Fake tans our beauty team buys on repeat and swears by for lasting colour
From a gradual tanning butter that packs the pigment of a mousse but without the mess, to an instant spray with airbrushing effects, here are the tans our beauty team loves...
Fake tans have come a long way from the streaky, orange disasters of the past. Nowadays, there's something to suit every skin tone, lifestyle and budget, whether you're after a subtle, buildable glow or a quick, punchy bronzed finish. Our beauty team has put a range of the best fake tans to the test, from wallet-friendly gradual tanners to luxe, clear mousses, so you don't have to waste time guessing which ones actually deliver.
We're sharing the formulas we genuinely love and buy time and time again, all tried and tested to give a natural, radiant glow without any hassle, the dreaded fake tan smell or messy sheets. So, whether you're prepping for a holiday, topping up for an event or just want a faux glow this heatwave, these are the fake tans our Mirror beauty and shopping team swears by...
Bali Body Gradual Tanning Butter
Shop it for £17.99 on sale
This tanning butter gently builds a sun-kissed tan while deeply nourishing your skin with rich moisturisers like shea butter and coconut oil.
Head of beauty and fashion Zoe says: "This is a fake tan that smells nothing like one – no biscuit scent, just a summery undertone that is very pleasant. It doubles as a luxe body lotion too, packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter that leave my post-sun skin feeling nourished. It's perfect if you're a tanning beginner because it's practically foolproof with no streaks or orange tones in sight. The subtle gold shimmer gives an instant glow, even while the tan develops, and it dries so quickly that I can get into my pyjamas five minutes later. Bonus: no stained sheets or towels.
Isle of Paradise Glow Clear Self Tanning Mousse
Shop it for £22
A clear mousse with a no-transfer formula to give a light, medium or dark tan while offering colour-correcting abilities.
Beauty and wellness editor Laura says: "The transparent formula (I use the medium shade) means no transfer on clothes or bedding, which is a big win. Once developed, it gives a natural, golden glow that smooths out redness and imperfections, making me feel confident in summer clothes. It lasts impressively well too– still showing colour a week after my holiday. While it takes time to apply and develop, it's definitely my go-to for a reliable, natural tan before every trip."
St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Body Lotion
Shop it for £18
A moisturising gradual tan that provides a soft, buildable sun-kissed glow while nourishing the skin.
Senior shopping writer Faith says:"I don't use fake tan often, but when I do I tend to stick to ones that are heavy on the moisturiser. I typically have dry skin with patches of eczema, so a hydrating and moisturising one is essential for me to avoid it settling into those dry areas. I also want something that's quick and easy to use – no long times leaving it to develop, having to shower it off again.
"That's why the St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Body Lotion is definitely a go-to for me. It gives you an instantly tanned glow, and develops over time without needing to be washed off. The lotion is easy to blend (I use a tanning mitt) and I find it doesn't go streaky and dries quickly so there's minimal time spent standing around waiting around. It does have a green undertone which may not work for every skin tone, but I find this suits my skin's naturally red undertones as it neutralises the red, making it look more natural. The only down side is that if you get rained on, or spill something on your tan, it will become blotchy. However for those last minute tan top ups or a quick fix, this is a great go-to."
Utan Cool Undertone Instant Airbrush Spray
Shop it for £17.99
This wash-off tan gives your skin an instant, buildable bronzed glow while evening out tone, all with a fresh, non-fake tan scent.
Shopping writer Grace says: "At first, I wasn't sure the colour would be rich enough for me since the initial spritz was very sheer. But the beauty of this product is how quickly it dries, making it super easy to build up for a more bronzed look. It behaves more like body make-up than a traditional fake tan, so it's brilliant for evening out skin tone and giving a subtle glow without going full-on mahogany.
If you're after a deep, dramatic tan, this probably won't hit the mark – but for last-minute plans or a quick confidence boost, it's ideal. I'm a bit hopeless at remembering to fake tan in advance, so this handy little spray has earned a permanent place in my handbag. And the scent? Think warm vanilla and tonka, not that usual biscuit-y smell.
Loving Tan 2 HR Express Mousse
Shop it for £29.56 on sale
Article continues below
This fast-working mousse delivers a natural, olive-toned tan in just two hours, thanks to its quick-drying formula and colour guide technology.
Shopping writer Meghan says:"Applying this tanning mousse is as easy as using my usual moisturiser – the only tricky bit is my back, but with a bit of help, it takes under 30 minutes. I start with the two-hour guide for a subtle glow, but when I leave it on overnight, I wake up looking like I've just got back from the Med. It dries quickly, doesn't transfer to bedding, and the aloe vera base keeps my skin hydrated without clinging to dry patches. The result is a natural-looking, olive-toned tan that works beautifully on my pale skin. The mitt does slip a little on smaller hands, but it's a small gripe in an otherwise seamless tanning routine.
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Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Fake tans our beauty team buys on repeat and swears by for lasting colour
From a gradual tanning butter that packs the pigment of a mousse but without the mess, to an instant spray with airbrushing effects, here are the tans our beauty team loves... Fake tans have come a long way from the streaky, orange disasters of the past. Nowadays, there's something to suit every skin tone, lifestyle and budget, whether you're after a subtle, buildable glow or a quick, punchy bronzed finish. Our beauty team has put a range of the best fake tans to the test, from wallet-friendly gradual tanners to luxe, clear mousses, so you don't have to waste time guessing which ones actually deliver. We're sharing the formulas we genuinely love and buy time and time again, all tried and tested to give a natural, radiant glow without any hassle, the dreaded fake tan smell or messy sheets. So, whether you're prepping for a holiday, topping up for an event or just want a faux glow this heatwave, these are the fake tans our Mirror beauty and shopping team swears by... Bali Body Gradual Tanning Butter Shop it for £17.99 on sale This tanning butter gently builds a sun-kissed tan while deeply nourishing your skin with rich moisturisers like shea butter and coconut oil. Head of beauty and fashion Zoe says: "This is a fake tan that smells nothing like one – no biscuit scent, just a summery undertone that is very pleasant. It doubles as a luxe body lotion too, packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter that leave my post-sun skin feeling nourished. It's perfect if you're a tanning beginner because it's practically foolproof with no streaks or orange tones in sight. The subtle gold shimmer gives an instant glow, even while the tan develops, and it dries so quickly that I can get into my pyjamas five minutes later. Bonus: no stained sheets or towels. Isle of Paradise Glow Clear Self Tanning Mousse Shop it for £22 A clear mousse with a no-transfer formula to give a light, medium or dark tan while offering colour-correcting abilities. Beauty and wellness editor Laura says: "The transparent formula (I use the medium shade) means no transfer on clothes or bedding, which is a big win. Once developed, it gives a natural, golden glow that smooths out redness and imperfections, making me feel confident in summer clothes. It lasts impressively well too– still showing colour a week after my holiday. While it takes time to apply and develop, it's definitely my go-to for a reliable, natural tan before every trip." St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Body Lotion Shop it for £18 A moisturising gradual tan that provides a soft, buildable sun-kissed glow while nourishing the skin. Senior shopping writer Faith says:"I don't use fake tan often, but when I do I tend to stick to ones that are heavy on the moisturiser. I typically have dry skin with patches of eczema, so a hydrating and moisturising one is essential for me to avoid it settling into those dry areas. I also want something that's quick and easy to use – no long times leaving it to develop, having to shower it off again. "That's why the St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Body Lotion is definitely a go-to for me. It gives you an instantly tanned glow, and develops over time without needing to be washed off. The lotion is easy to blend (I use a tanning mitt) and I find it doesn't go streaky and dries quickly so there's minimal time spent standing around waiting around. It does have a green undertone which may not work for every skin tone, but I find this suits my skin's naturally red undertones as it neutralises the red, making it look more natural. The only down side is that if you get rained on, or spill something on your tan, it will become blotchy. However for those last minute tan top ups or a quick fix, this is a great go-to." Utan Cool Undertone Instant Airbrush Spray Shop it for £17.99 This wash-off tan gives your skin an instant, buildable bronzed glow while evening out tone, all with a fresh, non-fake tan scent. Shopping writer Grace says: "At first, I wasn't sure the colour would be rich enough for me since the initial spritz was very sheer. But the beauty of this product is how quickly it dries, making it super easy to build up for a more bronzed look. It behaves more like body make-up than a traditional fake tan, so it's brilliant for evening out skin tone and giving a subtle glow without going full-on mahogany. If you're after a deep, dramatic tan, this probably won't hit the mark – but for last-minute plans or a quick confidence boost, it's ideal. I'm a bit hopeless at remembering to fake tan in advance, so this handy little spray has earned a permanent place in my handbag. And the scent? Think warm vanilla and tonka, not that usual biscuit-y smell. Loving Tan 2 HR Express Mousse Shop it for £29.56 on sale Article continues below This fast-working mousse delivers a natural, olive-toned tan in just two hours, thanks to its quick-drying formula and colour guide technology. Shopping writer Meghan says:"Applying this tanning mousse is as easy as using my usual moisturiser – the only tricky bit is my back, but with a bit of help, it takes under 30 minutes. I start with the two-hour guide for a subtle glow, but when I leave it on overnight, I wake up looking like I've just got back from the Med. It dries quickly, doesn't transfer to bedding, and the aloe vera base keeps my skin hydrated without clinging to dry patches. The result is a natural-looking, olive-toned tan that works beautifully on my pale skin. The mitt does slip a little on smaller hands, but it's a small gripe in an otherwise seamless tanning routine.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
I'm a stinky girl, my 25p hack will keep you smelling fresh all summer long even on the sweatiest of days
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SOMETIME no matter how much deodorant and perfume you put on, the summer heat can leave you feeling sweaty and stinky. But thanks to a budget-friendly hack, you can stay as fresh as ever in the hot weather. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 TikTok user Laura Valentina showed her followers the DIY hack she uses to smell fresh all summer long Credit: TikTok/@laauravalentina TikTok user Laura Valentina (@laauravalentina) showed her followers the DIY technique she swears by that leaves her smelling and feeling refreshed in the heat. And for anyone pinching pennies, don't worry because all you need is two kitchen ingredients. "I live by this life hack," Laura told her followers before going on to describe herself as a "stinky girl". She revealed that her mum taught her to use two household items to combat the summer sweats. These secret ingredients are lime and baking soda, neither of which will break the bank. You can pick up a lime for just 24p from Sainsbury's, while baking soda will set you back 59p. And since you only need a miniscule amount of baking soda, this hack will only total around 25p each time you try it out. In the clip, which amassed 1.2 million views, Laura began by slicing her lime in half and dipping it in baking soda. She waited for it to start sizzling, showing her audience the bubbles that formed. The TikToker described the hack as "the best and better than any soap you will ever find". £2K Celeb Laser Facial Had Me Smelling Like Bacon She advised her followers to use it "to get rid of any stink", revealing that she rubs it on her armpits and "everywhere else". According to Laura, this process helps to "get rid of any stench" but also has other beauty benefits. "It also exfoliates with the little grains of baking soda and for all of my stink girls, it will really help you get rid of that stink," she explained. Laura pointed out that it not only eliminates smells but also leaves you smelling like citrus afterwards. Her followers shared their thoughts on the natural hack in the comments section. Top beauty trends for 2025 Hayley Walker, Beauty Expert at Justmylook spoke exclusively to Fabulous about the big beauty trends for 2025. Haircare Hair gloss treatments are a must-have as beauty enthusiasts love the salon-quality shine and enhanced colour delivered by the trending treatment. Hair glosses are multifunctional, as they nourish the hair while offering a vibrant, healthy-looking finish, combining 2025's core trends. This treatment is perfect for those seeking an affordable, at-home glow-up. 2025 will focus on skin repairing and texture-enhancing treatments. Skincare Rejuran treatment, a celebrity-endorsed procedure, will see a rise in demand this year as many seek to enhance their skin's appearance. The procedure entails injecting polynucleotides derived from salmon DNA to enhance skin texture and elasticity. 'Rejuvenation is expected to dominate 2025 skincare trends as many seek to achieve a flawless, youthful complexion. Skincare will also include back-to-basic products for a simplified routine. Ginseng cleansing oil and panthenol cream are among the trending products for 2025. The cleansing oil is excellent for dissolving make-up and impurities without clogging pores and is enriched with nourishing properties to leave the skin feeling and looking refreshed and radiant. Make-up Make-up trends will follow suit to achieve youthful and radiant looks. Under-eye brighteners will be sought-after products for delivering coverage while enhancing natural radiance. This beauty tool will complement natural beauty while improving and brightening dull skin. Make-up looks will be bigger and bolder in 2025 with cluster lashes expected to surge this year. These lashes bring the glam to glamorous looks as they deliver dramatic volume to enhance everyday or special occasion looks. Peel-off lip stains circulated the beauty industry in 2024 and are expected to dominate in 2025. The growing popularity of this product is due to its ability to provide long-lasting, transfer-proof colour to lips, enhancing a natural aesthetic. Additionally, cherry-coded aesthetics are expected to be everywhere this year as the deep, rich hue can be achieved using peel-off lip stains or bold lip looks for a dramatic effect. Nails 2025 will be another year of countless, show-stopping nail trends. Goddess Nails and Aura Nails deserve an honourable mention as these designs channel an ethereal, celestial aesthetic for bold, self-expressing nails. "It also helps to lighten your underarms," pointed out another fan of the trick. "I use key limes and it has officially replaced my deodorant," said another viewer. "The smell is from the bacteria. The lime and baking soda is a great for killing the bacteria and neutralizing the pH," commented a third person. Another TikTok user said they "definitely will use" the homemade hack. "OMG, I've been doing this since [childhood] and I don't have dark spots under my armpits as well," shared another follower.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
I turned my hair from thin to thick in seconds with a £3.40 hack hairdressers swear by, it adds volume & shine too
MANY people wish their hair was thicker and more luscious. Thankfully you may only need a £3.40 product, according to a hairdresser. 3 3 One beauty lover joked that she was fed up with having 'five hairs' but managed to transform her locks using the hair hack. Julia, who posts under @justliia4, wrote: 'How I turned my 5 hairs into 100,000. 'I got the trick from my hairdresser.' The only thing you need to get, according to Julia is L'Oreal's Elvive Styliste Mousse, which is said to 'boosts your hair volume by lifting from the root.' You can currently pick up a bottle from Tesco for a 150ml size. Julia shared how she starts with damp, clean hair and then shakes the bottle well. She then squeezes some of the mousse into her hands and then applies it to her locks. The social media user advised: 'Distribute it upwards into your hair (more at the roots). You then need to blow dry your hair as normal - and she advised doing it upside down for extra volume. In the clip, which has racked up over 300 likes, she showed how she uses a rounded brush to create extra volume and shape at the front. Pregnant Georgia Harrison reveals her glam new look ahead of Ibiza trip When she was finished, her hair looked bouncy, shiny and much thicker than the start. Many people were impressed with the results, with one saying: 'It looks great.' According to the product description, thin hair needs to be 'texturized from root to tip and requires long lasting hold.' The results are said to last up to 48 hours with its 'strong fixing power.' HAIR LOSS REASONS Jack Merrick-Thirlway, creative director at Neville Hair & Beauty, said hereditary hair loss is the most common type of hair loss and is transmitted through your genes. This type of hair loss can start from teen years and although will be difficult to treat, it can be slowed down if treated immediately. Hormonal imbalances may also cause you to lose hair. Pregnancy and the menopause are two key times when hormonal imbalances can occur, leading to changes in hair thickness. However, chronic stress and certain medications can also contribute to these imbalances. Another hair saboteur is excessive friction. Jacks says those who are wearing a tight ponytail repeatedly may find themselves experiencing hair loss. Finally, using the wrong products or having too many chemical treatments can lead to hair loss. HAIR GROWTH TIPS So, how can we encourage our hair to grow? Jack says that when shopping for new products to help with hair thickness, there are few ingredients to look out for. 'I'd advise looking out for ingredients such as biotin, collagen, amino acids and products containing vitamin B3. These all help strengthen the hair follicles and promote growth. 'That said, if you feel out of your depth, you can also seek advice with your hair stylist.' Be wary of too many chemicals in your styling products as they can exacerbate hair loss - and you should also not wash it too often. 'To ensure your hair stays healthy it is important not to over wash it,' advises Jack. 'Instead try and limit washing your hair to two or three times a week. "Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to make sure you do not remove any moisture.' TINA Farey, Editorial director at Rush Hair, shares her advice… HOW TO RESTORE DAMAGED HAIR Whilst you can't fully reserve the effects of damaged hair, you can stop the problem from growing. Depending on the condition of your hair, I'd recommend getting a trim every six to eight weeks - this will prevent any split ends from travelling further up the hair shaft, which weakens the hair's overall structure and leads to more breakage. Even just an inch of the ends will completely transform the appearance of your hair – trust me. When it comes to products to help restore damaged hair, Goldwell's Rich Repair Treatment Mask is a firm favourite – strengthening damaged locks to be healthy and shiny once again. HOW TO PREVENT DAMAGE My number one tip is to always use a heat protectant – even if you're only blow-drying your hair. Consistent heat styling without one will leave your hair open to heat damage. I'd also recommend refraining from over-washing your hair as this can strip the hair of its natural oils – nobody wants a dry and irritated scalp! And finally, swap your sleek, slick back for a hair down day! They may be in fashion at the moment, but over time all that tension on your strands from being pulled will wreak havoc on your hair follicles – this could lead to thinning and bald spots in areas where the hair is constantly pulled.
