For those who are not as lucky, here are some of my thoughts on various tan-tastic products I've used and what is really the best buy.
Rimmel Sun Shimmer
I used this many a time when I was about 12-14 and quite frankly don't think it is all that good. Back then I did however think it was the best thing invented. (It was my first tan to ever use)
It has a shimmery, sticky texture that instantly leaves you feeling just as sticky after application. It is instant, so if you're in need of a quick, not-so-flawless tan then yeah, bang some on. At around €5.50 you're not really breaking the bank when buying it. It does, however do what it says on the tin. If shimmer is what you want, shimmer is what you get!
XEN-TAN Dark Lotion
I was first shown this tan from this wonderful video on tan application from the gorgeous ViviannadoesMakeup. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1PRW1sfqKU&feature=plcp I was instantly intrigued as I was going away that summer and
needed a tan that would leave me sunkissed, flawless and natural all in one application. I emailed Vivianna and she kindly recommended I get it and gave me her honest opinion. So, I told two of my fellow pale friends and we ordered out Xen-Tan on-line. We applied our Dark Lotion the night before our flight (I applied all of my friends, as usual) and woke up being bronzed angels nonetheless. I loved the colour it gave me. The texture of the tan was also nice, creamy and no shimmer. Exactly what you need for a natural glow. Also, it isn't instant but it comes out of the bottle brown, for girls who use tan that develops over-night/time you can understand how good this is as you know exactly what bits you've left out and where. Also, you glow instantly. Myself and my three friends brought our bottles with us and re-applied when needed. I found with being in the sea water and that it did fade a bit quicker and not as even as I would have thought. But, we were bronzed and gorgeous the whole holiday. I would recommend this tan, but when it is fading it looks awful. Very patchy! We did get a bottle of their exfoliator that I didn't remember to bring away with me. When the patchy tan is exfoliated you can start from scratch to get that beautiful glow again. (I was far too lazy and hot to be doing this routine on holidays - tan = maintenance and time) The price of this tan varies, but is always expensive. At about €35 it is a bit steep.. but worth every cent.
This tan holds a small place in my heart. It is the best instant tan out there, giving your legs (and body) instantly flawless skin. Varying in colours from Light to Dark, it has a glow range also. Personally, I tend to buy the Dark Glow or Tan Glow. It really depends on what they've stocked in the shop I'm in buying it. It is a spray bottle with a liquid texture. It is like make-up for your body. Simply spray and rub in and you're tanned. Lately though, every bottle I buy, no matter where, tends to hurt me when I spray it out. Like a sharp, tingly sensation when you spray it on your skin. It could be the pressure of the liquid in the air tight bottle but the pain is bearable for the flawless finish this tan gives you. One bad thing about this tan is that it claims be water resistant. It is EVERYTHING but water resistant. Many a time I have spilled a drink or gotten a drink spilt over me in a club leaving my legs dripping of my once gorgeous tan. The new water resistant formula is also a bit different from the old one, which personally I was sad about. It is still a good tanning product, it does leave you tanned and flawless and for around €10 in Primark, Boots and every Pharmacy out there - you'd be mad not to try it!
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
When I googled this product I saw "The Ultimate Tan" and I genuinely could not even begin to agree more. I LOVE this tan. I love absolutely everything about it. It is flawless, natural, easy to apply, smells great, and just overall amazing. It is a mousse texture and well, I just can't rave enough about it. I bought a small bottle for my Debs in Early September and have used it a good 7 times after and still have some left. I used it all over body all 7 times and I just can't begin to tell you how great it is. Not only does it last ages but it comes off like nothing you'll ever believe. With little exfoliation the tan fades away effortlessly. (Exactly what lazy tan users like myself desire and need) I will be buying this again, but sadly it is the most expensive out of them all. I got a good deal at €27.00 for a glow-kit in Debenhams, but you might not be so lucky! At around €40-50 - I think, it really does break the bank. But I swear, it is soooo worth it.
This tan could be seen as the considerably cheaper knock-off of St. Tropez' bronzing mousse. Although it is cheap, it is bloody good. If a tan is what you want (a dark one) then buy this. Yes, it smells like biscuits, yes it is super sticky, yes it gets freaking everywhere but I cannot deny it is good. Its does what it is made for and that's exactly what tan-lovers want. It comes off horrendously patchy, but lasts long enough. With a lot of exfoliator and exfoliating gloves, you're sorted. It requires more than a tanning mit to apply as when it gets on to the palms of your hands it will turn green. Also, if left for a while it tends to go off. So when you buy it, ensure you're going to use it regularly. It gives off a lovely finish, no matter how many faults. When washed off the morning after application it is flawless and will last the whole night. At around €1.50 in Primark.. I think you'd be mad not to have it in your tan collection.
These are all the tanning products I have in my collection at the moment, they are not all I have tried. The others, I feel aren't worth mentioning and are all quite similar to each other.
My top tips for tan application:
- Always apply to clean, exfoliated skin. I think after you get a shower is the best time.
- When using a tanning mit, pop a rubber glove on underneath. Nobody likes overly tanned palms. And when using St. Moriz it is essential.. who likes their palms green?
- If you're going out at night and are planning on getting the legs out, try not to wear socks that day. They tend to remove then tan on your feet and leave marks. If you have to (like me for work) wear ankle ones so you don't have the horrible indentation of the socks on your legs.
- When exfoliating, gloves are a necessity. I buy them in bulk. They are cheap and the handiest thing for scrubbing patchy tan off.
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