FAKE (TAN) IT 'TIL YOU MAKE IT: A FAUX GLOW PRODUCT GUIDE
Let’s face it, everything looks better with a tan – a sunless one, of course. But with so many self-tanning products on offer, it’s easy to get a tad flustered when choosing the right fake tan for your needs. Don’t stress though babe, cause the Polly team have your back.
Whether you’re prepping for an Australian winter, jetting off on a tropical vay-cay, OR you’re one of our American babes gearing up for a US summer, we’ve got all the deets on the foolproof products that are going to get you looking like a bronzed goddess - without ever leaving the comfort of your own home.
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FOAM/MOUSSE
The most popular choice by far, self-tanning foams are great for beginners and a fave among tanning devotees. Pumping out as a fluffy brown mousse, these tanners are super easy to blend with a mitt and dry fast for the time challenged gal (no wait time in the nude!). The colour applies dark too, so you know exactly where you’ve put it for a streak-free, even application. There’s also a variety of light, medium and dark shades, as well as express 2-hour formulas, meaning there’s a product for every skin tone and time frame.
Our top tanning mousse picks:
Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse: Super natural, super easy to use AND @sammmyrobinson’s go-to
Bondi Sands Ultra Dark Self Tanning Foam: For those who want to go hard on the tanning game
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LOTION
Aussie babes heading into winter may want to opt for a moisturising tanning lotion that hydrates your skin while it tans you. Lotions are applied like, well, a lotion (duh), meaning you can rub them into your skin using your hands. Tan rookies take note though: wash your hands immediately after applying the lotion to avoid the biggest tan faux pas – orange palms. Typically, lotion tanners provide a subtler glow, with many being ‘gradual tanners’ that build your tan with each application. This makes them perfect to apply days after using a mousse as they can make that tan last way after Thursday tan night.
Tanning lotions we love:
Bondi Sands Dark Self Tanning Lotion: One application tan that can be washed off in just one hour
Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Milk: Oh so lush and perf for maintaining that colour
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INSTANT/SHIMMER
Lazy girls rejoice! The tanning gods haven’t forgotten about you, girlfriend. When you’ve gotta glow on the go, opt for an instant tan or shimmer cream. These products apply in seconds and you can simply wash them off at the end of the day/night. Most are transfer resistant so you won’t be caught dead with tan stains on your clothes (unless you get caught in a torrential down pour or something), PLUS they are perfect for covering up skin imperfections – win-win really!
Our Friday night essentials are:
Loving Tan Bronze Shimmer Luminous Cream Ultra Dark: Wear on its own or over your existing tan for those times when you just want to be a little extra
Bondi Sands Dark Wash Off Instant Tan: A flawless instant tan that dries in 60 seconds flat
Benefit Hoola Zero Tanlines Body Bronzer: Beach bod in a tube with a handy sponge applicator. #fancy
Loving Tan Ultra Dark Deluxe Body Make Up: Not a tan BUT instant airbrush body make up. WOT!
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THE EXTRAS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
Seasoned tanners know you need more than just self-tanner to achieve the perf sun kissed look. Here’s what else you need to avoid a fake tan fail:
Exfoliant gloves
No one likes a patchy tan. Try the Loving Tan Polishing & Tan Removing Glove or the Bondi Sands Dual Action Exfoliating Mitt.
Applicator mitt
Don't get us started on tan hands. Try the Loving Tan Deluxe Applicator Mitt or the Bondi Sands Self Tanning Mitt.
Back applicator
Your boyfriend will thank us for this. Try the Loving Tan Easy To Reach Back Applicator or the Bondi Sands Self Tanning Back Applicator.
Tan remover
Wednesday night tan prep has never been easier. Try the Antheia Fake Tan Remover Kit with the Antheia Liquid Micro Peel.
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SHOP ALL FAKE TAN & BODY CARE >
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