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24th Jul 2019
Choosing the right instant tan can be the difference between glowing, natural-looking colour and a mucky, orange-tinted mess. Here’s how to nail it every time, and which tans might work best for what skin type…
The tan shelf is packed no matter which department store or pharmacy you go into, and so choosing the right one can be a bit of a mind melt. Here are five I’ve tried, some I loved and some I didn’t particularly see eye-to-eye with. Each one is great, but not all of them will suit everyone.
He-Shi One Day Tan
Perfect if…
You’re very pale. An Irish tan made for Irish skin, this one leaves the most beautifully natural shade on pale skin, never looking orange and always looking flawless. It feels nourishing on the skin too.
Not for you if…
You’re looking for something with a heavier consistency or if you want a really dark, deep tan.
Cocoa Brown Matte Instant Tan Bronzing Gel
Perfect if…
You don’t want a hint of shine or shimmer off your tan. This one is matte, so goes on and keeps your skin looking like skin.
Not for you if…
You like a thicker consistency – this one is a gel formula and feels refreshing and light on the skin. If a thicker texture is what you’re after, try Bare By Vogue below.
Rimmel Sunshimmer Medium Matte Wash Off Tan
Perfect if…
You’re a devotee of the OG instant. Back in the day, Sunshimmer was the only option. It’s gotten better over time and I love this for a last minute flash of easy-to-apply colour. When applied with a mitt, this one is exceptionally hard to get wrong and suits most skin tones.
Not for you if…
You’re planning to go out in the rain bare armed/legged. As any Irish gal can attest, Rimmel is fantastic in almost every way, but it’s the first thing to go in a downpour. Cover up!
Bare By Vogue Instant Tan in Medium
Perfect if…
If like the gorgeous Vogue herself, you’ve got a bit of a natural yellow/warm tone to your skin already, or if you’ve already got a hint of a tan, this will go on beautifully. If you’re looking to hide imperfections in the skin, this is also great.
Not for you if…
You’re really, really pale or blue-tinted. Super pale-skins will find this one a little too dark and a little too orange. A warm undertone in the skin and this will be ideal.
Read more: Future icon: The He-Shi instant tan flying under the radar
Read more: Fake tan tips for the perpetually pale
Read more: The best tans for the girls that don’t wear tan
Main photo from barebyvogue.com