It’s going to be a hot summer. Sticky nights call for Frosé, pokey-tongues and a whole lotta’ skin. Translation? Time to bronze up, beauties.
But for those with milky complexions or simply the summery burden of UVA, UVB and now infrared (IR), faux is the only way to go.
From sticks to sprays, we have rounded up the best bronzers of the bunch, so you can fake bake sans those streaky limbs and oompa-loompa hands. Short skirts and Pina Coladas here we come.
The Face Bronzer
Benefit Dew The Hoola Liquid Bronzer
Yes. Yes. Yes. Slather on this creamy, golden stuff and you’ll look like you’ve just hopped off the plane from Hawaii. Beautifully brown and matte, it melts into the skin for a bronzed, super soft finish on its own, or is the perfect under-the-foundation base, blending seamlessly. And did we mention it smells like a holiday-spiked tipple – coconut anyone?
The Powder Bronzer
Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer
Powder Bronzers often feel compelled to be glittery disco balls upon application, but not this one. Silky, natural-looking and most importantly shine-free (hooray!), it has a unique oil-control complex which keeps the gleam at bay. Dust across face, shoulders and décolletage; this little compact is your go-to when you don’t want heavy makeup but want to look like you’ve spent hours lolloping on the rocks at Bronte. It goes on beautifully smoothly too, perfect for a quick beach-to-bar touch up.
The Tan Stick
Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick in Ibiza
Jet off to Ibiza with one (or two) swipes of Charlotte’s famous Beach Stick. Smear and blend across the forehead and cheeks for instant I’m-on-a-holiday vibes. This creamy, plumping, illuminating summer-cheat is an insider must, and all shades were inspired by Charlotte’s Kate Moss shoot for Vogue on the island.
The Tan Pads
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads
Be a little ray of sunshine with these super easy, cult tan wipes. They come in both a variation for face and body, and not only give you a glow, but are anti-ageing, exfoliating and packed with Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids, plus contain active Vitamin D (the sun vitamin) – so it’s like a little slice of sun in every packet. Simply swipe away with this pre-soaked towelette for a streak-free finish. Did we mention they were easy?
The Tanning Oil
St Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil
With limbs that look to be dipped in honey, this is the slick of the bunch. Masters of the tan, St Tropez’s Luxe Dry Oil is perfect for luminous limbs that smack of the sun (without it). Luxurious, non-greasy and moisturising for up to seven days, this beautifully fragranced dry oil is tanning indulgence at its best.
The Tan Tool
ModelCo Self-Tan Back Application
Um, hello self-tan heaven. The biggest conundrum when it comes to at-home tanning is your back, so much so, that many of us opt for a salon trip because it’s all just too damn hard. This little tool has just come to your hard-to-reach rescue, making sure there’s a tan party at the back too. Reusable and easy to use, this velvety-smooth applicator works with any mousse, cream or mist, for even, effortless coverage (without hand stains!). They aren’t the tanning pioneers for nothing.
The Tanning Mousse
The Base by Lara Bingle Instant Tan Mousse
Your tanning prescription reads as follows: The Base by Lara Bingle. Smother this fluffy, foamy, bronze-y mousse from tip-to-toe for a long-lasting, streak-free finish. For the ultimate bronzed Lara vibes (Sam Worthington not included).
The Tan in a Can
The tan in a can is for those of us who are not quite coordinated with mitt and mousse in hand, and find the freehand of a spray just that little bit easier. Bondi Sands has a super fine mist for even distribution, a rich olive colour, instant bronzers (so you can see exactly where you’re spraying) and is spiked with a coconut scent.
The Wash Off Tan
Le Tan Coconut Water Instant Wash Off Tanning Spray
A few sprays of this and you look like you’ve just stepped out of the salon with a spray tan. Transfer resistant and perfect for those last-minute sh*t moments, the best part is you can see exactly when you’re spraying it, so if you mess up, simply wash off and start again. Tanning-commitment-phobes, can we get a hell yeah?
