My Favourite Self Tanners

If you’ve been reading for a while you might know by now that I’m a very pale person. I love being pale, I think it’s a unique look and it suits me. But when the warm weather rolls around (like it is now in Australia) and it’s time to hit the beach, sometimes I want a bit of colour so I don’t blend in with the sand. It make my eyes look brighter and my teeth look whiter, and less like I’ve been sitting inside on the computer for years (…which I have been).

Now, I take skin cancer and ageing very seriously and so I prefer to use at home self tanners rather than go out in the sun. I can customise the look I’m going for and all without the risks! I thought that today I’d share a few of my favourites with you all. There are three different kinds of tan I go for, depending on the occasion and look that I’m after.

For the instant glow:

Have you ever gotten last minute plans and wanted to look sun kissed fast? Or new to fake tan and want to see what the colour might look like on you?

If you aren’t worried about it lasting more than one night, then I’d recommend something like Rimmel SunShimmer Instant Wash Off Tan. It’s fast to apply, needing no development time, and has a beautiful shimmery bronze finish. And wonderfully, it washes off with soap meaning there’s no commitment! But best of all, it’s a bargain over on Amazon. 

For the natural look:

If you’re got an week where you’ll be photographed a lot, maybe a trip you’re taking somewhere or an important ceremony, looking a little bit tan can help warm you up in photographs and lend some flattering shadow to make you look slimmer. In this case, I suggest using Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Moisturiser the week in advance. You apply it once daily and get a little bit darker each time. 

It’s a natural colour that looks real because it’s built up over time and fades beautifully too. You’re at less risk of missing spots and streak because it takes a few applications to become dark. I also love that’s it’s free from guide colour, meaning none of the brown stuff will rub off on your sheets and towels!

For the holiday bronze:

When I really want to look as if I’ve just stepped off a plane from Ibiza (and am actually capable of producing melanin) then I reach for Bondi Sands Tanning Foam in Dark. It’s a rich, dark golden glow that is almost over the top bronze. Perfect for lasting you a whole week without fading away to nothing. If you don’t live in Australia and are having trouble getting your hands on the Bondi Sands, I’ve heard great things about Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse in Ultra Dark.

And to complete the look, a smattering of carefully-crafted fake freckles can tie everything together nicely.

Most importantly, a tan should be something you have fun with! Don’t let anybody tell you what colour is right for you. Whether you’re naturally dark brown or pale as paper, own it! Stay tuned because soon I’ll be doing a post with all my self-tanning tips, because fake tan is the only safe tan!