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 THE HOLY GRILL
THE SEARCH FOR THE ULTIMATE TAN
Given the choice most Irish women would probably choose the perfect tan over the perfect man. But neither search is ever easy. myDEBS comes to the rescue with the low-down on self-tanning and salon treatments, as well as tips for preparation and application.
TOP TANS - TRIED AND TESTED
Part 1 - DIY
 Lancome Flash Bronzer Mousse
Popular among most hard-core tanners this flash bronzer is user friendly, has a lovely creamy texture and a bottle of the condensed mousse lasts for ages. It goes on smoothly and gives a golden colour ideal for fairer skin. The tinted mousse gives immediate colour but it has a strong smell while developing. On the downside, it fades significantly after showering so you may need to apply a second layer. Also, Lancome’s Flash Bronzer Leg Gel is light, easy to use and can be applied all over. It leaves a light shimmer on the skin that is perfect for a dressy occasion.
Mousse from €24.50, Leg Gel from €24.50
Clinique Self-Tanning Mousse
Darker than the Lancome mousse, and with a more watery texture, this tanning mousse gets my vote. Despite the bizarre coffee smell on initial application, it doesn’t have the trademark fake tan stench on developing. It gives an instant colour and is dark enough to see exactly where you are applying it. The bottle really lasts and it works well on legs, giving a natural even colour. One thing to note – you have to blend fast as it dries very quickly.
From €22
St Tropez Whipped Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion
St Tropez fans are die-hard and won’t hear tell of criticism. However, this lotion is quite pricey and too heavy for the face. The St Tropez lotion is applied thick and dark at night before you go to bed and washed off in the morning. On the right skin tones it leaves a natural golden colour. But on fairer skin it can leave a yellow hue. A pack contains an exfoliator, moisturiser and enough tan for one full body application. It lasts up to five days (users swear by the St Tropez brand moisturiser to increase its staying power) and it is one of the less stinky fake tans. Don’t be alarmed by the initial dark colour – this is not an indication of the colour after it develops.
From €27.50
 L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gel
This is relatively new on the market and has already gained quite a fan-base. It is a lightly tinted gel with an inoffensive smell that dries quickly and gives a natural golden glow. I really liked this product – it definitely gets the myDebs seal of approval. It was quite clean and easy to apply – what more can a tan-seeking girl ask for? It contains some alpha hydroxy whats-its, which basically means that it exfoliates while it tans for smoother skin. Exciting stuff!
From €16.99
Johnson's Holiday Skin Body Lotion
Johnson's have added a small amount of tanning ingredient to their body lotion so that it gradually builds a “beautiful, light and even looking tan”. And Irish women are lapping it up with waiting lists in Cork and Galway! Used every day, just like a body lotion, it builds a gradual tan – no waking up looking tango-ed with this one. It takes about three days to notice a difference but it’s streak free and it’s cheap – so get thee on a waiting list! A note to carefree users – although it is not strictly speaking a ‘fake tan’ you still have to use it with respect and all the usual “wash your hands, careful on the knees and elbows” rules apply.
Fake Bake Tanning Lotion
The future is bright girls and the future is Fake Bake. Straight from the St Tropez school of ‘sleep in, wash off’ fake tan comes another tanning product with impressive results. Pricey but foolproof – you can lash on the dark heavy lotion thickly (careful of elbows and knees of course!) and then wash it all off for a fantastic tan. A complete set comprises the tan, an exfoliator, a moisturiser, application gloves and a buffer mitt. But bear in mind you could buy just the products you need, separately, at a cheaper price.
L'Oréal Sublime Bronze Multi-Position Anti-Streaking Self-Tanning Spray
L’Oreal have gone all out to reassure us with the title of their self-tanning spray. The big sell for this one is that the spray applicator allows you to reach the parts that most fake tans cannot. But the problem with sprays is that the light texture makes it difficult to control the colour and the coverage. Be sure to wear a shower cap if you've got long hair. Done carefully, this spray gives a natural even colour. And you can do your own back – hurrah!
From €12.99
Boots No. 7 Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion
Devoted followers of Boots No 7 have been using this tanning lotion for years and are reluctant to move away from it. It comes in a variety of shades and has only the faintest whiff of fake tan. It comes up after a couple of hours but some may find that two applications are necessary. Luckily, a couple of test runs before your big night won’t break the bank with this product. It can also be used on the face and it wears off very naturally with no weird patches on the skin.
From €14
BEST FOR FACE
Sisley Self-Tanning Face Gel
This Sisley gel boasts one surprisingly uncommon feature among fake tans – it is available in two shades. With one formula for fair skin and another for dark, it makes a nice departure from the usual ‘one shade suits all’ world of self-tanning. More of a light cream than a gel, it works quickly and can even be applied in the morning before getting dressed. It is moisturising and gives the skin a healthy glow. Its pleasant smell is another important feature for facial tanners – no fake tan stench when he leans in for the big kiss! The only drawback is the hefty price.
From 61.19
An effective pocket-friendly alternative is the Lancome Flash Bronzer Tanning Face Gel.
From €25
ONE-NIGHT TANS
Rimmel Sun Shimmer
This tends to be favoured by those who still fear self-tanners and possible streakiness. (C’mon girls, experiment – streaks, unlike puppies, ain’t for life!) A major benefit is that it washes off when Cinderella comes home from the ball, with no telltale streaks or patches as your tan fades. The same self-tan rules apply with wash-off versions – exfoliate and moisturise.
From €7
 Sally Hansen’s Airbrush Legs
Although new to the Irish market, American women have been keeping this one a secret for years! The aerosol spray formula gives instant colour and coverage. Used by the dancers and showgirls in Las Vegas as an alternative to tights, it sprays on, sets in 60 seconds and washes off easily. And it can be used all over for an instant golden glow.
From €16
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