5 Cover Model Approved Home Tans

Fake tans are a topic of much conversation at BUF. The crowd is split between loving them, hating them, and having varying degrees of success with actually applying them properly. What’s more, we’re not sure if donning a fake glow makes us feel good enough to bother using up a few precious hours of our busy lives to apply and dry them. Hmm. All the big issues covered here girls!

Here’s where the newest addition to our BUF training team, Lacey Lopez comes into the equation. She might be a super sporty girl, but Lacey also happens to be a model and Shape Magazine cover girl, a pro tan artist, massage and beauty therapist, as well as a skin health expert. Talk about a woman of many talents!

 

 

 

So as we finally come to grips with the fact our summer tans have faded for good and acknowledge how jealous we are of our sisters on the other side of the world who are enjoying summer right now, we figured there was no better person to ask about getting our best DIY fake glow on.

Here are Lacey’s top 5 home tanners, her pro tips on how to apply them and what makes them worth the application effort!

 

Bondi Sands (lotion)

Lacey says: I personally use this brand the most and get a lot of compliments on how consistently it applies and how natural it looks. It even passes the boyfriend smell test, which is a biggie in our household!
Smells like: Coconuts
Drying time: Just a few minutes
Leave on for this long before washing: 1-6 hours
Ease of application: 4/5
Pro tip: The product works quickly, so using the application mitt is a must if you don’t want to get the dreaded orange hands!

 

St. Tropez (mousse)

Lacey says: This one needs a little expertise when applying, as it has more of a watery consistency, but once mastered dries in minutes and gives you that “I’ve just spent a month in Europe, darling” kind of tan, like a biscuity brown.
Smells like: Fresh on application, then like most fake tans as it develops!
Drying time: 15 minutes
Leave on for this long before washing: 4-8 hours
Ease of application: 3/5 (you need to work quickly, but the light tint helps!)
Pro tip: Make sure you exfoliate thoroughly and shave before you apply the mousse to get the best finish – the smoother the surface, the better with a mousse tanning product.

The Bronzer Instant Tan (one-day bronzer)

Lacey says: For the tan phobic out there, or for when you’re in a last minute bronzing bind, this product is a girl’s best friend. Apply now, glow all day, wash off at night! The Bronzer is completely fragrance free and washes off in the shower.
Smells like: Fragrance free
Drying time: 60 seconds
Leave on for this long before washing: Stays put until you wash it off, anywhere between 12-24 hours
Ease of application: 5/5 (if you get it wrong, just rinse off and go again!)
Pro tip: Perfect for sensitive skins and those still learning how to apply product correctly. Consider The Bronzer kinda like the training wheels your bike used to have.

 

Eco Tan Winter Skin (gradual tanner)

Lacey says: This non toxic, certified organic and vegan tan is a must for any health nut looking for a little bronzed skin with a side of good conscience. It seems too good to be true, but let me tell you this product ticks all the boxes; it passed the boyfriend scent test, it’s non streaky, peta supported and gives the best build-your-own glow over a number of days.
Smells like: A little bit floral
Drying time: Almost instant
Leave on for this long before washing: 4-8 hours
Ease of application: 4.5/5 (it builds slowly over a number of days, so mistakes aren’t as obvious as with regular fake tans)
Pro tip: Best for fair to medium skin tones or when used to prolong a spray tan.

 

Le Tan Bronze Glow (airbrush finish)

Lacey says: For those of you wanting to try an “airbrush” finish without breaking the bank, this is your go-to. The colour is true for any skin type, just beware of the intense smell when first applied – it’s definitely whiffy!
Smells like: Like a mix of fake tan and vanilla
Drying time: A few minutes
Leave on for this long before washing: 4-6 hours (but 1-2 seems to work too!)
Ease of application: 4/5 (easy once you get the distance from your body right – don’t spray too close!)
Pro tip: Buy an extra can if you are quite tall or like your tans dark, as you may need to dip into the second to get even coverage.