There are many fake/self tans on the market and some of which are quite expensive. I guess the perception is that the better the quality of the brand, the less likely one is to get streaks and a dodgy looking colour. Well, I don’t believe that’s necessarily so,
Ingredients
All self tans will have to contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as this is the product that changes the skin colour, and whilst the skin is changing colour it gives off the characteristic unpleasant odour, reminiscent (to me anyway) of rotting mushrooms. The percentage of DHA used will determine the level of colour so slow build up one will contain very little and smell a little less, whereas a higher level one will promise a deeper, longer lasting tan and be more smell usually. Ethrylose is also sometimes used as an ingredient to compliment the action of the DHA, but doesn’t really work alone. Bronze coloured pearls are sometimes used to give a shimmery effect and these would the same as you would find in a blusher or bronzing powder, these would be the CI numbers on the ingredients list. Sometimes vanilla or caramel is added to try and mask the odour.
Lotion, Mousse or Spray?
The other ingredients used will be depending on whether it’s a lotion, mousse or spray, therefore it’s a case of trial and error to see which you find gives the best result. Lotions are fluid and they tend to run down the legs this can potentially cause streaking, mousse’s dispense a smaller amount onto the skin and it stays where applied, and they penetrate the skin quite efficiently too. Sprays give good coverage and sometimes bronzing pearls are added so you can see you have applied, sprays are probably the best for solo back applications, only problem is a bit on inhalation!
Skin Preparation
The better the condition of the skin the better the appearance of the tan as it works on the surface skin cells and if these are dry, flaky etc it will be exaggerated! So moisturise, exfoliate, scrub etc a few hours prior to application or a quick and easy way (assuming you moisturise regularly) would be to use a body brush to remove dead skin cells.
Oops!
To avoid very dark brown hands, use latex gloves, which can be purchased from any chemist, I also apply the product to my gloved back of hand to apply to hard to reach areas. Corrector wipes are very good as you never know how well you have done until the colour has fully developed.
Rating
Value for money – excellent, costs £1 from Savers
Effectiveness – does the job, non-streaky, nice even colour that will lasts about 5 days
Pampering factor – not that much, but same as other self tans
Pampering factor – not that much, but same as other self tans
Highly Reoommended
