Gradual tans; they’re not given the credit they deserve. But if you’re looking to add a bit of a glow to your look this Spring, but don’t want to go overboard, here’s how to apply gradual tans perfectly.
What are gradual tanners?
Gradual tanners are the love child of your regular fake tan and moisturiser; and whilst they don’t always offer the same instant colour as regular self tanners, gradual tans are perfect for those who want to quickly apply their tan without worrying about uneven colour or streaks.
How to apply gradual tan
Applying gradual tan is super easy, and unlike normal fake tans, you don’t have the same worry that you’ll wake up looking like you’re ready for a shift at the Chocolate Factory.
To apply gradual tan:
- Shower and exfoliate your skin – paying careful attention to your knees, elbows and any areas of dry skin.
- Using a fake tan mitt, apply blobs of gradual tan and apply them to your skin using circular motions.
- Allow to dry thoroughly, and avoid light coloured clothing for at least 8 hours, or until your next shower.
- Apply daily until you reach the perfect glow.
- Moisture daily to keep your tan looking beautiful.
Will it transfer?
Whilst gradual tan doesn’t ‘rub off’ in the same way their fake tan counterparts tend to, they can leave a 5 O’clock shadow on your clothes – so I wouldn’t risk it!
Always allow your gradual tan to dry for five minutes, or until dry to touch, before putting your clothes on, and avoid wearing anything white until you shower in around 4-8 hours.
How long does it take?
The best gradual tans tend to take around 4-8 hours to fully develop, and they always look more natural, (and streak-free) after a shower.
But, for optimum results, gradual tan is typically applied daily in order to build that perfectly sunkissed glow. So, if you have an event on Saturday you want to be a bronzed goddess for, I’d recommend starting to build your gradual tan from Wednesday.
What’s the best gradual tan?
As with any skincare product, the best gradual tan wont be the same for every person. With that said, not all gradual tans are made equal – so, our team have been trialling some of the biggest names on the market, to see which gradual tan is best. Here are some of our favourites:
Skinny Tan gradual mousse: £19.99
Made with 95% naturally derived ingredients this whipped coconut moisturising body mousse has just enough natural dha to give you that day in the sun glow that you can build gradually to your preferred level. Perfect for first time tanners or those who just want to take the edge off their pale winter skin without looking too tanned.
BODY SPA face and body bronzer: £36
This face and body gradual tan uses natural sugar protein, helping it develop into a beautiful golden shade with light shimmer that evens skin tone and offers the bonus of disguising skin imperfections. This is by far one of the best gradual tans on the market as far as colour development is concerned, but it can feel quite tacky for a long time after application – so if you’re planning on applying it before bed, you might can to get a fake tan onesie to sleep in.
NYK1 Tan Force Tan Invisible Body And Face Tanning Foam Mousse: £24.95
This is an amazingly quick, and easy to apply, natural streak-free gradual tan. Tan Force’s clear foam means, unlike it’s mousee counterparts, it doesn’t ruin your bedsheets! Also, with a low-foaming formula, it doesn’t dry your skin out either.
Palmer’s Coconut Oil ‘Natural Bronze’ Body Lotion: £5.99
Palmer’s range of gradual tanners are by far the best smelling on the market! With their iconic coconut scent, that will transport you back to your last holiday, the gradual tanning body lotions are suitable for all skin types, naturally building a sun-kissed glow over a few days.
BOOST Gradual Tanner: £29.99
With a colour and texture reminiscent of the old school Rimmel Sun Shimmer that plagued so many of us in the early noughties, we were a bit nervous to try BOOST gradual tan – BUT we couldn’t have been more wrong. This doesn’t stay tacky for too long, and give a gorgeous glow within just one application.
Just a group of real women dealing with life’s daily struggles! Want to write for us? Email: hello@thedailystruggle.co.uk
