Searches for sunbeds are up 260% – here are the best fake tan formulas to try instead

sunbed use is on the up

Credit: Getty

Beauty


Searches for sunbeds are up 260% – here are the best fake tan formulas to try instead

By Chloe Burcham

2 years ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

2 min read

There’s been a worrying spike in sunbed use recently. Here’s how you can get a tan without damaging your skin…


While we’re all well-versed in the harmful effects of too much sun exposure (from hyperpigmentation to skin cancer) over the last couple of years, there’s been a major rise in the use of sunbeds. In fact, Google searches for ‘sunbeds’ have increased by a whopping 260% in the past six months alone, while the hashtag #sunbed currently has 547 million views on TikTok. 

According to skin cancer charity Melanoma UK, exposure to tanning beds before the age of 30 increases a person’s risk of developing melanoma by a whopping 75%. Young people who regularly use tanning beds are eight times more likely to develop melanoma than someone who has never used them and it’s estimated that around 100 people die in the UK each year from melanomas developed due to sunbed use. 

In short: this rise in the use of sunbeds is really concerning, and if you’re after a natural-looking glow, there’s only one way to get a safe tan, and that’s faking it. Below, Stylist’s beauty team has rounded up the best fake tans that give a long-lasting, natural-looking tan without any harmful skin effects. 


best-fake-tan

St. Tropez Self Tan Berry Sorbet Mousse

Enriched with vitamin E for long-lasting hydration, this fake tan foam gives your skin a soft-focus medium toned glow that lasts for up to 10 days. 

Shop St. Tropez Self Tan Berry Sorbet Mousse at Boots, £34

buy now

best-fake-tan

Isle of Paradise Body Drops

If you’re not a fan of traditional fake tan formulas, these tanning drops are brilliant. Customise the depth of colour by adding as much or as little as you like into your everyday moisturiser. 

Shop Isle of Paradise Body Drops at Lookfantastic, £26.95

buy now

best-fake-tan

Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam

Great for darker skin tones, this clever fake tan has a caramel undertone that helps to boost skin with a warm, golden-toned glow.

Shop Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam at Boots, £18.99

buy now

best-fake-tan

Bare by Vogue Self Tan Foam

With an easy-to-use guide colour and non-sticky formula, this tanning foam ticks all the boxes while giving a natural-looking but deep colour. 

Shop Bare by Vogue Self Tan Foam, £22.50

buy now

best-fake-tan

Tan-Luxe Glow Body Oil

Maybe you’re just after a glow rather than a deep tan – in which case, this glistening oil is perfect. It boosts your complexion with a golden shimmer that allows your skin to look sun-kissed – in the most healthy way. 

Shop Tan-Luxe Glow Body Oil at Lookfantastic, £29

buy now

Stats and research carried out by Landy’s Chemist

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands

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