Go for gold this summer
Tanning season is here, and before everyone starts crying about the lack of sun, I wish to tell you that we can all get a golden glow straight from a bottle.
May is Melanoma Awareness Month, so the safest way to tan is to fake it. In Ireland we are major investors in tan and there is a bottle to suit all skin types and budgets.
1. Bare by Vogue Williams €24.99
This ultra-luxe self-tan foam is enriched with super peptides which help to smooth, plump, firm and improve skins elasticity, all whilst creating a flawless ready to wear colour. The formula is enriched with goji berry, oatmeal, chamomile, pomegranate and grapefruit which help to promote natural skin health and the ultimate glow. It is nice and rich in texture so there is no need to use massive amounts. It comes also in an instant lotion which is nice for those last-minute nights out.
2. b.tan Australian tan
With resounding success and fans across the globe, b.tan is sure to be a welcome addition to the Irish tanning market. Starting at just €10, b.tan is for everyone who believes tanning should be simple with products that are a little bit fun and a little bit quirky. The b.tan hero product range of one hour tans are made up entirely of ultra-dark options. The nine minute tan is ideal for someone looking for a light natural tan on the go. Apply this luscious tan, wait nine minutes, rinse off in the shower for 45 seconds in lukewarm water and you’re ready to rock and roll. Leave on for longer, if you dare to go darker.
3. Bperfect 10 Second tan, €16.95
Fruity and frothy, the formula is just as consistent as the regular ten second tan with a medium colour to finish. It lasts around three days and tops up well for holidays. The scent is mild not sickly and the wear off is good. If you like a medium hue and mousse texture, then this should be your choice for summer. It’s already sold out and been restocked so pick up your limited-edition bottle soon.
4. St Tropez Extra Dark Bronzing Mousse, €44.95
My all-time favourite tan St Tropez rarely disappoints, if I am honest. The new ultra dark product gives me an intense dark bronze that lasts for days. You can rinse off after four hours for a dark tan or after eight hours for the deepest, darkest tan yet. Once you apply with a good mitt, it is streak-free and easy to apply, with even fade and is lightweight and hydrating. It is also a vegan friendly formula.
5. Huda Beauty Sculpt & Shade brush, €30
Now if fake tan isn’t your thing for your face, you can add both definition and a bronzed hue over your makeup with Huda Beauty’s latest release, Tantour (€30). Huda has never been super happy with bronzer or contour shades available on the market; Tantour combines a balance of shadow and warmth for a luminous, matte glow that’s never dull.
I have tried the light and medium shades on both my face and body and I have to say it has blown me away. Blending seamlessly, the long-lasting (up to 12 hours!) formula is both water-resistant and sweatproof, so you still look flawless no matter what summer brings: a dip in the pool or intense summer heat.
In the words of the Huda Beauty team, Tantour is straight-up 'Dubai-proof'.
Launched with the Huda Beauty Sculpt & Shade brush (€30), you can blend powder and liquid contour and bronzer products to warm and define your features. The brush is kitten soft and offers the best blending of any brush.
I am going to invest in a second one for foundation as the finish is that seamless. After all, as I have said many times, if you can’t tone it, tan it.
Sometimes for me, tan doesn’t give me the golden glow in the décolletage area. After two years of intense product development, Bellamianta Luxury Tanning has released Skin Perfecting Illuminating Bronzing Powder (€25). The golden flecked finely milled powder adds subtle coverage to the skin, while the ultra-fine light reflecting particles leave you with a diffused radiance that is perfect for every occasion. The lightweight and ultra-fine pigments enhance the skin’s natural undertones for a truly unique skin-perfecting finish.
The Skin Perfecting Illuminating Bronzing Powder can be used on both the face and body. For pins to rival a Victoria Secret model, swipe down the leg or swoosh across the chest and arms to bring your tan to life.