Summer is here but the weather has been pretty hit and miss lately, so there's a good chance you're still having to fake that tan.
And with there being less chance of jetting off somewhere scorching this summer, getting your glow out of a bottle might just have to do it.
If you've got lots of plans for when lockdown restrictions are finally due to be lifted on July 19 then you'll probably want to be looking your best, especially if you're catching up with friends you haven't seen for a long time.
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That's where a tan in a bottle can come in very handy, to give you a faux sun-kissed look for only a few pounds, because it looks like it might be some time before we can get the real deal on a holiday abroad.
There are so many options to choose including instant fake tans, which you slap on just before you go out and are often know to run in the rain or gradual tans that you apply over a few days.
We tried out some of the top tanning lotions and there was a clear winner.
Dove DermaSpa Summer Revived
I only tend to use fake tan on my legs because the rest of my body seems to tan naturally without any help.
My legs are always the lightest part of my body, so in preparation for a forecast of sunshine next week, I decided to try out a gradual tanning lotion and chose Dove DermaSpa Summer Revived for medium to dark skin.
On the bottle, it says it is made with 'self tanners for a natural bronze glow'.
I prepared my legs by shaving and exfoliating and applied the lotion after the shower. It has a lovely fragrance, smells expensive like the smell of a spa. Dove describe it as 'the luxury of a home spa experience that leaves your skin glowing and full of moisture to allow a healthy-looking tan to gradually build over time'.
There were no directions for use but I made sure to thoroughly clean my hands after (I've made that mistake in the past and ended up with orange hands).
After two applications, I could see a real difference in the colour of my legs. Despite, a couple of showers and dips in the hot tub it stayed on as well. After a few more days I was left with a lovely bronze colour although there were some patchy spots, but nothing a little more lotion couldn't fix.
I was really impressed with this lotion and it's ideal for building up a gradual tan during the week especially if you're planning to go out at the weekend. It's also available for fair to medium skin tones.
Price: £3.50 from Amazon.
Where to buy: You can also buy it from Boots, Superdrug and Look Fantastic.
Rating: 4/5
Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk
I’m not usually one for fake tan if I’m honest, especially not after the patchy-hand disaster at prom, anyway.
I’m usually quite good at taking care of my skin and I do often worry about introducing new products in case I have a bad reaction or it results in a breakout.
Since I’m still wary of fake tan, I opted for a more gradual approach that would allow me to see initial results without worrying about turning orange. I did some research on which gradual tans are best for skin that’s on the drier side, in the hopes that tan wouldn’t end up looking cakey or streaky.
I went with the Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk, which is enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E to give you “healthy, glowing skin”.
According to the product description, the lotion “glides on effortlessly for a long lasting golden tan every time”. It also promises to “hydrate the skin with every application”.
And let me tell you - it did exactly what it said on the tin.
Since the warmer weather has arrived and you never know what you’ll be wearing these days, I went for a full body tan. The instructions say to apply clean, dry skin in a circular motion and then wait until it has dried until you get dressed.
The lotion is white and easily spreadable, settling into the skin nicely. It’s also not sticky and, as a major bonus, doesn’t smell like fake tan at all. In fact, it's got a subtle cocoa butter scent.
I followed the instructions to the letter and by the next day I had a glowing, natural tan. I continued to use the product for the next several days and have built up a lovely, natural base tan that doesn’t feel or look fake.
I made sure to wash my hands after applying the lotion, which I would recommend. Fake tans can often leave behind an orange stain if you’re not careful - and the last thing you want is streaky, orange fingers.
I was really impressed and will be continuing to use this product.
Price: £11.99
Where to buy: Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk is available from Superdrug, Boots, LookFantastic, FeelUnique, ASOS and more.
Rating: 5/5
Garnier Body Summer Body Moisturising Lotion
My beauty regime isn't high maintenance enough for regular fake tan applications and I've generally accepted I'm on the pale side and that's just how it is.
But I do like a bit of colour on my legs, which look deathly pale when au naturel. I've tried various fake tan moisturisers over the years, and struggled to find one that applies evenly, has staying power and doesn't leave me smelling of biscuits.
Having tested Garnier Body Summer Body Moisturising Lotion I can confirm it's pretty good if you like an easy option. It promises a 'sun kissed glow' and I tried the 'deep' version, available from Boots and Superdrug. The lotion is made with apricot oil and as soon as I put it on I could smell the pleasant fruity scent.
It went on smoothly, absorbing well and didn't leave my skin feeling greasy. I couldn't see the colour immediately but it developed nicely over the next few hours and a second application the next day gave me a really good colour that lasted a few days. Because it didn't show straight away I did have a few orangey bits round my ankles where I hadn't rubbed it in properly, so care needs to be takes to really make sure it's gone on evenly.
A big 400ml bottle goes a long way, so its good value for money, but if you prefer a more professional finish it might be worth spending a bit extra. This is good for a quick fix, for us low maintenance types and gives an nice extra glow, rather than a full on Club Tropicana style tan.
Price: Varies depending on store but around £9.99
Where to buy: You can buy it from Boots where it is currently half price at £4.99, Superdrug and many other supermarkets and high street stores.
Rating: 3/5
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Gradual Tanning Moisturiser
I've come to terms with the fact my complexion closely resembles Casper the Friendly Ghost's but I do like to look a little less like an apparition when the summer months arrive.
Gradual tanning moisturisers can be a good way to achieve this as I feel a little more in control of the eventual colour - nobody wants to look like a bronzed Love Islander on the bottom and a spirit on the top.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Gradual Tanning Moisturiser is a budget friendly tanning option that's easy to add into your daily routine.
The formula goes on effortlessly and absorbs pretty fast while still leaving the skin looking dewy and fresh.
I woke up with a natural, sun-kissed colour on my pasty pins which gave me a much-needed confidence boost. The colour lasts a few days and I only need to apply it every other day to maintain my desired complexion.
The only downside is the product sadly still has that trademark fake tan biscuit smell and even after vigorously washing my hands after applying it, I was still left with orange palms.
Price: Varies depending on store but around £5.30
Where to buy: You can buy Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Gradual Tanning Moisturiser from Boots, Superdrug, Feel Unique, Amazon and more
Rating: 3.5/5
