Choosing the Right Fake Tan for Your Skin Tone | Way to Beauty
Fake tan disasters are a common joke on most sitcoms and romcoms (Ross from Friends or Anne Hathaway in Bride Wars might spring to mind), and these extreme ‘horror stories’ are almost enough to put anyone off adding an extra glow!
But fear not! This guide will take you through how to get a streak-free, natural-looking tan by discussing:
- Why fake tan is better than real tan?
- What are the differences between the different fake tans?
- How to choose the best fake tan shade for your skin tone?
So, let’s get glowing!
Why is fake tan better than a real tan?
Summers are only getting hotter in the UK, with record highs being reached in 2023, and getting the perfect tan, along with finding a beer garden with available seats, ranked pretty highly on most people’s to-do lists.
There are several myths surrounding natural tanning, including: darker coloured skin tones don’t need to use suncream (false), tanning is necessary for vitamin D (again, false), and only UVB rays are harmless (sensing a theme? It’s also false).
Another falsehood is that tanning is safe, so long as you don’t burn. Tanning can cause photoaging and predispose your skin to skin cancer.
The fact of the matter is that tanning is never safe and there is no good reason to be exposing your skin to the sun without protection.
If you really want to colour your skin, using fake tan is the best and safest way to do so (just make sure you still add suncream before you leave the house!)
What are the differences between the different fake tans?
Variety is the spice of life as they say, but sometimes it helps to have a little insider info.
With so many options, choosing the right tanning product can be tricky, so let’s break it down:
Usually a viscous fluid, tanning lotion is smooth and hydrating.
Best applied with a tanning mitt for large coverage areas it can usually be used on both the body and the face and is suitable for all skin types. You may need a bit of practice though!
Lightweight and moisturising, a little squoosh goes a long way!
One of the easiest methods to apply tan, it dries quickly and is best for normal to oily skin.
Also known as tanning mist, tanning water is clear, with a more lightweight formula than lotions and mousses and are very hydrating.
Way to Beauty’s Coconut Tanning Water smells delicious, with no traditional biscuit tan smell.
How to choose the best fake tan shade for your skin tone?
Going back to thinking of fake tan disasters, most of these involve going too dark, or using an orange-toned tan (Oompa Loompa vibes anyone?).
We’ve broken this list down into three main tan colours to help you find your perfect shade.
Usually the lightest shade, medium tan is great for people with very fair skin, freckles, light eyes and usually burn, who are looking for a subtle, sun-kissed glow.
Medium tans usually have a lower DHA percentage, between 6% and 10%.
Ironically the middle ground of tanning shade, dark tan is a great choice for those with a light olive or golden complexion, darker hair, and tan easily.
Dark fake tans usually have a DHA percentage between 10% and 14%.
The darkest shade of tan available, ultra dark, is for those beauties who have olive or caramel skin, dark eyes, and dark hair, who rarely burn, and whose skin darkens easily.
Ultra dark tan is usually around 14-16% DHA, however, there are regulations surrounding the sale of these products in the EU and Northern Ireland as they cannot be purchased in these locations.
In conclusion, fake tan offers a safer alternative to natural tanning, which can cause damage to the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
With the increasing heat of summers and the desire for a tan, opting for fake tan becomes even more important.
Understanding the differences between various fake tans can help you make the right choice.
Tanning lotions are smooth and hydrating, suitable for all skin types.
Tanning mousses are lightweight, moisturizing, and quick-drying, making them ideal for normal to oily skin.
Tanning waters or mists have a lightweight formula and provide hydration without the traditional tan smell.
When selecting the best fake tan shade for your skin tone, it's important to avoid going too dark or using orange-toned tans that may result in an unnatural appearance.
For those with fair skin, freckles, and a tendency to burn, medium tans offer a subtle, sun-kissed glow.
Dark tans are suitable for individuals with light olive or golden complexions, while ultra-dark tans cater to those with olive or caramel skin tones.
Find your ideal fake tan shade! Shop our self-tan collection for a flawless match.
TL;DR:
- Achieving a natural-looking tan is possible with the right fake tan for your skin tone.
- Fake tan is a safer alternative to sun tanning, which can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Understanding the differences between tanning lotions, mousses, and waters can help you choose the right product.
- Tanning lotions are hydrating and suitable for all skin types, while mousses are lightweight and quick-drying, ideal for normal to oily skin.
- Tanning waters have a lightweight formula and no traditional tan smell.
- When selecting a shade, avoid going too dark or using orange-toned tans.
- Medium tans suit fair skin, freckles, and a tendency to burn. Dark tans work well for light olive or golden complexions, while ultra-dark tans are for olive or caramel skin tones.