On application, the Makebelieve Self Tan Lotion was silky and didn’t seem to clog my skin with heavy residue. The sweet coconut smell reminded me of holidays (a strange smell to note, but I agree with the bottle when it says “exotic fragrance”). I had exfoliated prior to using this product, as I know after using fake tan lotions before that they seem to stick to the dry bits of skin on your knees and ankles.
I applied the product all over, and waited intently for the first sign of tan. The directions say the first sign of tan may appear within 2 to 4 hours, but I found my skin showed the first signs of colour after about 8 hours (although, admittedly, I am rather pale). I usually apply fake tan before bed and wake up with colour, because I find the lotion too thick to wear everyday clothes over.
The Makebelieve lotion was really light, so despite not venturing outside with full attire, I was able to wear some loose tracksuit bottoms and a vest quite comfortably without worrying about them picking up some of the colour. I was pleasantly surprised hours later with a noticeable but subtle tan that was beginning to develop. The colour was even, natural, and my skin didn’t feel slimy at all – hurrah!
For the next few days, I then applied the Gradual Self Tan and Tan Extender all over my skin to help top up the tan the self tan lotion had given me. I usually use gradual self tans, as I find some fake tans too dark for my fair skin tone. The gradual self tan had the same sweet, exotic smell and once again did not feel thick and heavy on my skin. I found that the gradual self tan did help the tan improve after 2 days of use, and overall I was impressed with how the tan looked. In my house, the best way to give the verdict on a fake tan is if my mum says it looks natural (she usually laughs at my failed attempts at tan sprays), and this time, she did mention it looked natural and even. Success!
The self tan lotion consists of antioxidants, fruit extracts, and rainforest oils, and claims to tone and smooth the skin with its Lipo-Care Complex. My skin felt intensely moisturised and smooth for several days after use and the tan extender was a great way to top up the tan after first use of the tan lotion. After a week, the directions on the self tan lotion advise you to exfoliate and re-apply the tan lotion, and it really did work.
Usually, I wear fake tan or gradual fake tan and have to wait until it completely comes off before applying it again or else I get annoying patches where the tan has started to rub off (usually on my underarms and chest area). The lotion is so good at moisturising and feeding the skin that it allows you to keep adding product without the annoying tell-tale signs that you’ve been using fake tan. I am going away to California in September and was considering a spray tan before I go as I never naturally tan, but I can honestly say I will be using this product before and during my holiday.
Makebelieve Self Tan Lotion 200ml is priced at £30, and a 75ml tube is priced at £10
Gradual Self Tan and Tan Extender is priced at £20
Available from www.makebelievebeauty.com and Boots, John Lewis, and Fenwicks. |
