The 10 best fake tans to buy in the UK
Finding the best fake tan can be challenging when there are so many products to choose from. Not only that, there are quite a few considerations to make to ensure that you find the right product for your skin. So it is not always obvious which fake tan is best for your needs. To help find the right product, we’ve created a handy buying guide that covers all the information you need to know about fake tan!
What are fake tans?
Fake tan is a type of cosmetic product used to make skin appear more tanned. While ingredients vary from each product, most contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which causes a reaction on the surface of the skin to make it appear temporarily darker. The tanning effects tend to last just a few days.
Why should you buy a good fake tan?
The best fake tans give your skin a lovely dark tone without needing to sunbathe. This is great for many situations, such as places where the isn’t much sunshine, during the winter, or for those night’s out when you want a really nice tan! Many people feel more confident with a good tan, which is why fake tan is so popular, as you can effortlessly achieve a nice tan without having to sunbathe. Also, certain fake tans have other ingredients that nourish the skin like an after sun, helping to rehydrate and improve its overall appearance.
How to choose the right fake tan in 2024?
Choosing the best fake tans can be difficult when there are so many products available. Some of these are better than others though, so it helps to know what to look for in a good fake tan.
- Skin Type: Like any skincare product, you need to consider your skin type when buying a fake tan to ensure you get the right type for your needs. For example, fake tans that are nourishing and rehydrating are great for people with dry or sensitive skin, while those with greasy skin may want to avoid oil-based fake tans.
- Skin Tone: While all fake tans can be used on any skin tone, it is recommended that you choose one that is closer to your natural skin tone. By doing this you make the tan look more natural and avoid using anything too dark, which is a common mistake a lot of people make. For instance, if you have fair or light skin then you probably need a gradual fake tan, as this helps to build up colour to make it appear more natural rather than immediately going several tones darker. Those with darker and olive skin tones can opt for darker fake tan tones from the offset as it will appear natural.
- Ingredients: DHA is the common ingredient used in most fake tans but there are other ingredients you should look to avoid. For example, mineral oil is a cheap carrier oil but it does block pores so isn’t the best for your skin. Look our for pleasent fragrances but you should avoid artificial fragrances.
What is the best kind of fake tan in the UK?
There are several types of fake tan available to buy, any of which may be ideal for your needs:
- Instant Fake Tans: As the name suggests, instant tan provides an immediate change of tone after application. It’s great for those random night’s out where you might need some fake tan but don’t have much time to prepare.
- Gradual Fake Tans: This type of fake is applied over a longer period to gradually build the tan. It is great for beginners as the first few applications don’t show up that well, allowing for more room for error compared to an instant tan.
- Mist Fake Tans: By using a mist this fake tan is much easier to apply, making it a good choice for people that struggle to get an even coat. If you want a low-effort fake tan then is a great option.
Top 10 list of fake tans in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their fake tans. Which fake tan is the best?
- ABOUT THE BRAND: Inspired by Australia’s most well-known beach and a desire…
- CAREFULLY FORMULATED: Enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, Bondi Sands Everyday…
- HOW TO USE: For an even, streak-free tan ensure skin is clean, exfoliated, and free…
- VEGAN BEAUTY 100% clean, vegan friendly & natural tanning actives - makes a great…
- HOW TO USE: Use an exfoliator & moisturiser before applying, then simply apply…
- AWARD WINNING: Enjoy a natural looking, streak-free & flawless tan with our signature…
- The UK's Most Loved Self-Tan Brand: 1 bottle sold every 20 seconds in the UK.…
- Easy to Apply: Achieving a sunless dark tan has never been easier. Simply apply the…
- Glow-Up with Clean Beauty: Get a gorgeous tan without the sun rays - St. Moriz Professional…
- CRUELTY FREE, VEGAN AND ALL NATURAL. Formulated with only the highest quality natural…
- EASY APPLICATION WITHOUT ANY TRANSFER. Lightweight, non-sticky formula to be applied…
- A FAKE TAN THAT SMELLS SO GOOD, YOU’LL WANT MORE. Our Sunny Honey self tan…
- ABOUT THE BRAND - Inspired by Australia’s most well-known beach and a desire…
- CAREFULLY FORMULATED - Bondi Sands self-tanning products contain dual tanning actives…
- HOW TO USE - For an even, streak-free tan ensure skin is clean, exfoliated, and free…
- CRUELTY FREE, VEGAN AND ALL NATURAL. Formulated with only the highest quality natural…
- EASY APPLICATION WITHOUT ANY TRANSFER. Lightweight, non-sticky formula to be applied…
- SMELL SO GOOD, YOU’LL WANT MORE. Our Sunny Honey self tan has a tropical mango…
- VEGAN BEAUTY 100% clean, vegan friendly & natural tanning actives - makes a great…
- HOW TO USE: Use an exfoliator & moisturiser before applying, then simply apply…
- SKINCARE: Infused with hydrating jojoba oil & other skincare actives - enjoy…
- Our dermatologically tested tanning lotion is suitable for daily use on all skin…
- The unique formula of our silky-soft self-tan body lotion includes aloe vera extract…
- Our easy-to-use self-tan lotion replenishes your skin with a daily dose of summer,…
- Packaging may vary
- Moisturising care: Gradual tanning lotion gently moisturises the skin for up to 48…
- How to apply: Simply massage the Q10 tan lotion into the skin. Ensure you apply it…
- 100% vegan-friendly and cruelty free.
- Suitable for sensitive skin & dermatologically approved.
- Vegan friendly, 100% natural tanning active & cruelty free.
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