I tried to the top best eight fake tans for under a fiver – the one which went on best gave me change from £3
WITH unpredictable weather dampening hopes of a sun-kissed skin, more of us are turning to fake tans. Sadly, though, a bronzed bod doesn’t come cheap.
Two weeks ago we revealed the price of some fake tans had shot up more than 50 per cent in a year.
But the good news is that with many still available for less than a fiver, you can get a glow on a budget.
Yasmin Harisha, tests out the value products, rating them out of five, and gets tanning tips from an expert.
…for quick drying
BRONZY ISLANDERS DROPS, £4.99, TK Maxx: 3/5
GET bronzed with these instant tanning drops, which claim to leave a “sun-kissed filter” on the skin.
The product’s thin formula means it adds colour to the skin without covering freckles or clogging pores.
Yasmin says: “This is really smooth to put on.
“A little goes a long way, as I added three small drops to my chest area and it managed to reach across to my shoulders.
“The liquid has a very luxurious feel to it, drying almost instantly and leaving a natural-looking glow. It barely has a smell and feels lightweight on the skin.”
…for sparkle
BRONZ’ EXPRESS TANNING GEL, £3.99, TK Maxx: 2/5
GET sun-kissed skin in an instant with this non-greasy gel, which adds colour, but with no streaks.
The gel is suited to all skin types and gives intense hydration at the same time.
Yasmin says: “I wouldn’t say a gel is my go-to for fake tanning, but I really liked how this one felt when applying it.
“I squirted a generous amount on my hand and evenly applied it to my body, as well as my face.
“It felt hydrating and left a slight shimmer. But it stains the skin a very orange colour whereas I would prefer a deeper brown.”
…for tricky spots
CYCLAX SUN DARK GLOW SELF-TANNING MIST, 150ml, £1.79, onlinepoundstore.co.uk: 1/5
THIS super-cheap spray tan is fast-drying and claims to leave skin streak-free and provide a “fabulous, deeper coloured tan”.
Results are instant, but an active tanning agent means it develops even further for the next four to six hours.
Yasmin says: “I love it when fake tan comes in a spray bottle – it makes it super easy to apply and helps target hard-to-reach areas like your back.
“But I didn’t love the dark spots this left on my skin after spraying, as they weren’t easy to smooth out. It also smells strongly of chemicals.”
…for a golden glow
ST MORIZ SHIMMERING INSTANT TAN COCONUT PARADISE, £5, Superdrug: 5/5
THIS “wash-off tan” claims to give you an instant glow.
Thanks to the inclusion of coconut oil, the tropical fragrance should leave you smelling more Barbados than Bognor.
Yasmin says: “I’m giving this top marks.
“It may be at the top end of the budget, but a little goes a long way and I’m sure it will last for a few more tanning sessions.
“It had a similar feel to the St Tropez instant tanner, but didn’t feel quite as heavy when I was applying it.
“It dries quickly and leaves a flawless finish, along with a lovely bronzed glow.”
…for smooth coverage
SOLAIT TANNING WIPES, £2.99, Superdrug: 2/5
FORMULATED to provide a natural-looking tan without streaks, these wipes are supposed to be ideal for topping up your tan, or giving a year-round glow.
Simply work them across your skin in a circular motion.
Yasmin says: “These wipes have a flowery scent that’s far more refreshing than the usual muggy pong you get after a typical spray tan.
“I would rate these for ease, but when it comes to adding colour, the effect is minimal. I also used most of the pack in just one tanning session.”
…for moisture
AVON TANNING LOTION, £4.90, Avon: 3/5
KEEP skin hydrated with legendary skincare brand Avon’s Instant Tanning Lotion.
Not only does this claim to be fast absorbing, but it also has added almond oil to prevent your skin becoming dry.
Yasmin says: “This is gorgeously scented – it smells like a summer’s day in a bottle. I applied it just as I would any other moisturiser, and it felt divine to put on.
“Its super-smooth texture leaves the skin feeling deliciously soft.
“The tan isn’t too intense and leaves more of a natural glow, which means it doesn’t look fake at all.”
…for colour
ST MORIZ PROFESSIONAL TANNING MOUSSE, £4.99, Boots: 4/5
IT’S no wonder St Moriz is loved by celebs including Love Islander Demi Jones and Geordie Shore star Chloe Ferry.
It’s affordable and contains soothing aloe vera and Vitamin E which helps keep skin silky smooth.
Yasmin says: “I used an applicator mitt to help get an even spread of the mousse across my skin and it worked a treat.
“It gives a nice, deep tan and will leave you looking like you just came back from a two-week holiday in the south of France.
“It sets very quickly, so make sure you start blending the mousse as soon as it touches your skin – or it may leave streaks.”
…for instant glow
ST TROPEZ INSTANT GLOW BODY BRONZER, £4.95, Amazon: 4/5
UPMARKET tanning brand St Tropez has added a more affordable product to its range.
This claims to be smudge-proof and perfect for the nervous newbies just getting to grips with at-home tanning.
Yasmin says: “This gel liquid was super easy to apply, but I would recommend using a tanning mitt to help blend the formula evenly.
“The colour is great, leaving you shimmering and brown, plus it’s long-lasting and smells sweet, without being too intense.
“I also liked how it was easy to wash off without leaving a stain on the skin – perfect when I made a tanning error.”