Remember: The only good tan is a fake tan. We’re no longer sunbaking outside and exposing our precious skin to harmful UVA and UVB rays. Instead, slather on the SPF and get that golden glow from a bottle. Fake tan is no longer a minefield of streaky legs and orange hands. Modern formulas have fuss-free application and streak-free results.
Feeling intimidated by the plethora of bottles on the shelf? Before you start tanning (find our favourite formulas below) here are some tips to get you started.
Prep is everything
To get a streak-free and, most importantly, undetectable tan result, you need to get serious about prepping your skin.
First of all, shave legs and underarms a full 24 hours before your self-tan application – this will ensure your skin has a chance to settle and pores close, so you don’t get tell-tale dots of tanner. Next, exfoliate with your favourite formula to start with a clean and primed canvas. Remove any previous faux bronze with cult favourite Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser Foam an award-winner that removes dregs of old self-tan in just five minutes.
Stay hydrated
Moisturising your skin is a vital step – and the secret to avoiding patchy areas – but it’s best to moisturise your whole body the night before a tan, and then only moisturise super-dry patches like hands, feet, elbows and knees on tanning day.
The best fake tan formulas for golden glowing skin this summer
Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
$45 from Cocoa and Eve
If you have sensitive skin and often react to chemical-laden formulas, this is the fake tan for you. This hydrating formula enriches your skin with raw virgin coconut oil and botanicals, nourishing while leaving a natural golden tan behind. The grey-green foam formula promises to firm and smooth the skin, using strong antioxidants to protect against oxidative stress.
We’re big fans of the bronzing set, which comes with a hypoallergenic mitt and a kabuki brush for those pesky areas prone to streaks – think knees, ankles and backs of hands.
Eco Tan Hempitan Body Tanning Water
$45.94 from Adore Beauty
If you’ve tried and hated typical mousse and foam formulas, give this body tan water from Eco Tan a try. It’s the thinnest tanning formula we could find. This innovative tanning water, made with all-natural, organic ingredients, hydrates, dries quickly, and can be slept on immediately —no mess or stickiness. The payoff is a slightly more natural colour, perhaps not as dark as you’re used to. But if you’re looking for glowing healthy limbs this season, this is the one for you.
Bondi Sands Technocolour 1-Hour Express
$28.99 from Chemist Warehouse
Some brands are just synonymous with their action. “I need to Bondi Sands” is a regular refrain in our group chat. But this brand isn’t resting on its laurels. It’s continually coming out with cutting-edge new formulas, like the Techncolour range which delivers the perfect tan for every skin tone. I use the emerald shade for olive skin tones. The green base means no orange undertones.
Ella Baché Great Tan Without Sun
$53 from Adore Beauty
Flaky dehydrated skin? This ultra-nourishing formula packs cocoa butter and lanolin to keep skin hydrated and nourished. It applies like a hydrating lotion, so if you’re a tanning novice it’s very hard to get wrong. Just massage it in like you would your daily moisturiser. It delivers a natural golden and streak-free tan. Bonus: You can use it on both the face and body.
Golden Gradual Tanning Lotion
$42 from Bonnie
We love a locally made beauty product on our shelves, so this new line of gradual tanning formulas has our attention. Gradual tanners are great for those slightly nervous about their foray into the tanning world as you can easily control the depth of colour. The more you apply, the deeper the tan. This fragrance-free and cruelty-free brand was developed right here in Aotearoa.
