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Beauty
Worried fake tan will break you out? These are the best fake tan formulas for your face
8 months ago
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3 min read
Perfect for a customisable glow, these fake tans are packed with skincare and specifically formulated for your face…
Nothing makes me feel more confident than a good fake tan. Whether I’ve had a rubbish sleep or I’m in dire need of my roots doing, a quick application of fake tan in the evening will ensure I wake up feeling glowy and ready to face the day. But while there are plenty of brilliant fake tans that are specifically formulated for the body, when it comes to tanning your face, things can become trickier.
Whether you’re concerned about blemishes or blotchy patches, finding the best fake tan for your face can be a process of trial and error. Happily for you, I’ve tested hundreds of formulas – the good, bad and absolutely brilliant – to ensure that I can offer you a thorough recommendation.
How to fake tan your face like a pro
While mitts are key to ensuring a smooth and flawless fake tan application on your body, when it comes to tanning your face, a tanning brush is a complete game-changer. It allows you to buff the product in around your hairline, neck and ears. Make sure you’re washing your brush regularly, especially if you’re concerned about blemishes.
Best fake tan formulas for your face
Opt for a formula that’s been specifically formulated for your face. Not only will these tans leave your skin looking radiant and healthy-looking, but they’re also packed with skincare ingredients, so you can rest assured your complexion is being well taken care of.
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist
Enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid, cooling green mandarin water and hibiscus extract to protect the skin against environmental aggressors, this facial fake tan mist leaves your skin feeling soothed and refreshed, while developing into a natural-looking glow after four to eight hours.
Shop St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist at Lookfantastic, £24
Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
These brilliant tanning drops can be mixed with your moisturiser for a truly customisable glow. The formula is also blended with skin-boosting and hydrating raspberry seed oil, vitamin E and aloe vera to ensure your complexion is left hydrated, clear and smooth.
Shop Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops at Lookfantastic, £36
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops
Available in two customisable shades: Medium for a subtle glow with 14% natural DHA or Dark with 18% natural DHA and 2% erythrulose booster for a richer tan and faster results – this tanning serum leaves your skin radiant and glowing. It’s packed with skincare ingredients and the formula is also non-drying and alcohol-free, meaning your skin will be soft, supple, and sun-kissed for days.
Shop Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops at Cult Beauty, £22
Bare By Vogue Face Tanning Serum - Medium
Formulated especially sensitive or delicate skin, this face serum works to nourish the complexion, leaving a natural-looking, bronzed glow in its wake. Supercharged with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, oat lipids and peptides – your skin is left bouncier, more hydrated and healthy-looking after just one use.
Sisley Self Tanning Hydrating Facial
While it comes with an eye-wateringly expensive price tag, this luxurious face tanner has become a cult product thanks to its foolproof formula. Visible in as little as two hours, your skin is left glowing and bronzed while the non-comedogenic formula means you don’t need to worry about pesky breakouts.
Shop Sisley-Paris Self Tanning Hydrating Facial at Space NK, £118
Glow By James Read Sunbright Tinted Tan Drops
For a buildable summer glow, this tinted serum can be mixed with a serum, moisturiser or even your make-up. The hydrating formula leaves your skin refreshed and glowy, while aloe vera ensures a long-lasting, radiant glow.
Shop Glow By James Read Sunbright Tinted Tan Drops at Space NK, £39
Images: Getty; courtesy of brands
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