With my holiday to Ibiza cancelled, and no chance of a safe and natural summer glow on the horizon, I’ve had to look for a way to fake it. This is nothing new; however, I have Irish roots in Waterford, so my genetics have made sure that I was never destined to be a naturally golden sun goddess, but this has never stopped me from achieving a radiant glow.
My skin is very fair, although my bronzed complexion may say otherwise. Like most tan addicts, I’m guilty of using a self-tan made for the body on my face in the past. The results were much darker than I’d like, and, my skin felt dry and looked patchy afterwards; none of which are a good look. For this reason, I now use formulas made with ingredients that protect and nourish my sensitive complexion. Here are three products that I use together to build a natural, glowing tan (without any UVA damage).
#1 The Golden Glow for Your Face and Decollete
Colour: Light to medium glow
Texture: Creamy lotion
Develop Time: 8 hours
Guide Colour: No
Features: Antioxidant Protection
One face tan that ticks all my boxes is the award-winning Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning lotion. I know there’s a long line of beauty lovers behind me that will back me up when I say it’s one of the best. For me, it’s a great fuss-free alternative to tan drops, and it feels more nourishing!
The refreshing formula is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a soft sunkissed glow that actually looks natural. No more orange undertones, patchiness or streaks, the creamy formula adds a healthy tint that looks radiant.
My Thoughts:
Of course, as it’s Clarins, you can expect a whole host of good skin ingredients like tan-maximising aloe vera, and moisturising vitamin E, together they protect your skin from ageing free radicals like pollution. When my complexion is looking a bit dull, and I need a confidence boost, I swipe a few drops over using a cotton pad, or for a more intense glow, I use my fingers. And, if you’re like me, and the scent is essential to you when buying tanning products, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief because it doesn’t have that distinct tan aroma. Its non-irritating fragrance of soft floral notes of jasmine and violet smell so good!
How to Apply:
If you have normal or combination skin, you can use it as a light day cream, or before your usual night cream. Dry skin types will need to apply a day cream over the top for added nourishment. As the results are customisable, when I’m looking for a more intense glow, I reapply with my fingers. I love the fact I can use less makeup with this product!
Tools you’ll need:
Cotton pads, this makes the transition between your face and neck more seamless.
#2 The Instant Summer Glow Base With SPF
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF30
Colour: Dewy glow
Texture: Gel-cream
Develop Time: Instant
Guide Colour: Yes
Features: SPF30, PA+++
Glow and more glow, bareMinerals combines the best of a BB, CC cream and tinted moisturiser in Complexion Rescue. A hydration miracle, the tinted gel cream is ideal for anyone whose skin airs on the dry side, and with marine botanicals and minerals-rich formula you can be sure your skin is in safe hands. I have to admit that before I tried it, I saw the word tinted on the label, and immediately put it in the category; extremely sheer and not much coverage, but when I tried it was so much more than that. The formula has a whipped cream texture that when applied, blends easily and leaves a smooth and even finish.
My Thoughts
I love that although it’s a sheer tinted gel and it’s also buildable, so if you’re after a flawless look, don’t be put off. It can be worn as a radiant day look, or used as a glowy base under your foundation, the choices are endless! As soon as I apply, my skin instantly cooled, and it looks radiant and dewy, plus imperfections blurred. And, as you know, I’m all for safe tanning, so the dose of mineral broad-spectrum SPF 30 PA +++ gives your skin high protection against premature ageing which I love.
How to Apply:
I dispense a little in my hand and apply using my Real Techniques Foundation Brush for a seamless finish. Alternatively, use your hands if you prefer to apply foundation this way.
Tools you’ll need:
Your hands or a foundation brush.
#3 The Gradual Tanning Bronzing Powder
Colour: Light to medium glow
Texture: Lightweight powder
Develop Time: Instant payoff, and gradual tan after 8 hours
Added Fake Tan: Gradual Glow Complex
At first glance, you may think this just an ordinary bronzing powder, but it’s not. What makes this powder unique is that it tans your face while you wear it using a Gradual Glow Complex so that even when you take it off your skin appears sunkissed (dream!). This means it’s actually designed to work better directly applied onto bare skin. Great for summer, it’s a good one to add to your makeup bag for those hot days where a full face seems out of the question, but you’re looking for a natural glow.
My Thoughts
The ultra-fine formula means it never looks overdone, and you won’t hit natural light and think, “what have I done?”. It doesn’t look like a traditional powder would on the skin, it leaves your skin softly bronzed, and subtle airbrushed for a naturally flawless look. And as for the ingredients? The label features a list of good-to-skin minerals (talc-free), and clean ingredients, which makes it an easy way to incorporate clean beauty into your everyday makeup regime.
Tip: When I haven’t fake tanned the night before, and I want to wear one of my favourite off the shoulder tops. A quick dust of bronzer across my decollete always does the trick.
How to Apply:
I swirl my bareMinerals Supreme Finisher Brush in the powder and apply in a three shape on the side of your face on both sides. Use the same or a fuller brush for application across the decollete.
Tools you’ll need:
Bronzer/ fluffy brush and a fuller brush for the body.
Discover more:
Bartman
Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning 125ml
I've never bought a facial self tanning product before but after a recent operation I thought I looked a little washed out and felt in need of a visual tanned boost. After reading several reviews it was clear this Clarins product is the best on the market so thought I'd give it a try. Easy to apply - although found best to do it at night and when at home as it does have that self tan smell, however once dried the smell disappears and leaves a healthy glow which is proving quite addictive. Put it this way I've had to hide it from the wife and providing your sensible with your applications it does give a nicely tanned look without looking orange. Thoroughly recommend this product and I would buy it again.
