Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of fake tan disasters – Oompa Loompa orange, streaky legs, stained hands – so these days I choose products carefully. I’m also adverse to that biscuity whiff most bronze from a bottle gives off. Apart from that, I look for an easy to apply, natural-looking glow in a formula that doesn’t end up all over my sheets. All in all, a pretty long wish list when it comes to self-tan!
And so, luckily, James Read’s Sleep Mask Tan for body (£35 for 200ml, available at jamesreadtan.com) ticks all my boxes. Its fragrance-free gel formula glides on and dries almost immediately, developing into a gorgeous, sun kissed glow. Working with your skin’s natural pigment, it’s amazing how closely it mimics a real tan. And what’s more – there’s no nasty smells.
I’ve been applying this fake tan religiously in preparation for my trip to LA, and am so pleased with the results that I’ve packed shorts and dresses. Its natural-looking shade means I don’t have to worry about pasty-looking limbs on the beach! Even better, this fake tan is nourishing, too – containing skin-friendly ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and algae exact. What’s not to love!
Lisa, what’s your view on tanning booths? Not the spray tan kind but like a stand up sun bed. I’m hopeless at applying fake tan, especially on my back! I get the obligatory hand print!
Hey Nicole, honestly, I’m really not a fan of sun booths or tanning beds. I do love the feeling however of the heat and the way it makes me feel, unfortunately the damage over the early years where I used to use them, is evident on my skin. I have pigmentation and sun-damage. Try to get either spray tans, or self tan yourself or sunbathe safely with a good SPF. LSxx
Hi, just HAD to comment on this. Sun beds cause Skin cancer which is now one of the biggest killers of 15-34 year olds in the UK. If you love your skin and health then ALWAYS fake it. I am campaign manager for SKCIN.org and we just launched http://www.masced.uk to train beauty industry on how to spot skin cancer. Check it out!
My Mum died of melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer from using sun beds in 80s & 90s. Please don’t use! Claire Dale @skcin