beauty
Still haunted by those orange, streaky, biscuity self-tan disasters of the past? Lay those demons to rest with the newest innovations, tested by Team Stylist
words: LUCY PARTINGTON
Photography: HARRY PEDERSEN
Self-tan sceptics, rejoice. Times have changed, and slapping on brown, gloopy liquid before a night out is no longer part of the experience. Formulas – and shade options – have improved, that distinctive smell has (mostly) gone, application techniques have evolved and tanning has morphed into an (easy-to-achieve) art form – an act of self-care that helps you feel better in both mind and body. “People want to look good and feel good, and having a glow gives you added confidence,” says celebrity tanning expert James Read. “Plus, tanning products now contain skincare benefits, so they have positive cumulative effects, too.” Social media has played a huge part in the tanning revival. From Isle Of Paradise’s Pro-Glow Spray Tan Mister, born out of a viral TikTok trend, to Utan’s sell-out freckle pen, faking it is no longer one-size-fits-all. Instead, you can customise products to suit your needs. Want to even out discolouration? There are products to do that. Can’t be bothered team put self-tan to the test to prove there really is something for everybody.
