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6 innovative ways to fake tan this winter

The Innovative Tanning Products To Try This Winter

And there’s not a mousse or mitt in sight

By Iantha Yu

Beauty Crew Beauty Editor / August 14 2018

There’s no doubt about it: we’re well and truly in the thick of winter. But the lack of sunshine doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice a bronzed glow. Make your fake tanning routine a top priority. But rather than your regular mousse and mitt combo, we think these seriously cool tanning formulas - in the forms of gels, mists and wipes - are worth reaching for this winter. Why? Because they’re so easy to apply you won’t be left standing outside your shower, in the cold, naked, for too long. Here are our favourite fake tan products for winter.

If you want a dramatic colour pay-off

Good news… James Read has launched a more intense version of his iconic Sleep Mask Tan Body in the form of James Read Self Mask Tan Go Darker Body. There is so much to love about this product: the formula is gel-based, transparent and quick-drying (which means you can get dressed quickly after applying it without having to worry about staining your clothes), there’s no dreaded fake tan smell, and it’s perfect for medium skin tones. It’s a clear winner for us.

If you want to treat yourself

Could CHANEL L’eau Tan be the most luxurious tanning product on the market? We definitely think so. Not only is the formula lightly scented with CHANEL’s No. 5 L’eau scent, which carries notes like lemon, jasmine, rose and musk, but it feels really lightweight and is easily absorbed by skin so you won’t feel like you have to “dry off” after applying it. This multitasker is bound to be on high rotation this winter.

If you want a customisable colour

One of our favourite ways to fake tan is with self-tanning drops, which allow you to control exactly how dark you want to go, plus they can be added to your regular face or body lotion. Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops are a top choice as the raspberry seed oil and vitamin E-based formula nourishes (which is a godsend for parched winter skin), and it’s conveniently packaged in a dropper bottle that also looks pretty in your beauty kit. But be warned: its cult status means it often sells out quick. We also like Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Body for its jumbo size. Add two drops to your body cream to transform it into a gradual tanning formula, or add up to five drops for a more immediate, intense colour.

If you want an instant hit of colour

The new Bondi Sands One Day Tan in Shimmer can boost the colour of your skin last-minute, but it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. Loaded with lots (and lots and lots!) of tiny particles of glitter, this product instantly makes skin look dewy and illuminated, which is perfect for areas like collarbones and legs if you’re daring to bare all this cool season. The caramel-coloured formula can also be used on your face as a bronzer - just apply a few drops onto your fingers or a sponge, and blend it out with light tapping motions.

Kate Somerville Somerville360 Body Self Tan Towelettes

If you want a travel-friendly option

Instead of taking a gradual tanning lotion with you on holidays, go with a more convenient option like Kate Somerville Somerville360 Body Self Tan Towelettes. These wipes are soaked with a see-through tanning formula that darkens your skin gradually for a really believable-looking glow.

Heading overseas? Then you’re going to want to check out these five beauty products that help you to pack smarter.

What’s your favourite fake tan at the moment, and why? Let us know in the comments below.

Main image credit: Sevak Babakhani

Iantha Yu

Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.