Did someone say game-changers?
Fake tan isn't what it used to be, and trust us, that's a good thing.
We no longer have to pay the price to look like we've spent the past week in the Bahamas. We don't have to put up with greasy lotions, biscuit smelling scents, and florescent orange complexions like we once did.
No, today's false tan products are effective, lightweight, and barely detectable on the skin. What's more is that they come in almost every form imaginable, from sprays and mists to oils, foams, skincare, and beyond. It's official: the new wave of fake tan is here, and it's about time.
Leading the way in this bronzed revolution is an array of Irish-made self-tan brands. Unsurprising, given that Irish people are the highest per capita users of fake tan in the world. So, whether you’re looking for a tan that delivers instant-gratification results by way of an imperfection-blurring wash off colour that’ll last for just the day, or are on the hunt for a gradual glow that will survive your daily sea swims, there are plenty of Irish self-tan brands (some already with a cult following) just waiting to become a staple in your tanning routine.
WATER WONDERS
What's the next big thing in tan? Waters. Whether you want to top up an existing tan or just achieve a subtle hint of colour, tanning water is the perfect product. Spritz it liberally and for the best results, use a mitt to buff and blend.
You'll still end up with the same glorious bronzed colour achieved with a regular mousse or lotion self-tan; the main difference is you can waltz around developing, without anyone being aware.
OUR TOP PICK: Dripping Gold Wonder Water, €12.95, SoSu By Suzanne Jackson
Instant satisfaction
Sometimes a girl just needs a tan and she needs it now, which is where instant lotions come to the rescue. The best thing about instant tan is their ability to not only leaving you with a bronzed glow but they conceal veins, scars, cat scratches or chicken skin with streak-free light, medium or dark coverage/ Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish won't rub off on your clothes or cake the skin, and it contains aloe vera, vitamin E and shea butter for a hydrating finish.
OUR TOP PICK: Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish, €29.99, Vita Liberata
gradually, does it
Depending on how pale you are, some self tans can look especially orange in the warm, summer light and for those who like to fake it, but credibly, a gradual tan is your best bet. Enough to lend a golden hue to blue-ish limbs but not lean into tangoed-territory, Bellamianta's gradual tan boasts a unique formuala to fill in uneven texture and fine lines, creating smooth and flawless coverage and is intensely hydrating to create a protective barrier, protecting your tan for up to 24 hours without clogging pores.
OUR TOP PICK: Gradual Tanner, €18, Bellamianta
sense and sensitivity
Some sensitive skins can be irritated by the guide colour in false tan, which contains synthetic colouring red dyes. Tan Organic uses all-natural and organic ingredients and food colouring as a guide colour. TanOrganic - available from Boots - is free from fragrances too, and has hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to hydrate dry skin.
Avoid tan if your skin is inflamed, flaring up or broken and be sure to try a patch test 24 hours before using to make sure you have no reaction.
Once you're in the clear, be sure to moisturise the skin before tanning and after to keep the skin hydrated, but thanks so hydrating properties in TanOrganic, your tan won't cling to dry patches.
OUR TOP PICK: Self Tan Mousse, €29.99, TanOrganic
After dark
Sold in 23 countries worldwide, Cocoa Brown was launched in 2012 and has gone on to be one of Ireland's greatest business success stories, with four bottles sold every minute worldwide. This year, the brand felt it was time for a more sophisticated look, and has redesigned its bottles but don't panic, the tan will remain the same fast-drying, long-lasting and easy-fading formula we've come to know and love.
OUR TOP PICK: Tan Love Dark Mousse, €7.95, Cocoa Brown
BYE BYE BLUNDERS
If you're yet to master the art of applying fake tan sans steaks, this is the tan for you. Not only does it glide onto the skin, dry almost immediately after application and soothes the skin with Aloe Vera meaning your application will last longer but it also washes off in an instant. Made a mistake? Turned out patchy? Simply hop in the shower and wash away.
OUR TOP PICK: Lusso Tan Instant Wash Off, €19.99,Available at Boots
fuss-free
Bare by Vogue William’s Ultra Dark Tanning lotion is formulated with Super Peptides to smooth and plump skin as well as Goji Berry, Oatmeal and Chamomile to provide that runway model, healthy glow. Long-lasting, lightweight and instant colour which develops in 4-8 hours, this lotion offers a less-fuss approach to tanning with the stunning results.
OUR TOP PICK: Ultra Dark Tanning Lotion, €25, Bare By Vogue
AIN'T GOT TIME FOR THAT
If you've ever tried to tan your entire body and then immediately put on clothing only for it to have gone disastrously, then allow us to introduce you to Glow Dry. An illuminating drying powder formulated with absorbing ingredients to dry and remove the stickiness from fake tan, Glow Dry makes tan-and-go a viability.
You basically buff it on as you would your face powder, and it takes down the stickiness from tan immediately, so you can feel fresher and put your clothes on without transferring onto clothes or sheets.
Oh, and it's refillable and vegan-friendly - dreamy.
OUR TOP PICK: Glow Dry IlLuminising Drying Powder Starter Kit, €31, Glow Dry
Main image by Bare by Vogue
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