Holy-grail products that will help you fake a natural tan… even in winter

While we spend the large majority of December time buried in cosy, oversized knits, certain occasions call for less layers and more glam, which is when our winter tanning routines are really put to the test. For the large majority of us, it’s been quite some time since our lovely Irish skin has seen any sun at all… but fake it till you make it, as the saying goes and there are a few key products that will help to make the process as stress-free (and streak-free) as possible.

Tan eraser 

First things first, tan eraser. If, like me, you spent most of your youth thinking that this was an unnecessary product, then I’m here to tell you otherwise. Yes, reader, I was wrong; tan eraser has changed my life for the better. Gone are the days where I would spend 20 minutes scrubbing myself in the shower. Now, the whole process is much more enjoyable. 

I recommend the Bondi Sands Tan Eraser which takes much less time to work than some of its competitors and will have old layers of buildup washing away in five minutes flat. Apply a generous amount all over your body just before you hop into the shower, then gently rub it away using a reusable exfoliating mitt. 

Tanning water

Tanning in the summertime and tanning in the wintertime are two very different things – especially if you want your new glow to be somewhat believable. Opting for a tanning water over a heavier formula means that the results are much more natural-looking. 

Bondi Sands is a great choice for many reasons. One, it’s owned and made in Australia – land of eternal sunshine – and two, the brand’s salon-quality formulas work to give you an even, naturally golden tan that also hydrates and nourishes your skin at the same time. This means that you stay bronzed for longer… super important in the wintertime when the last thing we want to do is strip down and tan ourselves in the freezing cold!

I really like the Tanning Foaming Water for colder months as it works in just six hours and there’s no wash off required either. Available in light/medium and dark, it’s the brand’s first-ever sustainable self-tanning range too. All ingredients are ethically sourced and the packaging is 100% recyclable as well. 

Back applicator

The pre-tan prep is crucial, but the application is just as important. Having a good base to work off of can only get you so far if you then try to rush the latter steps and fire tan on your body without rhyme or reason. Careful, considered strokes are the answer here, and taking a little bit of extra time to ensure everything is rubbed in evenly will make all the difference. 

What about those hard-to-reach places though? Some people enlist the help of partners/siblings/unassuming housemates, others attempt to contort their limbs and power through themselves. 

I prefer this nifty device though which has been a Godsend in times of trouble. The handle extends for ease of use and you can adjust it depending on how far down your back you need to tan too. 

Face mist

Forgetting to apply a layer of tan to my face is a faux pas I’ve made too many times before. Of course, you can always rectify the colour difference by opting for a darker foundation but if you’re going for the natural look, then a face mist will help to give you that sunkissed glow even without makeup. I always lean towards spray options as they feel much more lightweight and can be blended in using a brush. The Bondi Sands version has hyaluronic acid in it for hydration along with vitamin C for radiance and vitamin E for repair.