WE all know that having a tan can transform how we look and feel, especially now that the weather is gloomy.
There’s no such thing as a safe ‘real’ tan from the sun or sunbeds, so it’s always better to faux your glow with fake tan.
But with what feels like hundreds of different formulas, it can feel like a mission to find the best fake glow – one that will leave a flawless finish and not turn you into a streaky tiger bread.
Luckily, one pale redhead has done all the work for us, rating some of the most popular fake tan products available in the UK – and her top go-to is currently on sale.
Fitness lover Molly (@mollsoe), 21, kicked off the list with a cult favourite – Summer Body Moisturising Lotion by Garnier.
Currently on offer for £5.99 at Superdrug, this is a holy grail for many – but according to the TikToker, the gradual lotion is “not good for beginners” and will leave you looking “a little orange”.
Although the formula “smells nice” and it’s “the only gradual tan that’s actually gradual”, Molly rated the cheap buy with a measly 5/10.
If you’re on the lookout for something more natural and subtle, the 21-year-old recommended Bondi Sands Liquid Gold, which is slashed to less than £12 at Boots.
Raving over the 7/10 bargain, Molly said: “Guide colour is practically non-existent, however, so, so natural and subtle.
“Same effect as a good strong gradual tan but easier to apply as a mousse, in my opinion.”
The beauty buff, however, removed some points for the results, describing them as “not dark enough” for her preference.
In the video, Molly also shared her verdict for on four other Bondi Sands tanning products – Ultra Dark (8/10), Aero Ultra Dark (6/10), Ultra Dark Ultra Express (7/10), as well as Self-Tan Drops (6/10).
The highest-scoring of the bunch is one of her favourites – but as Molly is a redhead, she felt the results were a tad bit “too green-toned” for her complexion.
“Redheads need a red-toned tan always,” she said.
The cult favourite Aussie brand has also launched a gradual tanning lotion – and Molly reckons this £6.99 Boots bargain is “excellent for a top-up between tans”.
But which one is the TikToker’s all-time favourite, scoring the maximum of ten points? Rose & Caramel Intensity Super Dark.
Fabulous’ £10 Fake Tan Test
FINDING the perfect fake tan isn’t easy. That’s why Fabulous tested a number of fake tans which cost less than £10..
*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue
Superdrug Solait Self Tan Mousse Medium – £4.79 (was £5.99) – Buy Now
- Tester: Abby Wilson, Senior Fabulous Digital Writer
- Review: “This product give a very natural looking tan and if you wanted something a bit bolder, I’d suggest leaving it on longer or choosing a darker shade. I’m impressed with the results, but now my entire room stinks of the stuff. If you’re on a budget and want a tan for last-minute plans, I would say this is one to try. “
bBold Dream Mousse Tan in Dark – £9.50 – Buy Now
- Tester: Josie O’Brien, Senior Fabulous Digital Writer
- Review: “The first thing that hit me about this tan was the “juicy watermelon” scent – it’s delicious. I was left with a natural bronze hue rather than orange glow. My only qualm is that the tan seemed to stick to my dry patches and accentuated ‘strawberry skin’ on my legs. I’m still adding this tan to my arsenal though – the smell, colour and texture are dreamy.”
St Moriz Professional Medium Tanning Mousse – £4.99 – Buy Now
- Tester: Kate Kulniece, Fabulous Writer
- Review: “Not only does St. Moriz mousse leave you with a gorgeous bronzed glow, but it also smells fabulous – think Piña Colada on a sunny beach. At first, I was a little bit sceptical cause I’m a gradual fake tan girlie, but this quick developing St. Moriz number may change it all.”
Currently slashed from £26.99 to £16.19, this mousse “really does go very dark” – although be sure to moisturise properly before application, Molly warned.
The 21-year-old also added extra points for a fruity mango smell, strong guide colour, smooth application, as well as red-toned results.
Posted less than 24 hours ago, the clip has racked up close to a whpping 65k views, with dozens sharing their recommendations.
One said: “Please try the fake tan Bare by vogue it’s my holy grail after trying to find the perfect one for years.”
“Switching from green based tans to red based changed my life as a natural redhead! Glowjob darker is my fave,” another beauty buff commented.
“I love the garnier summer body as a natural red head! i find the deep one is better than the light one,” a third chimed in.
