It was a shocking sight, not to mention hazardous – when you’re this pale accidents have been known to happen; motorists dazzled; pedestrians transfixed; blue-white legs causing much personal embarrassment. Ladies, we all of us know that there are times when you just have to fake it. Here at The Detour we’ve routed out the best new products to help you navigate the Tango-coloured waters on your way towards a bronzed body beautiful.
Famous Dave’s Gradual 10 (250ml RRP £14.99)
Described as a “natural everyday moisturiser with a hint of self tan,” Gradual 10 is packed full of natural organic ingredients and antioxidants and is said to “transform and care for your skin in 10 different ways”. If you’re not in a hurry for that sun-kissed look, Famous Dave seems to be a bit of a winner – as the name implies the colour builds up with each daily application, so it’s the perfect solution for the naturally alabaster (like myself!) to acquire lovely summer skin without an obvious transition.
This mode of application produces a beautiful streak-free finish and the combination of cocoa butter and sweet almond oil not only leaves your skin feeling wonderfully moisturised, but also makes for a product that smells fantastic when you apply it, but leaves no obvious after-fragrance to follow you throughout the day. To begin with, the tan is very subtle, so I’m not certain that this would be a great product for those with darker complexions, but for us pale and pasty’s, I’d give it a big thumbs up.
Fake Bake
Ever reliable, Fake Bake have released gamut of new products for summer 2011. With only limited space at my disposal, I’ve chosen my three favourites to introduce to you.
Lipo Bronze (133ml RRP £20.50)
As the name would imply, Lipo Bronze is marketed as a “fast acting tanning, firming and toning [lotion] with Lipocare and Rigin” and honestly, who wouldn’t welcome anything that offers an extra weapon against cellulite? To gain the full benefits of the anti-cellulite ingredients (Lipocare and Rigin by Sederma, which accelerates lipid release from fatty storage, then firms skin and promotes elasticity when used daily) Lipo Bronze really needs to be used for a time of about two weeks.
For me, that was ever so slightly too long a period and left my skin a little darker than I would have liked (although my wobbly bits were a little less wobbly!), but if you like a deeper tan, or are naturally darker skinned, this could be the one for you.
Bronzing Gel – Unisex self-tan (148ml RRP £25.00)
The main reason I can see for this product to be marketed as unisex is that results are instant and boys just don’t like to wait! This really does provide instant gratification and I wish that I’d had it in time for the wonderful April sunshine! It’s odd to find self-tan in gel form and I was half expecting a sticky finish, with a drying effect on the skin, but that is not the case. Described as a “lightweight, fast-drying gel, containing triple-action tanning actives that create an all-over, natural-looking tan instantly”, Fake Bake’s Bronzing Gel does what it says on the tin.
Concentrated blends of natural antioxidants - Vitamin C and E - combat free radicals that can age the skin, while the non-drying formula keeps you feeling nicely moisturised. Psychologically, I just can’t get by the whole gel thing; it simply shouldn’t work, but in reality it does. This one is not for me, but if you need a quick fix solution, then it’s pretty perfect.
Tanning Butter for Dry Skin (RRP £21.00)
If you suffer from dry skin, it can be really difficult to find a tanning product, you’re often left with streaks, or patches, or a really annoyed epidermis. Fake Bake’s Tanning Butter for Dry Skin is Paraben free and has added vitamin D and Botanical Butters to promote healthier, moisturised skin, yet is surprisingly light and non-greasy (although it would behove you to buff yourself with a towel once the butter has dried to remove excess product).
The Tanning Butter is lightly scented, with a natural colour, no Tango-glow and a great finish. Fairly obviously, if you have greasy skin, this is not the self tan for you, but for normal or dry skin, it is well worth trying.
Elemis Total Glow Self-Tanning Cream (125ml RRP £22.50)
Being the winner of the “best fake tan” at the 2011 Natural Health and Beauty Awards, I had great expectations of this product, and I wasn’t disappointed. Total Glow is one of those very light, friendly-feeling creams; it has no nasty greasy residues, but manages to leave your skin feeling wonderfully hydrated. Crammed with nutrients, Vitamin E and amino acids to guard against free radical damage, on a base of nourishing macadamia nut oil, it is extremely easy to apply for a fantastic golden finish, just 2-3 hours after application.
If a product has been around for a while one has a tendency to think that it’s probably past its best and that new research and technology is bound to have created something better for a competitor. Elemis Total Glow may be an oldie, but it is still very much a goodie.
Lush Lovely Legs Set
Sugar Babe (RRP £2.65)
Sugar Babe isn’t, strictly speaking, a tanning product, more of a pre-cursor; as everyone knows the golden rule of self-tanning is exfoliation. I loved it and would be tempted to say that whichever lotion or potion you opt for, you’d do well to start off with this.
The problem I have with Lush products is the overwhelming scent they generally carry, but Sugar Babe is comparatively subtle and it leaves the skin beautifully soft and smooth. And at £2.65 it’s a complete bargain. My recommendation comes with one word of warning however - don’t drop it in the bath!
Charlotte Island (240g RRP £10.50)
As with most Lush products, Charlotte Island falls into the affordable bracket and gives you that mildly virtuous feeling of using a product as nasty-free as fake-tan can be and entirely animal friendly. I must admit that I was slightly dubious about this one to begin with, the scent (slightly banana-y to me, which must come from the papaya juice) was off-putting and the lotion looked a little gloopy, but I forged ahead and was pleasantly surprised.
It is very easy to apply for a streak-free finish; the colour is natural and rich and the feeling is light, but nourishing, and almost entirely grease–free. Charlotte Island is not a permanent tan, which has its pluses and minuses – if you want to wear a skirt, you’ll have to apply to every day, BUT if you make a mistake you just need to hop in the shower, rather than confine yourself to jeans for the summer months!
Clinique Almost Bronzer – With limited edition pouch (RRP £22.50)
Technically speaking, this is not a self-tanning product, but it is worth mentioning. Like many people, I dislike using fake tan on my face; they’re either too greasy, cause break-outs, or are simply too dark. Clinique’s Almost Bronzer comes in a handy little compact, with a hidden brush compartment (cute idea!) and is a great alternative to daubing your face with tanning product.
The colour is very subtle but buildable, with a slight shimmer, which I love, but may not appeal to all and although it’s the perfect handbag product, I’ve not noticed any patching or need for reapplication throughout the day. Initially, it is quite difficult to apply, but once you’ve worked the block a little that stops being a problem and with the ability to blend the pallet you can create the perfect tone for your particular look.
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