Best fake tans for a realistic glow

Whilst it’s perfectly acceptable to let your limbs go au naturel, it’s certainly true that most people look better with a tan. If there’s no chance of lazing under a tropical sun any time soon, it might be time to hit the bottle. And anyway- sun damaged skin is never a good look.

Whether you’re new to fake tanning or a seasoned pro, finding a formula that will give you a great natural look and won’t leave you with tell-tale streaks or patches is one of those seemingly never ending beauty quests. Thanks to nifty new formulas and natural tanning agents, these days you can rest assured that you’re not going to end up looking like Magda from There’s Something About Mary.

Fake Tan is a serious business these days and though still markedly more cost effective than going for a spray, the higher quality products certainly aren’t cheap, so it’s important to figure out what you’re after before buying, to avoid disappointment. If you’re still not convinced of your blending abilities, opt for a gradual or gel formula, as these allow a little more room for error. Those who can’t stand the smell should steer clear of the activating agent dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and stick to the natural Givaudan instead.

From tans that can be built up over time to those that promise to last for weeks, we’ve picked the ones most likely to give you that sun-kissed glow.

Skinny Tan and Tone Oil was brought to the Australian market as a response to the call for harder working and more realistic tanning products. Promising a streak – free tan whilst reducing the appearance of cellulite, it’s little surprise that this multi-tasking tanner has been a huge hit in both Oz and the UK. Paraben and animal product free, Skinny Tan uses a natural tanning agent and Guarana berries to deliver that hydrated, smooth look promised on the packet.

To get the most out of the formula, it’s best applied with the Skinny Tan Mitt, which – unlike others – is made of a velvet rather than sponge – like fabric. Curved edges on the plastic bottle offer a better grip for angling and spraying and the colour of the oil is dark enough to act as a guide – essential, if like me, you’re prone to missing patches. Despite being oil based, the formula quickly absorbs without leaving behind sticky residue and smells good to boot – somewhere between a pina colada and a macaroon. Most important of all, Skinny Tan delivered on the colour front: the results were natural looking and, indeed, streak free.

£16.43 | Amazon | Buy it now

If you’re on a budget, St. Moriz is one of the best fake tans you can get for under £10. Not only can you see some colour as soon as you apply it, but it will continue to develop over time. The fast self – tanning mousse promises a difference in colour in as little as one hour – ideal if you’re having a pasty leg dilemma before a night out or hate wearing tanner overnight. But how did it fare when put to the test?

The pump style bottle allows for controlled application but make sure you shake before use: the colour is prone to settling at the bottom so needs to be remixed. Best applied with a mitt, you’ll find that you can achieve quite a deep bronzed glow in just one use, so be careful not to overdo it.

£4.75 | Feel Unique | Buy it now

Renowned for their flawless complexions, the French know a thing or two about fuss free but effective skincare, so La Roche Posay has become an increasingly popular brand this side of the pond. For a gradually built up glow, turn to the brand’s Autohelios tanner. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and can be used on both the body and face and therefore great for saving both money and shelf space. Best left on for a few hours without washing, it will develop into a natural tan. Though billed as a gradual tanner, you will notice a difference even after one use, so use it sparingly. The gel like texture of this one helps it to blend easily and absorb quickly, although you will have to put up with that biscuity smell overnight.

At 100ml, it’s just the right size to slip into your hand luggage, too.

£13.60 | Escentual | Buy it now

Don’t have 8 hours to wait for your tan to develop? New to Sienna X’s extensive tanning range, this tropical-scented mousse can be washed off in just one hour and is conveniently quick to apply. The colour on your skin is instantly noticeable, making it easy to see where you’ve applied it. As the results are quite subtle after one application, this mousse perfect for those who want a more natural glow. You should keep your skin hydrated in the days after using though or else it might fade in a patchy way.

£25 | Boots | Buy it now

Anti – ageing coconut oil and hyaluronic acid are used in this formula, so you can smooth out wrinkles and improve skin tone all whilst developing a tan. Although any product that claims to achieve a ‘flawless’ fake tan instantly arouses suspicion, Fake Bake is a well trusted brand that does deliver results. The silky smooth cream works with the skin’s pigment to produce a natural colour, making it a good choice for paler skin tones where there is little margin for error.

Quick drying, this is a good option to throw on before bed, as you’ll see the best results if it’s left on for a few hours. Just be prepared to change the sheets afterwards: although it claims to be residue free, it will leave stains on your bedding. At nearly £30 a pop, it is at the pricier end of the market, but the bottle is generously sized and should last you a few weeks.

£29.95 | Feel Unique | Buy it now

Cautious tanners will be relieved to hear that this is a gradual formula, allowing you to build up colour over a number of days or just stick to low key look. Promising 24 hour hydration, it did leave skin feeling noticeably refreshed and less scaly looking after a few uses. In terms of smell, this one wins hands down - a fresh, fruity fragrance accompanies the cream and – most importantly – stays, so you won’t have to put up with that awful biscuit smell.

As it’s thin enough to smooth over skin quickly, take care when applying to ensure you don’t end up with streaks or patches and makes sure you wash your hands after use to avoid the orange palm look. After just two uses it left us with a radiant glow and golden colour that lasted long enough to show off at the weekend.

£20 | John Lewis | Buy it now

For those going on holiday that don’t naturally tan, the prospect of spending every night topping up your fake one is not particularly appealing. L’Oreal has come up with a solution here: this tanner just needs a quick application over the course of three days before it’ll last for a fortnight.

Presented in a sleek glass bottle, the tan itself comes out completely clear – a slightly alarming factor for those who like a guide colour – but thanks to its liquid gel consistency, is easy to blend into even dry skin. If you’re prepared to sleep in a bed smelling of a biscuit tin, this is worth the effort - the resulting tan was fairly even (although slightly patchy around areas such as the knees and elbows) and did, indeed, last for the promised two weeks.

Following the three day rule isn’t actually necessary unless you’re after a deep tan – the results after just one use were noticeable enough for our pasty limbs.

£10.66 | Amazon | Buy it now

One of the most trusted tanning brands on the market, St. Tropez has developed this Express Bronze for those on the go and is suitable for every skin tone. Once applied, it’s quick drying and only needs an hour to develop into a convincing colour (perfect if you’re going on an impromptu night out) but can be left to do its thing for up to eight, allowing you can choose how glow-y you want to go.

Using only 100 per cent natural tanning agents, it gives one of the most convincing and blemish free tans on the list. Best applied with a mitt to avoid build-up in tricky areas, it leaves skin feeling velvety smooth and odour free.

£22 | Boots | Buy it now

Verdict:

The best overall product was definitely the Skinny Tan, which resulted in an even, natural looking tan without too much care taken over the application and without the unbearable biscuit smell. Of the gradual tanners, we'd opt for the La Roche Posay, which offers a great colour for the price of a cheap dinner.