TAN-TASTIC
We tried 5 fake tans for under £15 – the one that went on like butter gave us change from a fiver & it smells delicious
Scroll down for top tips on how to apply fake tan and how to achieve that rosy streak-free glow every time
FINDING the perfect fake tan isn’t easy…especially when some brands can set you back way over £40 a bottle but don't always deliver what they say on the label.
Rosy glows can soon turn into annoying shades of orange, which is why the team at Fabulous team have done the hard work for you to see which deliver the best results, at the lowest prices.
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Fake tan is a convenient way to achieve a tanned look without the damage of sun exposure and it isn't just safer, but it's also faster.
The early Noughties saw a surge in its popularity, and over 20 years later, fake coverage has come a long way with a huge amount of options to choose from.
From British teen classic St Moriz to the under-rated Superdrug own-brand mousse, the team tried out five from the high street with just one rule - they all cost less than £15 a pop and some even come in at less than a fiver.
Each tester followed the instructions included and used the mitt provided to give each one a fair shot.
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Here's how they got on...
Superdrug Solait Self Tan Mousse Medium - £3.98 (was £5.99)
Tester: Abby Wilson, Senior Fabulous Digital Writer
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Superdrug Solait Self Tan Mousse Medium, £3.98 £5.99, Superdrug
On first impressions, I wasn’t keen on the scent - at all. It has coconuts on the label so I was expecting a delicious summer aroma, but unfortunately, I didn’t get that with this tan. It's difficult to describe but far from fruity, it had an almost metal smell.
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Not only this, but I found the pump quite naff and the tan itself was much harder to blend in and spread than others I’ve previously used.
And compared with my usual favourite go-to tan, this didn’t dry very quickly, and when I accidentally lent against my white bathroom wall it left a brown bum cheek shaped mark.
Washing the tan off after an hour felt very alien to me, as someone who regularly sleeps in theirs. However, I have to say, I’m impressed with the results.
This product give a very natural looking tan and if you wanted something a bit bolder, I'd suggest leaving it on longer or choosing a darker shade.
I’m impressed with the results, but now my entire room stinks of the stuff, so I’ll probably stick to my OG buy. Saying that, if you’re on a budget and want a tan for last-minute plans, I would say this is one to try.
Tan-tastic rating: 6/10
bBold Dream Mousse Tan in Dark - £9.50
Tester: Josie O’Brien, Senior Fabulous Digital Writer
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bBold Dream Mousse Tan in Dark, £9.50, Debenhams
The first thing that hit me about this tan was the “juicy watermelon” scent - it’s delicious.
The mousse, which you can buy in Primark, applied so smoothly and had a buttery texture that became so creamy when I started rubbing it in.
It dried super quickly and wasn’t streaky at all, meaning I was able to get on with my day pretty quickly without feeling sticky.
As for the colour, I was left with a natural bronze hue rather than orange glow - something I was very happy about.
My only qualm is that the tan seemed to stick to my dry patches and accentuated ‘strawberry skin’ on my legs even after I washed it off eight hours later.
I’m still adding this tan to my arsenal though - the smell, colour and texture are dreamy. I’d just recommend anyone with dry skin to moisturise twice the day before applying.
It’s definitely better than a number of high-end tans I’ve tried, so how can you go wrong for £9.50?
Tan-tastic rating: 9/10
Fake Tan Lovers Guide to Applying it Streak-Free
Here’s Fabulous ultimate guide to a flawless, streak-free fake tan that will leave you looking like you’ve just stepped off the beach...
Preparation is Key
A streak-free tan starts with proper skin prep. Exfoliate your skin thoroughly 24 hours before application. Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees and ankles to ensure an even canvas. Opt for an exfoliator with natural ingredients to avoid irritation.
Hydration Station
Moisturise your entire body right after exfoliating, but pay extra attention to dry patches. On the day of tanning, only apply a light, oil-free moisturiser to these areas a few hours before you plan to tan. This prevents the tan from clinging to dry spots and developing unevenly.
Formulate, Don't Hate
Selecting the right fake tan product can make all the difference. Mousse formulas are easiest to apply and blend. Tanning drops can be added to your regular face moisturiser to match your face with your body.
Application O'Clock
Using a tanning mitt is non-negotiable for an even application. Dispense a small amount of product onto the mitt and apply in long, sweeping motions. Start from your ankles and work your way up to avoid creases. Apply sparingly on joints and use a fluffy make-up brush for your hands and feet.
Post-Tan Care
Once you’ve applied your tan, allow it to dry completely before dressing. Loose, dark clothing is best to avoid transferring colour. Avoid water and sweat for at least six to eight hours while the tan develops. After your first rinse, pat your skin dry gently and moisturise daily to prolong your tan.
No7 Perfectly Bronzed Self Tan Mousse - £14.95
Tester: Mia Lyndon, Beauty Assistant
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No7 Perfectly Bronzed Self Tan Mousse, £14.95, Boots
This fake tan has a very heavy, sweet, sickly caramel scent, which I'm not a fan of.
However, it had a light brown guide colour which really helped with application and ensured my tan was even instead of patchy - I don't like tans without a guide colour because it makes application so tricky because it's hard to see which areas you've covered.
The tan's texture is a light, whipped mousse which is dappled with dark splodges of tan - very unusual.
I found it fairly easy to blend as it glides over skin and doesn't dry down or stick too quickly.
I applied three layers, then left the tan on for four hours. No7 recommends leaving it on for three to five hours.
I was so disappointed after first washing it off as you could barely tell I was wearing it. However, when I woke up the next morning, my legs and upper body had a deeper, golden glow.
Tan-tastic rating: 6/10
St Moriz Professional Medium Tanning Mousse - £4.99
Tested by Kate Kulniece, Fabulous Writer
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St Moriz Professional Medium Tanning Mousse - £4.99, Boots
I’ve been using fake tan religiously for over a decade - so it’s safe to say that I have my firm favourites and ones I swear by.
But it looks like this little bargain bottle could easily top my current holy grail.
Not only does St Moriz mousse leave you with a gorgeous bronzed glow, but it also smells fabulous - think Piña Colada on a sunny beach.
At first, I was a little bit sceptical cause I’m a gradual fake tan girlie, but this quick developing St. Moriz number may change it all.
Tan-tastic rating: 10/10
BPerfect 10 Second Tan Mango Ultra Dark Mousse - £13.31 (was £19.99)
Tested by Josie O’Brien, Senior Fabulous Digital Writer
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BPerfect 10 Second Tan Mango Ultra Dark Mousse , £13.31 £19.99
It's clear to see that this tan is formulated with aloe vera because it doesn't stick to dry patches.
It glides over the skin really nicely and has a subtle mango scent which I really liked - it beats smelling like biscuits, a scent left by some other brands.
However, I found that it dried almost too quickly - and I felt like I was sandpapering my legs trying to blend it if I didn’t work quick enough.
That being said, it doesn't leave annoying streaks and lasted a good few days before it started to fade.
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Even though I tried , the result was more of a medium tan so I’d suggest lathering on two layers for a more dramatic transformation.
Tan-tastic rating: 7/10
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