Best gradual tanner: want safe but streak-free sun-kissed skin? These gradual fake tans that do the hard work for you
FED UP of smelling like a biscuit and being covered in unsightly orange streaks? Fake tan-lovers will know these drawbacks only too well. But there are ways you can minimise that you’ve-been-tangoed look – try out our recommendations of the best gradual tanners. The best gradual tanner will alleviate PSS (that’s Pasty Skin Syndrome) by […]
FED UP of smelling like a biscuit and being covered in unsightly orange streaks?
Fake tan-lovers will know these drawbacks only too well. But there are ways you can minimise that you’ve-been-tangoed look – try out our recommendations of the best gradual tanners.
The best gradual tanner will alleviate PSS (that’s Pasty Skin Syndrome) by creating a soft golden sheen, without looking like you’ve been dipped in a vat of Ronseal.
Gradual tans are often a lot lighter and will contain less tanning agent, meaning you can build the brown to a customisable colour you’re happy with.
It also means that slightly unpleasant aroma associated with tanning is minimised and can be more easily masked with other delicious scents, like coconut.
Gradual fake tans are also brilliant for beginners – they’re not as intense and can be built upon slowly for those who are hesitant.
Anyone who wants to keep their fresh-from-holiday glow going should invest in a gradual tanner – start nighttime applications the day after you get back from the airport and you’ll supplement that daily dose of sun without anyone knowing.
Whether you’re looking for a mist, lotion, cream or serum, or for face, body, or dry skin, we’ve got the best gradual tans covered in our hotlist below. Get glowing…
Best gradual tan for face and body
This oil and lotion hybrid is an access-all-areas product that delivers a golden glow without the bad streaks and smells.
You won’t have to wait days to see any effect though, with a light colour developing in just an hour.
Apply daily like a body moisturiser until you’ve achieved the colour you’re looking for. Keep applying when you feel the need for a little tan top-up.
- TAN-LUXE The Gradual Illuminating Gradual Tan Lotion Light, £17.60 from Feel Unique – buy here
Best gradual tan for dry skin
Need to put pastiness to bed but also need to quench thirsty skin? We hear you.
This gradual tan combines nourishing oils to leave your skin radiant, illuminated, hydrated – and lightly golden.
Quick-drying, natural-looking and infused with a delicious coconut fragrance that smells good enough to eat.
Two bonuses: it’s vegan, and you can also use it on your face. Hydrate, glow and go.
- Skinny Tan Coconut Water Tanning Mist, £20.99 from Amazon – buy here
Best gradual tan for under a tenner
A gorgeous ‘glow-tion’ with change left over from a £10 note? Yes, please.
This Natio number is full of goodies to moisturise and hydrate – there’s skin-softening Vitamin E, cinnamon essential oils, and Australian tangerine – while maintaining a constant light honey-hued tan.
Use daily as your body moisturiser and boast a soft golden glow every day.
- Natio Sun-Kissed Glow Gradual Tan Lotion, £8 from Look Fantastic – buy here
Best gradual tan: Star buy
If anyone knows a thing or two about tanning, it’s the beach-loving Aussies.
But you don’t have to fly halfway across the world to get the look. The Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk gives you that sun-kissed sheen all year round.
Aloe Vera and vitamin E hydrate and nourish the skin while the gradual tan gives an instant bronze hit that develops into a deeper colour with regular use.
Throw in an on-holiday cocoa butter scent and a streak-free finish and you’re laughing.
- Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk, £11.99 from Look Fantastic – buy here
Best gradual tan for legs
Legs are notoriously the hardest place to tan, with shaving often removing colour. But, ironically, our legs are where we like to achieve the best results, especially in body-baring summertime.
But, don’t worry, perfect nut-brown pins are well within reach – you just need the right tanner. This Works Perfect Legs Gradual Tan is a gorgeous serum that gives a golden tan over time, while a subtle shimmer gives skin an instant glow-boost and soft sheen.
Use every day from Monday to Friday for lovely golden weekend-ready legs.
- This Works Perfect Legs Gradual Tan, £38 from thisworks – buy here
Best gradual tan for beginners
Get an instant moisture-surge and a buildable tan with this luxurious lotion.
Enriched with skin-nourishing elderberry seed and red algae, it offers long-lasting hydration as well as a firmness kick.
A derivative of wheat, called Vegetan, creates a natural golden tan in two to three days, and offers a nice yet slow-to-glow colour, so is good for beginners who don’t want to face an orange-y shock at any time.
Floral notes, patchouli oils and lemon also mask that distinctive tanning aroma. We love.
- Elemis Total Glow Bronzing Body Lotion, £24.95 from Amazon – buy here
MORE FROM SUN SELECTS BEAUTY
Looking for a fake tan specifically for your face? We’ve rounded up the best fake tan for your face, right here!
For more gorgeous beauty recommendations, check out our Sun Selects Beauty page.
We’ve designed Sun Selects to help you find everything you need at the best prices. Click the link to find more of our top picks.
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