We Voted On Our Favourite Face Tans - This Is The Shortlist
Jo is a former Adore Beauty staffer and qualified dermal therapist with over decade of experience in the beauty industry.
She co-hosted our award-winning podcast Beauty IQ Uncensored for 4 years, interviewing names like Caroline Hirons, Katie Jane Hughes and Chris Appleton to name a few.
When it comes to tanning my face, I do not eff around. As someone with dark European features, a very Irish skin tone, and an aversion to sun exposure, face tan is an absolute necessity for me.
In the search for a bronzey, glowing complexion, I've found myself dealing with a number of tan-related allergic reactions, so with the help of my tan-loving colleagues, I have put together a specific list of face tans that we love. Please don't use your body fake tan on your face. Please.
Listen to our podcast episode about fake tanning here.
Are You Making These Face Tan Mistakes?
If you're reading this article, likelihood is you've experienced a fake tan disaster. I've had my fair share of patchy feet, orange hands, and scaly legs. In fact, for a period of time as a teenager, I insisted on just applying dark tan to my legs and not to the rest of my body. Don't ask me why, I still don't know.
But some mistakes can be avoided, so let's tackle some of the most common mistakes you might be making when it comes to tanning your face.
1) Not prepping your skin properly
Much like you would with you body, exfoliating prior to tanning is important to achieve a non-patchy finish. I recommend using a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant on your face the night before your tan, which should give you a really even, natural-looking finish.
2) Forgetting your ears, hairline and neck
Nothing highlights a fake tan more than the areas you've missed. Make sure you blend your tan onto your ears, down your neck to match your body, and most importantly, into your hairline.
3) Using a formula that's too dark for you
An ultra-dark tan on very fair skin usually isn't the most flattering option, nor will it look natural on your skin tone. My preference is to opt for light or gradual face tans so I can customise the depth of my tan in line with how dark my body is.
The Products That Made Our Shortlist:
Now, this isn't to say we don't love all the other face tans, these are just the faves of some of our most tan-obsessed staffers.
Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self Tan Serum
With more of a focus on beneficial skincare ingredients than fake tan, this hydrating serum contains a bunch of antioxidant-rich extracts, hyaluronic acid and just the right amount of tannings actives to give a gradual and natural glow to the skin. Perfect for those who don't want a super deep tan, but rather a subtle tint.
Eco Tan Organic Face Tan Water
Another gradual formula, but this time with more of a toner consistency. This ultra-lightweight formula made with natural and organic ingredients adds a beautiful buildable glow. It contains anti-ageing ingredients and won't clog pores so it's a good option for acne-prone skin types.
Loving Tan Deluxe Face Tan
Available in both medium and dark shades, this instant face tanner uses advanced colour-guide technology to guarantee a streak-free, sun-kissed finish. While it does offer a deeper result than the two recommendations above, it can also be built into a deeper tan by reapplying daily. This formula also contains coffee seed extract to revitalise your skin and banish dullness.
TAN-LUXE THE FACE
This product is a tanning concentrate that transforms any moisturiser, serum, or face oil into a custom self-tanner. The more drops you add, the richer the glow! We recommend starting with 1-4 drops to discover your perfect ratio. This formula contains skin boosting and smoothing properties of Raspberry Seed Oil, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera - oh, and it doesn't smell!
