Fake Tan
With the party season just around the corner many of us will be heading for the beauticians or the cosmetics counter to invest in a sexy tan. But how can you avoid the 'orange' appeal? Really do you want to look like Katie Price or the Tango man, if not read our advice below.
Tanning in the winter needs to be low key and sun kissed – a hint of colour will do wonders without screaming fake. Savers the health, home and beauty store have put together the following ‘Tan Commandments’ to help you achieve the perfect just got back from the Maldives glow.
1. Choose the Right Tan
Picking the correct product for you is essential. A shade that suits one person may not suit another so it is best to test a few out. A gradual tan is ideal for beginners to help build colour. Try Dove Summer Glow Beauty Body Lotion (£2.99 at Savers). If you're going for a traditional fake tan, try a tinted tanning mousse such as the St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse, you can see where you are applying it and it dries exceptionally quick to avoid streaking (£2.89 at Savers).
2. Ignore the Price Tag
More expensive tanning products aren’t necessarily better. Some of the cheaper products can give you a brilliant bronzing effect without the brass. Try Expose Fake Tan a quick drying, easy to apply mousse enriched with aloe vera that works to develop a streak free tan that lasts up to a week! What’s even better is it costs just 99p at Savers!
3. Don’t Bare All
Only a novice uses their bare hands to apply fake tan. The most common faux pas is orange palms caused by too much tan build up. Use a Velvotan Self Tan Applicator Mitt for a clean streak free application. Designed with a special resistant barrier to prevent staining, the mitt is also machine washable, to allow you to reuse it and keep it in good condition (£1.99 at Savers).
4. Hand-y Hints
After you've tanned your entire body, remove the mitt and carefully dot some fake tan on the back of one hand. Rub the backs of the hands together, working up past the back of the wrists. With your hands back to back, interlink the fingers, and then rub the wrists together, as if you were applying perfume - this will ensure you don’t get the dreaded fake tan tide line!
5. Exfoliation is Key
A patchy tan is often down to the skin flaking off at different intervals. Exfoliating removes dead cells and provides an even canvas for the tan to be applied. It's best to exfoliate the day before you tan, rather than immediately before you apply it.
6. De Fuzz
An exceptional tan means nothing if you have hairy legs. Whether you wax or shave it’s important to ensure you carry out depilation 24 hours before you apply. Smoothing on tanning gels or mousse on to freshly shaven or waxed skin can cause the colour to collect in the follicles leaving a dotted effect. Try Pretty Smooth Wax – 20 strips for only 89p at Savers and tan the next day.
7. Location, Location, Location
Many choose the bathroom as their venue of choice for applying fake tan but lighting is important. You need to select a bright room ideally with a full length mirror to ensure you can suss out any streaks before it’s too late.
8. The Only Way Is Up!
To avoid smudging, work from your feet upwards and do your arms last. Ensure your whole body has been tackled including in between toes and behind knees to avoid white patches.
9. Moisturise
Dry areas of skin will absorb the tanning product more than hydrated areas, causing them to go darker with the result being uneven coverage. Try Nivea Irresistibly Smooth Body Lotion just £1.79 at Savers and apply liberally.
10. Lighten Up
A strong bronze is great for summer but can be overwhelming when there isn’t a glimmer of sun in the sky. To achieve a softer look try applying a layer of tan then washing off after 5 hours instead of leaving it on overnight.
If you find the above too daunting a task or you are not confident enough to do it yourself head to the beauticians for a professional finish after all for £30 you can get an even all over (well almost) tan that will last you through the holiday period.
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