The more that it’s drummed into us about the dangers of sun tanning, the more we are reaching for the fake tan bottle. Self-tan product manufacturing is one of beauty's fastest growing industries. Consumer awareness of the harmful effects of ultraviolet ray exposure has led to revenue in the fake tanning industry growing by 22.7 per cent per year since 2002, and that figure is projected to keep growing, according to a report by IBISWorld. But while it’s great to know that we’re becoming sun smart”, that’s only half the reason we’re reaching for the bottle. The other? Vanity, of course! And vanity doesn’t suddenly disappear along with the sun.
While fake tan is traditionally associated with the summer months, it’s also a popular product to help take the edge off white winter skin. Fake Bake Australia director Sharon Blockley reveals that while late September until end of March is the peak self-tanning season in Australia, it still remains popular through the winter months. People tend to associate fake tan with summer, however, in winter we need it more as we have little exposure to sun, making us a little ‘pasty’. No matter what we wear, it is always enhanced by gorgeous bronzed skin, with the bonus of making us feel sexy and healthy,” says Santorini Sun Organic’s brand manager Paula Theodore. skin finishing expert Tayla Brandt adds, Just because the weather is cooler, it does not mean anyone should be without a healthy bronzed glow. Maintaining a tan in winter will make you look and feel good all year round!”
Although Theodore is all for a winter tan, she warns that you shouldn’t be the same colour in winter as in summer, recommending the use of a lighter, more subtle tan in the cooler months. She also advises that winter is the perfect time to experiment with fake tans. Self tanning is extremely popular in winter, as it is much easier to experiment with DIYs when you spend most of the time rugged up. Using Gradual Tan to maintain a healthy winter glow is an easy way to escape the pale skin tones that winter can bring and leave your skin feeling moisturised all year long,” says Theodore. Blockley also recommends the use of both face and wash-off tans during winter: "People might choose a facial tanner such as Fake Bake’s Platinum Face Self-Tan through winter rather than an all-over body tan or for those special occasions, a wash-off instant tan can offer a ‘one night only’ solution if exposing those pins in a short dress!"
To get you started on your winter tanning program, we’ve taken a look at some of the natural, wash-off, customised, shimmer-infused, instant and gradual tans that will have you maintaining your summer glow throughout the cooler months.
The naturals
Santorini Sun Sunless Tanning Lotion - Delivering a salon-style tanning system using only natural and certified organic ingredients, the Sunless Tanning Lotion delivers instant long-lasting results. This lotion fades slowly over three to four days with no blotchiness or smell. It contains 85 per certified organic ingredients and includes white tea extract, almond oil, sweet orange oil and olive squalene oil.
- Delivering a natural glow with the use of 82 per cent certified organic ingredients, tan-dota not only delivers a bronzed base, but has skin-moisturising benefits through the use of aloe vera, soy bean oil, and fruit and nut extracts.
- Paraben-free and made from natural-based ingredients including sweet almond oil, soothing rosehip oil and calming orange oils, Skinfood’s Tanning Moisturiser offers skincare benefits and delivers a natural-looking tan.
The wash-offs
ONE NIGHT TAN - A luxe velvety mousse that can be applied in seconds for a deep-bronze glow that uses no self-tanning agents. With ModelCo’s One Night Tan washing off easily with soap and water, you can keep your tan looking fresh and pristine every day with no unwanted streaking and patchy residue from previous self-tans. It is packed with nourishing actives including aloe vera, shea butter and vitamin E.
- Providing an even, streak-free, natural finish, Solarium in a Bottle washes off with soap and water but won’t stain your skin or clothes. It contains shea butter, and vitamins A and E to keep skin hydrated.
Individually tailored
(Tantasia) - With unique ingredients that work with your own melanin to produce a tan that is yours alone and never looks orange, Tantasia builds over three days to a perfect colour that lasts much longer than most self-tanners. Apply once a day and watch the colour develop. Stop applying product when you get to your desired bronze colour, and simply touch up later on when the colour fades.
Xen-Tan Perfect Blend - Containing innovative state-of-the-art technology, Perfect Blend has a dual-chamber system that holds separate tan-perfecting formulas designed to work together - self-tan on one side and instant bronzer on the other. This technology allows users to choose the right colour to complement their skin tone - creating a customised tan especially for them.
Shimmy-shimmy shake
- Garnier’s first air-whipped mousse texture that melts effortlessly into the skin, this mousse has a non-drip formula that is easy to apply as the tinted texture allows you to trace the application process. With a subtle apricot fragrance and golden shimmer, this product delivers a beautiful sun-kissed effect.
- A luxurious cream-gel that bronzes fast and holds strong, yet washes off in a flash with water. Mineral pigments work to lift dull skin with a discreet gold shimmer, while plant extracts hydrate the face and body. It includes shea butter, sweet almond oil, and sweet orange, lavender and ylang ylang essences.
Light on - While it does have a Medium/Dark option, Pelactiv's Sunless Tanning Systems Mousse in Light/Medium is perfect for adding a natural glow during the winter months. A speed-dry, professionally formulated mousse developed with a unique blend of DHA, erythrulose and Biotanning technology in a rich moisturising base, this lightweight mousse offers a natural, streak-free tan that lasts for days.
The quick-movers
Brilliant Bronze Quick Self Tanning Gel (New Zealand - Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Quick Self Tanning Gel) - This gel smooths on evenly and absorbs quickly to bring out the ideal shade and depth of any skin tone in a natural way. It can be used on both the face and body and doesn’t have any unpleasant fake-tan smell.
- Super lightweight, easy-to-apply, instant drying, and delivering an ultra-even, all-over tan infused with conditioning aloe vera for a long-lasting colour, it’s little wonder the Self Tan Mousse is St. Tropez’s hero product and global best-seller. This product also features the innovative Aromaguard fragrance technology that reduces the odour of DHA by at least 70 per cent, leaving a subtle fragrance.
The slow and the steady
Fake Bake SPORT Daily Tan - A must-have for those with a dynamic and sporty regime, SPORT Daily Tan has a hydrating and moisturising lotion that firms, smooths and softens the skin whilst delivering a gradual tan. This product is infused with ingredients that work with your skin to minimise excess water loss, activate melanin production and protect the skin from external environments. Lightweight, non-greasy and suitable for both face and body, SPORT Daily Tan can be applied every day.
- A clear gradual tanning gel that develops in just four hours, this soft-touch gel formula absorbs quickly into the skin to create a streak-free, flawless tan. The gel contains vitamin E to hydrate and moisturise and is light and non-sticky.
Facing facts
Tuscan Tan Anti Age Facial Tanning Serum - Winter doesn't just bring white skin, it brings dry, ageing skin. This serum helps to build a tanned complexion, while at the same time packing a punch with anti-ageing peptides to firm and moisturise skin, and vitamins A, C and E to help protect skin.
- With a made-to-measure formula adapted for all skin tones, this product produces a natural, even and progressive tan. The Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skincare also contains plant-based ingredients to moisturise the skin and reinforce its natural defences against free radicals.