding your soul mate. Some just don't fit, some leave you feeling pale, and there's that disturbing one that just made you feel itchy. But once you've found your perfect fit, it's all sunshine, smiles and feeling giddily beautiful.
So how do I find the fake tan that's right for me?
Whether you've never fake tanned, or you are just looking for your perfect product, read on for my ultimate fake tan guide...
I remember around a year and a half ago when I was working in retail. Stood sorting out product, I looked up to see a pretty, young girl teetering towards me with anticipation.
'Oh my gosh, what fake tan do you use?', she beamed.
I tried not to look too much like the Steven Hawking of the fake tan world as I excitedly rattled off my routine to her.
How funny that I used to struggle with orange palms, zebra-striped knees and crimson feet! However, once I discovered how to apply fake tan properly I never looked back.
Over the years, I've tested out enough fake tan to turn a whole hotel's worth of beds a biscuit-y tangello. Now, I'm ready to share my thoughts, recommendations and advice with you...
For Mid/Olive Skin
When I'm looking for a seriously dark tan, I opt for Le Tan Self Tanning Foam in Ultra Dark. The best thing about this product is that you only need to leave it on for three hours for a tan that looks like you've been on a two week cruise!
However, the deep and dense shade means that alabaster beauties should avoid it like the plague. But if you have tanned, medium or olive skin, this one is for you!
For Pale/Medium Skin
Considering how darn tanned Jennifer Hawkins is, I was annoyed to find that her 'dark' tanning cream didn't turn me her glowing, caramel tone. As a matter of fact, this product is so light, that I recommend it for those with a light skin tone.
Even though the result was incredibly light for a product labelled 'dark', the green pigments in this fake tan give it a really natural finish without a hint of orange in sight!
For The Fake Tan Virgin
I sort of giggled when I first heard of this in shower tanning lotion. Surely, by applying it in the shower, the colour will have no chance to develop? As St Tropez is quite literally the Gucci of the fake tan world, I decided to give it a go.
Keep in mind that I like being very dark, but this product really let me down. Then I thought 'duh, Rach, it's gradual; it's not gonna give you that VS tan after one use'. After a few uses, it does build up a subtle, natural-looking tan.
I would recommend this to those who have never fake tanned before, as you can't mess up!
For The Vegan/ Sensitive Skin
Never ever ever has fake tan smelt as good as the Luna Bronze Tanning Moisturiser! Infused with mandarin, lemon myrtle and orange blossom, this dreamy concoction is miles away from the 'stale biscuit' honk of most products.
It's 100% natural and vegan, making it a fantastic choice for beauties with sensitive skin.
I tend to use Luna Bronze in between darker fake tan applications, as it makes a fantastic moisturiser and tan top-up in one.
For Faking Instead Of Baking
Picture this: it's Saturday morning and you're about to head to the beach. You whack on your bikini, only to find that you look like you belong in the cast of 'Twilight'.
Rather than baking it out in damaging UV rays all day, get that bronze look instantly and get protected from UV rays at the same time!
Model Co Bronze Dry Touch Sunscreen is a coloured sunscreen that is basically a wash-off sunscreen.
Warning: don't wear this with a white, crochet or fabric bikini. Sweat, salt and sea can cause this stuff to stain like a b-.
For The Last Minute Bronze
A last minute night out with the girls? Last minute plans don't make for developing tans (You can call me Jay Z), so opt for an instant bronzing mousse.
Unlike other instant tanners I've tried in the past, One Night Tan will actually last through sweaty dance floors, rain and spilt drinks without turning your party dress a wonderful shade of mahogany.
For The Splurge-r
Even the most clueless fake tan connoisseur will know that St Tropez is the real deal! However, in Australia, this fake tan hero comes with a hefty price tag.
My advice is to bag an abundance of St Tropez when its on sale! I often use reduced St Tropez and still manage to pay off my mortgage!
Now that you've decided which fake tan product is right for you, you need to learn how to apply fake tan. Luckily, I did a post on this a million light years ago that you can check out here.
Happy tanning!
