Pale and pasty skin may be on trend in the winter months, but as soon as the sun comes out to play I want to apply as much fake tan as possible - without it I'm practically transluscent. Although I love the after-effects and would kill for a spray tan every week, truth be told I never actually have the time to dedicate to a thorough tanning routine. I'm more often than not applying fast drying mousse or a wash-off gel as I realise my outfit of the day includes flashing some flesh. Tanning products of years gone by required hours of prepping, the perfect application technique and a night time rolling around in dodgily dyed bedsheets... But no longer. There's a whole portfolio of products now on offer that take the stress out of tanning, allowing you to spend as little effort as possible on your tan while still looking like you've just come back from a weekend in St Tropez. Here are some of my top picks and how they can help you look a little sunkissed this summer.
GET LATHERED UP
There's no way you could have missed the hype surrounding the groundbreaking launch from St Tropez this June. If in-shower moisturisers were your product of choice in 2013, then you'll love this innovation that allows you to shower, tan and go. The rich creamy formula of their In-Shower Gradual Tan (£14.50) is applied to wet skin and left to develop for three minutes, before washing it off and getting on with your day. (I've taken to turning off the shower and brushing my teeth to pass the time.) Although there's no instant colour, it does develop throughout the day to leave a delicate golden glow without the biscuity scent; you just have to be careful to cover skin evenly or you'll end up with a patchy result - and wash your hands!
MAKEUP WITH ADDED IMPACT
If you're a contouring addict, then Vita Liberata's Trystal Sunkissed Mineral bronzer (£35.00) will be a welcome addition to your makeup collection. The lightweight loose powder not only offers a delicate contour and sunkissed look to the face, but thanks to the inclusion of DHA it actually helps to tan the skin for a result that lasts up to five days. Containing micronised crystals for sheer coverage that buffs into skin flawlessly, this is a great way to keep your cheekbones looking chiselled even when you forget the final step in your makeup routine. I would definitely recommend applying this over a foundation alone, rather than as a final step, to get the most from the product - but it's a fab innovation that I'm sure will be a dream come true for many.
SLEEPING BEAUTY
I'm frequently recommending all kinds of overnight treatments to tackle everything from damaged hair to flaking nails, but there's a whole new generation of night masks that also include tanning benefits. Vita Liberata's Night Mask (£30.00) is incredibly nourishing and leaves a golden glow the next morning (just be careful to blend into the hair line,) St Tropez Facial Oil (£23.00) helps to hydrate using nut oils while it tans over a five day period (you do need to give it a couple of goes before you see an impact,) while James Read's classic gel formula (£35.00) gets to work to leave a sunkissed glow without transferring to bedsheets. If you can chuck something on before bed and let it get to work during your eight hour slumber, then it's a winner in my book.
A DAILY RITUAL
If you don't want to add any more products into your repertoire, then why not just add a little something extra to your usual body moisturiser? I'm a big fan of Dove's Summer Glow (£2.59) as the rich cream soothes dry skin while adding a universal sunkissed glow; it doesn't streak, nor does it take any longer to apply than your usual body lotion. Considering it's so affordable, it's a great product for wacking on when you've got a spare few minutes in the morning - plus it's not overly sticky or smelly. However, if you like your tanning products to be a little more bespoke, then Clarins Golden Glow Boosters (from £19.00) can be mixed with your existing products of choice. It transforms body lotions and face creams into gradual tanners with just a few drops, allowing you to dial up or down the result. (Again, just be careful to wash your hands after application or face little orange patches popping up the next day!)
MAKE IT LAST
Quick fixes may not be your thing, but when you make the time investment of applying a tan you want to make it last. Although there are lots of ways you can ensure your tan lasts as long as possible (read my maintenance tips with Sienna X here,) Vita Liberata's Phenominal Two Week Tan (£37.50) takes the effort out of the process. Once it's on, it's on - for a couple of weeks at least. If you're taking a trip away or just don't have time for twice weekly tanning sessions, this little bottle holds the secret to an ongoing sunkissed look. It's hardworking but still natural (thanks to the availability of multiple tones,) leaving skin looking fabulous for longer; I'm just waiting for the four week tan next!
Do you have any favourite tanning products that don't require much effort? Are you tempted to give any of my top picks a try this summer?
Clik here to view.![]()
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
GET LATHERED UP
There's no way you could have missed the hype surrounding the groundbreaking launch from St Tropez this June. If in-shower moisturisers were your product of choice in 2013, then you'll love this innovation that allows you to shower, tan and go. The rich creamy formula of their In-Shower Gradual Tan (£14.50) is applied to wet skin and left to develop for three minutes, before washing it off and getting on with your day. (I've taken to turning off the shower and brushing my teeth to pass the time.) Although there's no instant colour, it does develop throughout the day to leave a delicate golden glow without the biscuity scent; you just have to be careful to cover skin evenly or you'll end up with a patchy result - and wash your hands!
MAKEUP WITH ADDED IMPACT
If you're a contouring addict, then Vita Liberata's Trystal Sunkissed Mineral bronzer (£35.00) will be a welcome addition to your makeup collection. The lightweight loose powder not only offers a delicate contour and sunkissed look to the face, but thanks to the inclusion of DHA it actually helps to tan the skin for a result that lasts up to five days. Containing micronised crystals for sheer coverage that buffs into skin flawlessly, this is a great way to keep your cheekbones looking chiselled even when you forget the final step in your makeup routine. I would definitely recommend applying this over a foundation alone, rather than as a final step, to get the most from the product - but it's a fab innovation that I'm sure will be a dream come true for many.
SLEEPING BEAUTY
I'm frequently recommending all kinds of overnight treatments to tackle everything from damaged hair to flaking nails, but there's a whole new generation of night masks that also include tanning benefits. Vita Liberata's Night Mask (£30.00) is incredibly nourishing and leaves a golden glow the next morning (just be careful to blend into the hair line,) St Tropez Facial Oil (£23.00) helps to hydrate using nut oils while it tans over a five day period (you do need to give it a couple of goes before you see an impact,) while James Read's classic gel formula (£35.00) gets to work to leave a sunkissed glow without transferring to bedsheets. If you can chuck something on before bed and let it get to work during your eight hour slumber, then it's a winner in my book.
A DAILY RITUAL
If you don't want to add any more products into your repertoire, then why not just add a little something extra to your usual body moisturiser? I'm a big fan of Dove's Summer Glow (£2.59) as the rich cream soothes dry skin while adding a universal sunkissed glow; it doesn't streak, nor does it take any longer to apply than your usual body lotion. Considering it's so affordable, it's a great product for wacking on when you've got a spare few minutes in the morning - plus it's not overly sticky or smelly. However, if you like your tanning products to be a little more bespoke, then Clarins Golden Glow Boosters (from £19.00) can be mixed with your existing products of choice. It transforms body lotions and face creams into gradual tanners with just a few drops, allowing you to dial up or down the result. (Again, just be careful to wash your hands after application or face little orange patches popping up the next day!)
MAKE IT LAST
Quick fixes may not be your thing, but when you make the time investment of applying a tan you want to make it last. Although there are lots of ways you can ensure your tan lasts as long as possible (read my maintenance tips with Sienna X here,) Vita Liberata's Phenominal Two Week Tan (£37.50) takes the effort out of the process. Once it's on, it's on - for a couple of weeks at least. If you're taking a trip away or just don't have time for twice weekly tanning sessions, this little bottle holds the secret to an ongoing sunkissed look. It's hardworking but still natural (thanks to the availability of multiple tones,) leaving skin looking fabulous for longer; I'm just waiting for the four week tan next!
Do you have any favourite tanning products that don't require much effort? Are you tempted to give any of my top picks a try this summer?
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]()
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]()
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]()
Clik here to view.
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.
SIGN UP TO THE LBQ FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER HERE!
BLOG POSTS, NEWS, EXCLUSIVE OFFERS & COMPETITIONS DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX.
SIGN UP TO THE LBQ FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER HERE!
BLOG POSTS, NEWS, EXCLUSIVE OFFERS & COMPETITIONS DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX.
Clik here to view.