The best fake tan products for that pre-holiday glow

For those looking for an ultra dark tan for any skin tone, this tan is the perfect choice. The violet counteracts any yellow tones, giving a deep, rich cool-toned tan that looks like you’ve basked in the Maldives for months. It fades well, and doesn’t go patchy at all, and adds a cool richness to my dark skin. A friend with olive skin also tried it and said it was the best tan. Anita Bhagwandas

Pros: It fades well and applies quickly and easily.
Cons: There is a scent, but it’s not unbearable

Created by two sisters with Caribbean heritage, this tanning brand is designed for those with dark skin tones. I used the shade Deep C60 and the lightweight mousse absorbed quickly, and the shea butter left my skin soft. I did receive comments on my “holiday glow,” and love that the website has before and after pictures to let you know what colour to choose and the result to expect. Anita Bhagwandas

Pros: It’s super hydrating, easy to use and doesn’t have a strong smell.
Cons: The shade range is limited to two shades

This self tan impressed me with its innovative tone-enhancing technology, developed for deep skin tones. The magenta base worked well on my dark South Asian skin, avoiding any orange or ashy hues and instead adding some post-winter richness to my skin. It was easy to apply in an hour, and although I’d never normally use a tanning product, it did warm up my cool-toned skin with a rich, golden tan that looked pretty natural and even. Anita Bhagwandas

Pros: Doesn’t have a strong smell, long-lasting and smart colour technology for dark skin tones.
Cons: Like all self tans, it can be patchy if not applied with a mitt/properly.

The idea of having to apply tanning mousse, leave it on while I try to avoid transferring it onto any clothing, then showering it off, has always seemed like a bit too much admin for me, and I usually opt for a gradual tan. So I had my reservations before trying the St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse. But this tan definitely surprised me. The mitt helps ensure streak-free application, and I was impressed by how quickly it dried so I could tackle some chores without worrying about rubbing fake tan onto furniture or clothing. I only left it on for an hour and had a slight glow, but I’ll be leaving it on for closer to the three-hour mark in future to hopefully get a deeper tan. Olivia Morelli

Pros: no classic fake tan smell, and its fast-drying
Cons: much more time consuming than gradual moisturiser tan or instant tan

I’m usually a gradual tan girlie, preferring a buildable, serum-like formula that it’s hard to mess up. So when I worked up the courage to try the Cocoa Brown 1 Hour tan, I was apprehensive. The guide colour was helpful in making sure I didn’t miss any spots, and it didn’t have a strong, infamous ‘fake tan smell’, which I was pleasantly surprised by. The mousse dried quickly, meaning my clothes remained stain-free. Washing it off, I found a few streaks around my knees, but this could have been user error as much as anything. The resulting colour was natural and deep, giving that ‘lying in the sun’ glow. Sarah James

Pros: great colour, doesn’t transfer
Cons: a wash-off mousse wouldn’t be my first choice to recommend to self-tan beginners

I'm a sucker for good packaging, and this brand definitely delivers on that front. Better yet, the product within the packaging is one of the most sophisticated fake tans I've tried. It applies like a hydrating, not-too-heavy moisturiser, to be used overnight so you wake up with a subtle glow. I would say that it is definitely subtle (I'm a fan of darker self tan products) but it's great for those wanting a colour boost without any fear of going too far. Olivia Morelli

Pros: Easy to use, hydrating and subtle
Cons: Expensive

Fake tan is not something I have a great track record with, and I tend to find staying away altogether the safer option, but the James Read tinted tan drops are pretty much foolproof. I love that there’s no need to add an extra step into my (very brief) beauty routine, and that I can simply add a few squeezes of the pipette into my moisturiser. The result is beautifully subtle and – crucially – my eyebrows have stayed the same colour as they always were, and my hands remain un-stained. I’m absolutely going to be continuing to use this product. Sarah Bannerman

Pros: Subtle and natural enough to use all year round
Cons: Not one for those looking for a deep face tan

I must admit – this was my first time using fake tan and I was nervous. I was certain I would turn out walking around looking like a Calippo. The bottle is somewhat magical with a pearly-like pigment that helps to create a luminous glow. I exfoliated the day before and moisturised any areas prone to getting dry before starting. I found the application relatively easy – two pumps onto a tanning mitt, sweeping motions, and no need to rinse off. I woke up the next morning with a noticeable glow – some streaks – but ultimately, that was due to my general lack of application ability. Overall, I was really happy with the product and would recommend it for first-timers or experienced fake tanners. Amber Port

Pros: easy to apply and didn't have a bad scent
Cons: didn't come with a mitt

As mid-price range self tan products go, I do think Bondi Sands are consistent in their delivery. There’s no giveaway biscuity smell to this product, and the end result was ultimately what I was seeking – a light, golden glow that could definitely pass as a naturally sun-kissed look. However, I would warn there was some tan transfer on my white sheets overnight (a risky move, I know) and the results didn’t feel super long-lasting. Lucy Bruton

Pros: Easy application and natural looking results
Cons: Tan transfer and definitely on the “light” side of “light/medium”

As a reasonably seasoned at-home tanner, on first application of this foam I did do a bit of a double take due to the greyish/blue colour of the foam on my skin. The cool “sapphire” tones are supposed to combat any orange hues you might experience. As a perpetually busy person (aka a disorganised millennial with a habit for over-committing to social plans) I am always on the hunt for on-the-go or “express” products, so thought this would definitely be a winner for me. And while it’s true there were no orange tones for the final result, the depth of the tan was a little bit lacking for me after following the proposed one hour rule. If you’re looking for a more impactful colour, I’d suggest leaving for at least two hours – although whether this still counts as “express” I'm not sure. Lucy Bruton

Pros: No orange tones
Cons: Not the most effective tan. Ended up having to leave for much longer to achieve noticeable results

If you’re looking for a luxe, sun-kissed glow this beautiful tan really delivers. The lightweight, gel texture glides on effortlessly and absorbs quickly, leaving no sticky residue, perfect for those who dislike heavy tanning creams. The scent is fresh and sophisticated and within a few hours, my dark South Asian skin developed a hint of colour, like I'd been gently warmed by the sun. Anita Bhagwandas

Pros: Smells lovely and has a beautiful texture
Cons: Subtle on dark skin, so better for lighter skin tones, but does add a gentle glow

I love this product. The packaging is classic Charlotte Tilbury, sleek and pretty with a gold screw pipette lid. It’s easy to use – the instructions say it can be applied under, mixed with or on top of a moisturiser – and dries quickly, so you can apply make up on top without any pilling or stickiness. It does take a while to develop (the bottle says six-eight hours), but it lasts a couple of days. Olivia Morelli

Pros: long lasting
Cons: takes a while to develop

For me, a little weekly or bi-weekly tan boost is the quickest fix to hide tired skin and a wan complexion. And these Hello Sunday drops are an easy way to achieve that skin pick-me-up without taking extra time in my skincare or makeup routine. The potency of the drops is on the softer side; however, Hello Sunday recommends using anywhere between one and 12 drops of product (not the most helpful measuring guidance). After some trial and error testing, I've found the best results for me are after dropping around six of these into my regular daily moisturiser and rubbing in as normal, paying close attention to the neck area and being sure to blend to the décolletage. I have attempted to use more than six drops for a deeper tan, however, I would warn that this gives it quite a thick and gluey feel on the skin. Lucy Bruton

Pros: Easy and quick to apply
Cons: Can feel gluey with too many drops. Effects wear off after a couple of days.

I love Votary products – the brand’s commitment to sustainable luxury means I’m a sucker for restocking on everything from their cleansing oils to overnight masks. So I jumped at the chance to try the hyaluronic self-tan drops. Tentatively following the directions to blend two-10 drops into my serum, I applied a conservative four drops and smoothed over my face. I felt radiant and glowy without ever coming off orange, and it didn’t irritate my skin or break me out – if anything, my skin felt more hydrated than ever. Sarah James

Pros: gradual, glowy hue, natural products
Cons: those who want an instant hit of colour should opt for more drops in their serum

As someone who loves minimal effort with beauty routines, this tan-meets-moisturiser was a brilliant option. The formula is lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly, making it easy to apply like a regular body lotion. The apricot scent is a bit fruity but without being overwhelming. After a few uses, my dark south Asian skin developed a little warm and golden glow that looked natural and my skin felt hydrated, too. Anita Bhagwandas

Pros: Affordable, streak-free, gradual build-up, hydrating and natural.
Cons: May take a few applications for olive-dark skin tones.

In my 20s I was something of a self tanning pro – every Thursday evening I’d religiously slather it on in preparation for the weekend. Now in my late 30s, I’ve very much fallen out of the habit, so anything I can use that’s foolproof while still delivering results is essential. Happily, this gradual tan fits that category. I applied it with a mitt before bed, and was pleasantly surprised by how much it felt like I was just moisturising – it’s nourishing, smells super fresh and dried pretty quickly. The next day, I had a lovely glow, plus my sheets remained white! Sarah Allard

Pros: streak-free, hydrating and natural
Cons: it’s a bit on the pricey side, but it’s a big bottle so a fair amount of bang for your buck