Though it's not quite warm enough to get our legs out yet, we may be ready to brave a flash of ankle, forearm or shoulder? Oh errr. I've been trialling self tanners that disguise the fluro, post-Winter gleam emanating from my limbs without looking obviously fake. A gentle golden glow is what I'm after - and am happy to report back on the top 3 contenders.
He-Shi Body Sculpting Gradual Tan (Light) is a clear gel formula that's designed to simultaneously tone as it bronzes. I'm going to glaze over the toning element as I'm sceptical as to whether any topical cream can help with that, but I'm a big He-Shi fan and this self tan gives an incredibly natural looking colour... I'm wearing it in this pic. One layer gives the lightest tan of these three. He-Shi is a great option for sensitive skins as it's made with 100% natural DHA (the tanning agent), is paraben and alcohol free and contains moisturisers and antioxidants.
Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion is a really good one for dry skins and this gives a very convincing golden glow in one layer, perfect for light to medium skin tones. Packed with aloe vera and shea butter, no moisturiser is required when using this (though I always do hands, feet, knees and elbows just to be sure the colour doesn't catch on any dry bits). It really does feel nourishing, which is probably why I've been reaching for it the most.
Fake Bake Flawless Coconut Tanning Serum (Medium) is the most luxurious of these three - a skincare/tanning hybrid with hyaluronic acid and coconut oil. The colour guide is pretty full on and may scare the pants off you initially, but don't panic - it washes off in the shower leaving a very even golden bronze. I wouldn't recommend using this just before you head out, but do love a good colour guide as it makes even application so much easier... you can see the bits you've missed or need to blend a little more.
PS I don't believe I've tried a self tan that doesn't have that biscuity scent as it develops, though some are worse than others; these three really aren't offensive. It washes off in the shower once the tan has developed anyway, so I never really get why people make such a fuss about it.
What's your favourite self tan?
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