When you get paid to test beauty products for a living, what do you actually pay to use? ELLE's Beauty Director Katy Young comes clean.
Oh golden glow, it’s been a while. But a few years into my self-tan hiatus, I have come to the conclusion that being pale isn’t interesting when it’s time to put your best summer foot forward – or definitely not as interesting as the new fake tanning formulas on the block that promise to tan without stress, streaking or that all-too familiar smell of biscuits.
Far be it from me to question where those formulas were when I was in the tanning thick of it all back in Noughties (but seriously, where were you?), but I'm definitely keen to get to know these new tanners, in all their easy, golden, glory.
The Golden Tan Rules
The Prep
Of course no tan testing should start without good prep, so my mission to find The One started with an almost religious exfoliating and moisturising practice. No tan is ever given a fair trial without a quenched, smooth canvas to work on, so start priming your skin a week before application, scheduling in any hair removal for at least a day before to avoid those tiny tanning polka dots that are the result of tan getting stuck in open pores. Once your skin is in good marble-like nick, it’s time to tan like it’s 2020.
The Lowdown
All tan works by the power of the dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a simple carbohydrate either made in the lab or derived from sugar cane, which reacts with dead cells on the surface of the skin, darkening them. It is (unless you have hyper sensitive skin) completely safe, and of course a lot less risky than lying under the sun or on top of an electric sunbed, which in my view should be banned.
But what fake tan also comes with now, unlike the pretty simple mousses of yesteryear, are a whole lot more actives, hydration and skin benefits. One of my favourite new brands is Isle of Paradise, created by Jules Von Hep, who spent years tanning celebrities for the red carpet (as well as British beauty editors pre-holiday).
With knowledge gained from working on the bronzing front line for so long, his own line cleverly does away with some classic tanning gripes; added chia seed and coconut oil means no drying out or patchiness as colour fades, while 360 degree nozzles make tanning the backs of our legs and backs a cinch. (And if your bronzing efforts still don’t cut the mustard, he's created ‘Over It’, a lotion to strip away old tan.)
The Starting Block
The tanning shy might prefer the drops for starters, little golden tears of tanner that can be hand mixed into your favourite overnight skincare so you can get up and glow by breakfast. It figures that Clarins, the first to bring gradual tan to the market, have some of my favourite drops for a made-to-measure tan. Again, the formula is loaded with skincare, including a dose of smoothing, softening aloe vera.
I’ve also enjoyed working my way through today’s St. Tropez offering. Back in the Nineties anyone who tanned ‘St.Tropezed’ (mostly because it was the only good self tan available), and nearly 20 years later the brand now sells a product every 15 seconds, in part because there is a St Tropez spray, water, mousse or lotion for any type of tanner, experienced or novice. There is even an in-shower cream that works in three minutes, and which gets top marks from my time-poor colleagues. Like I said, it. Has. Every. Thing.
As you can see, choice is not an issue when it comes to finding a good tan, and if at first you don’t succeed, buy on, as usually it just comes down to finding a texture and tone that suits your skin. What will stand you in good stead though is practice, because however much a nozzle can spin, or a mitt can buff, good application comes down to you. So what are you waiting for? You glow girl.
Katy's Edit: Self Tan
Amanda Harrington Illuminating Bronzing Mist in Natural Honey - £28
This instant bronzer works like make-up to even out skin tone, while the tan develops over a few hours for a wonderfully flattering sunkissed effect. Available in Caucasian, Asian and Black tones.
Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face - £20
New tanners will love the way they can build up their colour by adding a couple of drops a night into their favourite skincare.
Sisley Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care - £68
Chosen for the way it looks so convincing, and because it can be layered throughout the week to intensify your tan.
Isle Of Paradise Self Tanning Drops in Medium - £18.95
Available in Light, Medium and Dark, these drops are infused with brightening skincare, to give extra glow.
St Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist - £22
For combination skin that doesn’t do well with layering, I love this lightweight water with added hydration and anti-oxidants. Spray before you leave the house for a healthy tan by lunchtime.
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