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The best gradual tans for keeping your summer glow throughout autumn and beyond
7 months ago
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4 min read
From tanning drops to everyday moisturisers, these gradual tans are perfect for extending your summer holiday glow…
As a fake tan enthusiast, I’ve come to realise that gradual tans are a game changer – especially as we transition into autumn. Gone are the days of streaky disasters and sticky formulas. Now, there’s a gradual fake tan to suit everyone, whether you’re a seasoned pro or hesitant about fake tanning altogether.
I’m naturally a very pale person, so I like to fake tan all year round to give my skin a healthy-looking glow. But while I love a deep bronze in the peak of summer, that look isn’t for everyone, and it’s not something I want to maintain all year round either. As the weather cools, I find myself wanting something a bit more natural-looking, which is where gradual tans come in. They give you that deep radiance but in a much subtler, more controlled way. If you’ve ever worried about looking too orange or overdone, a gradual tan is the perfect way to keep that summer glow going without the fear of going overboard.
If you’ve been put off by gradual tans by the dodgy formulas of yesteryear, you’re not alone. I still have vivid memories of streaky legs and a strange biscuit-like scent that would linger for days. Applying it was an ordeal in itself: sticky, uneven and with no guide colour to show where you’d already applied the product, it was a disaster waiting to happen. Thankfully, gradual tan formulas have come a long way since then.
Now, there’s something for everyone, whether you want the control of adding tanning drops into your favourite moisturiser or prefer the convenience of a gradual tan with a guide colour to ensure even application. Modern formulas are so much better than they used to be: they’re lightweight, hydrating, and with a natural finish that develops slowly. You can build up your tan to your desired depth over a few days, which means no more waking up to a streaky shock. It’s a foolproof way to extend your summer glow and keep that sun-kissed feeling going for just a little bit longer. Here are the formulas I really rate…
Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Cream
If you’re put off by sticky formulas and biscuit smells, this gradual tan will completely change your mind. It has a lightweight gel formula that smells gorgeous – with notes of mandarin, sandalwood and musk. The colour you’re left with is subtle and looks better the more you apply it.
Shop Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Cream at Lookfantastic, £52
Isle of Paradise Day Dew Self Tan Face Mist
You needn’t feel like you’re skipping the skincare in order to fake tan thanks to this brilliant dual-phase tanning water from Isle of Paradise. It’s packed with lemon, rosemary and sage oils that refresh and uplift, while hyaluronic acid and glycerin hydrate, plump and lock in moisture all day.
Shop Isle of Paradise Day Dew Self Tan Face Mist at Space NK, £16.95
Espa Pro-Glow Skin-Quenching Serum
Another brilliant skincare-first formula is this one from Espa. It’s lightweight and leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated, while delivering a natural-looking bronze glow over a couple of uses.
Shop Espa Pro-Glow Skin-Quenching Serum at Lookfantastic, £45
Bare By Vogue Gradual Tan
One of my major gripes with gradual tanners in the past is that they didn’t come with any guide colour – so it was hard to see where you’ve already applied product. Thankfully, this gradual lotion from Bare By Vogue has a soft and subtle guide colour, meaning it’s perfect for novices.
Lancaster Self Tan Sun-Kissed Face Drops
For a bespoke glow, add a couple of drops of this sun-kissed serum into your favourite moisturiser. The clever tanning drop system allows you to monitor how much you’re applying, so you’ll never feel OTT.
Shop Lancaster Self Tan Sun-Kissed Face Drops at Cult Beauty, £28
Loving Tan Deluxe Gradual Tan
Another fab formula that comes complete with a guide colour is this luxe moisturiser from Loving Tan. A great option for those with drier skin, it feels rich and moisturising, leaving you with a deep glow.
Bali Body Gradual Tan
Guide colours aren’t for everyone – if you’re confident enough to go without, this is a brilliant clear option. It’s packed with skincare ingredients like coconut and caffeine to brighten and hydrate, while the colour is olive-toned and natural-looking.
Self Glow by James Read Endless Summer Gradual Tan
For a long-lasting glow, this formula ticks all the boxes. It’s brimming with skincare ingredients to prolong your summer tan and delivers just a touch of DHA to keep you glowing for longer.
Shop Self Glow by James Read Endless Summer Gradual Tan at Selfridges, £44
Tan-Luxe Super Glow Body Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum
Worried about your bedsheets getting ruined? Tan-Luxe is the brand for you. With a completely clear formula, there’s no colour transfer, meaning you can get dressed straight after or sleep in crisp, white sheets without worrying about making a mess.
Shop Tan-Luxe Super Glow Body Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum at Space NK, £36
Images: courtesy of brands
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