Best Fake Tan: How to Choose the Right Self-Tanner

The majority of the cases that you see of false tan failure are not due to a poor product, but rather to how you use and care for it. These are due to an imperfect match, perhaps slightly too dark for your tone, the wrong formula for your lifestyle or unprepped skin. It is useful to have an understanding of your choice between products before you compare a range of self-tanners, such as Dripping Gold self-tanner, with anything else on the shelf. This guide will explain the concept of the best fake tan, what formula suits you and the pitfalls of most bad results. 

How Does Fake Tan Work, and What Can't It Do?

The Canadian Dermatology Association says the vast majority of self-tan products contain DHA, a plant-based sugar compound, which combines with the surface of skin to produce colour. There are two practical aspects of this. The colour will keep developing over the next few hours; do not judge until the next morning, when it is ready to be used. It is also merely cosmetic: DHA will not provide your skin with sun protection, which means you should take the same precautions when you still need to be outdoors and get sun. 

Which Type of Fake Tan Formula Should You Choose?

The best self-tanning products are the ones that best fit your self-tanning level and your calendar, not the darkest shade names.

Comparing the Main Fake Tan Formats

Gradual Lotions: The Low-Risk Starting Point

Gradual tan moisturiser is the recommended starting point to ease into this area of your life.

For the best of all these, it's easy to start with a gradual tan moisturiser so that colours are small steps and you can pause when you are satisfied with the outcome. 

Mousse: Fast, Even Coverage

Self-tanning mousses are lighter and dry faster than other tanning methods, and blend easily with a mitt, for a deeper tan coloration in one application. Dripping Gold luxury mousse is in this category with its formula. Always look at the pack for shade information and development time before the first application. 

Rapid-Develop Formulas: For Short-Notice Events

If it's really a one-night turnaround you need, then an Express Tan will do; the best thing to do is to test it days before an event. Let's say that for the first time some people try a fast formula that evening before a wedding and it is not bright enough; now there is no time to adjust it. 

How to Match a Fake Tan Shade to Your Undertone

Start a Shade Lighter

Since fake tan almost always will turn darker than intended, fair skin can always start with a light colour, and then move up to a medium. 

Read Your Undertone

Cooler or pink skin will look natural with more neutral colours and not as golden brown, while warm or golden skin will benefit from warm colours and tones. 

Patch Test First, and Treat the Face Separately

It's a good idea to do a patch test 24 hours before if you're planning to try out a self-tanning product, as the preservatives and fragrances in these products can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Lighter textures tend to hold better on the face and that may be best for the serum. Express tanning serum can work on the face; everything lighter does! Follow its own timetable. 

Fake Tan Prep and Application Checklist

• Exfoliate the day before, paying special attention to elbows, knees and ankles.

• Moisturize dry areas, then leave, maybe an hour after general moisturiser to be absorbed.

• Use a mitt with long, overlapping strokes to apply.

• Use an almost dry mitt for hands, feet and hairline.

• Wash your hands immediately after.

• Allow the tan to dry thoroughly and refrain from water for the specified period of time on the label. 

Common Fake Tan Mistakes and Limitations to Know

The majority of streaks are caused by harsh hot patches, the joints becoming too smooth with a thick film, or by tanning right after undergoing a shave or wax. Of course, fake tan can wear off the first night on bed sheets; it can stain dry skin and won't provide sun protection. Do not inhale spray products or get in contact with lips and eyes. 

Final Thoughts: Choosing a Fake Tan That Suits You

There are three choices when it comes to the best fake tan: the formula, which should be a good match to your experience and timeframe; the colour, which should be a good match to your undertone; and prep, which should give the colour an even surface. After getting those sorted out, find options like LiquidTan and continue using SPF for colour 

Fake Tan Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fake tan for a natural-looking glow?

That one that matches your undertone and develops slowly over time. Most folks will use a gradual formula or a light to medium bubble or froth, applied gently to the hairline, wrists and ankles. 

What is the difference between gradual tan and instant tan?

The colour build is gradual, which allows colour errors to be avoided, as it takes days to develop colour. Instant formulas take hours to develop and typically feature a guide dye that can be washed off after which the DHA colour is left behind. They are quick-acting but sting more. 

How do you choose the right self-tanner for your skin tone?

Determine the undertone, begin a shade lighter and patch test first. The tan or olive-colored skin tones tend to hold up well to darker, plumper tones. Riches and warmer colors work well with deeper or olive skin tones. 

How long does fake tan last, and how can you make it last longer?

These last typically for 5 to 7 days (generally depending on skin and care). Moisturise daily, take short showers with lukewarm water, pat dry, do not exfoliate extensively and apply a gradual lotion every couple of days.