The hallmark of a sun-drenched holiday, the spray-tan has shed its tangerine past and emerged fresh-faced, effortless and modern — an example of radiant, responsible beauty!
Today’s tanning formulas have made leaps and bounds from their predecessors too. Expect weightless mists, packed-to-the-brim with skincare-grade ingredients, customisable shades, luminous, multidimensional and hyper-real finishes. Even delicious custom-blended scents that are a far cry from the dreaded biscuit-y smells of old.
The aim of the game? A weekend in the Riviera glow rather than fresh from the booth. Yes, less is definitely more when it comes to new-gen tanning. No one need know it’s faux…
As ever the benefit of a spray tan is less effort — and mess — than using self-tanning products at home.
But who should you trust? Luckily for you the ES team have been splattered and sprayed, all in the hunt for the most beautiful bronze.
James Harknett at the W Hotel Away Spa
Tested by: Amelia Heathman
The experience: In the centre of London, just off heaving Leicester Square, I was whisked away from the madness of the city into the Away Spa and James Harknett’s tanning kingdom.
This was my very first spray tan ever so I was fairly nervous I would end up looking like horribly streaky and orange. But, straight away, James reassured me this would not happen.
Before going into his tanning room, he sat me down and talked me through what would happen, how best to look after the tan afterwards and the type of colour I wanted. As I’m very pale, I wanted a light colour that looked like I’d been on holiday, and soft glow on my face so my foundation would still match.
This was certainly the outcome. I was impressed that for the first time I actually had a summer glow to my skin, and was told by my friends that I simply looked like myself, but healthier. James uses cult Australian tanning brand Three Warriors (he’s their new Global Creative Artist) and the tan lasted a good two weeks, thanks to his advice to moisturise!
Duration and price: About 30 minutes all in all. Price, £70
Beautii’s at-home service
Tested by: Katie Strick
The experience: As spray-tanning ahead of a holiday goes, ordering a celebrity expert to your home the night before is about as easy as it gets. Beautii sent me all the pre-care and after-care details I needed in advance, including a fact-sheet about my tanner Annie Thomas, and she turned up at the front door right on cue, bubbly and easy-going and chatting about her day to make me feel at ease. As a first-timer the experience was new to me but she talked me through it step-by-step, erecting a pop-up tent in my bedroom, talking me through the options (I picked the Sienna X brand on her recommendation) and giving me the option to wear disposable underwear or go fully nude. I opted for the latter, laughed through a variety of silly poses while she sprayed me, and was all-done in less than 30 minutes. The WhatsApp voice notes reminding me to wash it off in the shower that evening and seeing how I liked the results the next morning were a nice touch.
Duration and price: From £73 for 30-minutes (within London)
SecretSpa using Sienna X
Tested by: Laura Hampson
The experience: My therapist Nadine set up everything quickly and we were ready to go within minutes of her walking through my front door. She set up the portable tent in my kitchen and I was offered a pair of disposable pants but decided to keep mine on. She rubbed my hands and feet with cream to make sure the tan spread evenly and we discussed the colour I wanted to go for - as this was my first-ever spray tan, we decided to keep it light.
The process was quick and simple. Nadine sprayed the Sienna X on me and instructed me when to lift my arms and when to turn around. Once it was over, I walked to my bedroom to put on a light, breezy piece of clothing and Nadine left. A spray tan at home after work could not be any easier, you simply sleep with the formula on and wash it off in the morning. The Sienna X left me bronzed and glowing with an even tan all over.
For anyone in a hurry, they also offer an Express Sienna X Tan, which develops in 1-4 hours depending how dark you’d like the tan to be. Perfect for anyone in a pre-party panic.
Duration and price: 30 minutes, eight hour developing time. £43 (the Sienna X Express tan is £50)
Vita Liberata tan at Benefit Covent Garden
Tested by: Chloe Street
The experience: Venture downstairs in the Benefit store on Covent Garden and you'll discover a pink-hued beauty parlour, complete with nail bar and treatment rooms, one of which is a tanning booth.
While I stripped off, my super competent therapist put me at ease and asked me what sort of colour I was looking for. I wanted a natural but definite bronze for a wedding I had a few days later so she recommended Medium. Vita Liberata's original tan, which she was using, sprays on with a tint and comes in three shades: light, medium and dark. The colour develops over 6-8 hours so I left it on overnight and then found I had a golden glow after my morning shower. My skin also felt soft and hydrated, which could well be down to the fact Vita Liberata tan contains super-moisturising Aloe Vera.
Duration and price: I was in and out within 20 minutes. £32
Contact: Book appointments at Benefit Covent Garden (and a selection of other Benefit stores) here. For other Vita Liberata stockists, check out their website here.
