Self tanner / fake tan novice - what would you recommend?

[way2serious]

I would like to start using something to add a bit of summer colour to my legs, arms, face, etc. I have used Johnson's Holiday self tanner in the past but have never used a fake tanning product. I know there have porbably been lots of threads about this but which products would you recommend?

Thanks

Will bump and watch with interest.

I'm using garnier gradual tan, also tried st moritz and st tropez... I'm obviously needing more practice as toes did not look too good on day 2!

Also find that tan plus trainer socks when exercising = tide mark.
Again not a good look!

Should have said, garnier on arms looked good.
It was foot area that snookered me!

Ldn skins is fab. You can only buy it online. It's a bit pricey but really natural looking

St Tropez gradual tanner.....doesn't stink, isn't sticky, not cheap but worth it

A second vote for the St Tropez gradual tanner.

I've read a couple of reviews for Sunkissed Gradual Tanner

www.bankfashion.co.uk/product/sunkissed-gradual-tanning-lotion/024189/?cm_mmc=googleshop--PPC--Google-_-keyword&aid=1100&source=plusbox&keyword_id&remote_ad_id&matchtype&keyword=&gclid=CKu13Ym7x7cCFfMctAod6R8AQQ

I've seen it in the likes of Bodycare, Savers and Semi Chem. Supposed to smell lovely too, like cococnuts.

I have never had a fake tan that didn't streak - including the st trop one.

I use the Fake Bake body tint - it is brilliant but does wash off. Very quick to apply and totally not streaky.

st moriz is very good, very dark and looks great for a couple of days but IME does not fade very well, ie patchy

the best i have ever tried (and i have tried many....) is the boots soltan aerosol one

its a lovely colour and fades AMAZINGLY, just like a real tan would. it dries really quickly and even smells nice when you put it on.

I would definitely say go with spray-on, over creams or 'gradual tan' moisturisers, as it goes on much lighter and you avoid yellow cuticles. Spray it on in the shower (after washing, exfoliating and drying, before moisturising) and don't spray your feet - enough will fall on them naturally, so spraying them too will make them orange!

Also, you will get yellow toenails, so time to break out the nail varnish if you haven't already.

Never tried the more pricey brands, but have done fine with both L'Oreal and Garnier (L'Oreal smells a bit less 'fake-tan').

Xen Tan is really good. Lovely colour (not oomph-loompa-like), smells nice and lasts ages. It is one of those ones which you put on, leave and then wash off later (or you look like you've rolled in mud) so not for all situations but is definitely the best I've tried by a long way.

oompa-loompah, loompah-de-do...

make sure you use old towels and sheets after spray tanning, remember the stuff stinks and it ALWAYS looks fake. (ghastly confession) I watch Holby City and the character with the fake tan is always having the piss taken. Even with the best efforts of TV makeup she looks silly. Hope they pay the actress well!

Life is a bit short IMHO. how about going outside wearing some sunscreen? Cheaper too... Not advocating sunbathing, just a bit of fresh air.

I buy the St Tropez intense for my body.

It goes on like a dream, doesn't streak and only needs the one application,I'm pale skinned but it looks natural and not orange.

Lancome Flash bronzer for face.

I would like a very pale one just for legs to take off the bluey whiteness?

I use this one and it's brilliant. I've had several people comment how well the tan comes out. Just be a bit careful of your feet when your misting your whole body as that's where it all settles.

I use dove or garnier's gradual tan/moisturisers and both area great. I tend to just use a little on my face during winter months to give me a boost and it blends really well (no tide marks). I used it on chest and legs recently for a night out and it also looked great- just need to exfoliate well first (the only bit I didn't came out a bit patchy). As long as you apply it gently and evenly and wash your hands after, its' fine!

secret - there this works leg stuff which my friend has and I tried out - it's awesome. It makes you legs look glowy with more even skintone, but it isn't cheap and it's not a fake tan, more a thing you slap on on top of moisturiser.

Really silly question, but I take it you need to put it on your neck too?

What if it streaks and look silly? is an instant tan better so you can see the bits you have missed?

sam yes put it on your neck too, just gently mist your entire body with a spray one - make sure you remember under your arms (it's the bit I usually miss)

I use the light version of the one I buy. Do one spray and then let it develop over night. If I feel I need a top up you just spray another layer on.

I always apply moisturiser first, then use a tanning mitt, this stops all streaks, used to use boots own brand, but the have changed it to include a shimmer, not very natural looking now!!

VIDA LIBERATA!!!! Honestly, I can't recommend it highly enough. It's organic, doesn't smell at all and lasts for ages. I am very pale and use it on my face every couple of days, it lasts forever, I am still on last Summer's bottle... I use the darkest one and sometimes put two layers on if I want to look nicely tanned, it is tinted too so easier to avoid smears. Fake tan mits are great too if you are doing your body, no orange palms and a very even finish.

My favourite tip - for a really natural finish, wear old sandals when applying, so that you get sandal marks on your feet. Looks totally natural, 'cause (so the reverse logic goes) no-one would fake that, so therefore it seems to be a real tan!!

Exfoliate with "scrubby gloves" first, moisturise knees and ankles and heels and toes then apply Vita Liberata with a tanning mitt (loads in £ shops)
I don't fake-tan anywhere else, but this stuff is lovely, can recommend it. Like RaggleTaggleTick I am still on last year's bottle!

Famous Dave is the way forwards! Doesn't come off on clothes or bedding, and choices from a build up one to fair skin one to full on bronze (haven't tried the last one as m super pale)

It makes me look normal coloured and thus able to get legs out, rather than brown by most people's standards, which I am very happy with. I am naturally an attractive greyish white shade.

I use the boots number 7 spray on one, I've honestly never gone wrong with it (inevitable I will next time now!). It is a bit whiffy, but better than a lot of them.

Palmers Cocoa Butter with gradual tan is great IMO - Cheap, smells fab and good for your skin too (and any impending stretch marks (I'm 19 + 4))