The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Fake Tan for Your Skin Type

1. Best Fake Tan for Fair Skin: Embrace a Subtle, Natural Glow

For those with fair or pale skin, the key to achieving a beautiful tan lies in subtlety. Opt for a light to medium self-tan mousse or gradual tanning lotion that allows you to build your colour gradually. Look for products infused with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and Glycerin, which helps prevent the tan from appearing orange and unnatural. GlowDry’s Natural Self-Tan Mousse GlowBronze is an ideal choice, offering a buildable, sun-kissed glow in 2 hours. GlowBronze’s self tan mousse utilises rinse control technology so you can easily customise the results for a light to medium fake tan to suit a paler skin tone. 

Pro-tip: Always exfoliate your skin before applying self-tan to create an even base, and ALWAYS use a tanning mitt to avoid streaks when applying it.

2. Best Fake Tan for Mature Skin: Opt for Hydration and Radiance

Mature skin often benefits from self-tanning products that provide both a sunkissed natural colour AND nourishment. As skin ages, it can become drier and less elastic, making it important to choose a product that enhances hydration and overall glow. Look for self-tanners enriched with anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which plumps and hydrates the skin, and antioxidants like Aussie Kakadu plum and Lilli Pilli, which protect against environmental damage.  A gradual tanning lotion or a self tan mousse with a rich, moisturising formula like GlowBronze is ideal for mature skin, ensuring a natural, hydrated glow.

Pro-tip: Pay special attention to areas where the skin may be thinner or more delicate, such as the neck and décolletage, and blend the product thoroughly to avoid uneven patches.

3. Best Fake Tan for Dry Skin: Prioritise Moisture-Rich Formulas

For those with dry skin, choosing a fake tan that doubles as a moisturiser is essential. Dry skin can often result in uneven application, with the fake tan formula clinging to dry patches. To combat this, opt for self-tanning gradual lotions or mousses that are infused with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, or glycerin. These formulas not only deliver a radiant tan but also nourish and soften the skin, ensuring an even and longer-lasting tan. GlowBronze self tan mousse is rich in Glycerin, providing a burst of hydration as well as being alcohol free. 

Pro Tip: Apply a light, moisturiser to particularly dry areas, such as the elbows and knees, back of the ankles before applying your fake tan to prevent the colour from over developing in those areas - this tends to happen on thicker, drier skin so do be aware!

4. Best Fake Tan for Face: Choose a Gentle, Buildable Tan

The delicate skin on the face requires a different approach when fake tanning. Opt for a face-specific fake tan that is lightweight, non-comedogenic (that won’t clog your pores), and customisable, allowing you to achieve the perfect level of glow without causing irritation or break outs. Products that contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera are particularly beneficial for the face, as they help to calm the skin while delivering a natural-looking fake tan.

Pro Tip: Consider using self tan drops. These are concentrated tanning drops and easily can be mixed with your daily moisturiser that you know and love, delivering a subtle and high moisturising glow. Be sure to blend any tan carefully around the hairline, eyebrows, and jawline to ensure the best coverage. Oh and don't forget to tan along the ears!

5. Best Fake Tan for Legs: Focus on Coverage and Longevity

When it comes to tanning your legs, you’ll want a product that offers full coverage and long-lasting results. A self tan mousse or spray tan is often the best option, as these formulas are hydrating and results are more fuller coverage. An Instant tan can also be good for the legs, providing make up like coverage and an even tan fairly quickly. 

Pro Tip: Always exfoliate before fake tanning and shave at a minimum of 24 hours before application to avoid irritation. Finish with a dusting of GlowDry Fake Tan Drying Powder to set the tan and prevent transfer onto bedding or clothing.

6. Best Fake Tan for Beginners: Start with a Gradual Glow

If you’re new to everything fake tanning, starting with a gradual tanner is a great choice. These formulas have a lower percentage of DHA (the ingredient that ultimately turns your skin brown) so they allow the tan to build slowly, reducing the risk of streaks and feeling like you’ve went too dark too quick. Gradual tanners are often infused with nourishing ingredients like oils, glycerin and skin care antioxidants that keep your skin hydrated while delivering a subtle, natural-looking colour with each application.

Pro Tip: Apply your gradual tanner as you would a regular body lotion but do ensure an even coverage ( so make sure your double check your application) and always wash your hands. Over the coming days your tan will develop and you can apply daily or every second / third day depending on the results you want to achieve. 

There you have it, your skin type and the right fake tan formula that would suit. Once mastered, this can really help you achieve the most natural fake tan that wont look fake - get ready for the compliments!!

Which is your favourite fake tan choice? Personally I love our GlowBronze mousse and we are currently working on our gradual fake tan which is working a treat as a moisturiser, gradual and tan extender. Update coming soon! 

 Let us know if we missed your skin type and we can let you know what fake tan would suit best.