How To Get A Faux Sun-Kissed Glow (Without Foamy Fake Tan)

Whether you choose to shimmer, sparkle, glow or bronze your way through summer 2023, these are the formulas getting the gold star.

Those partial to a faux glow are no doubt familiar with the pitfalls of self-tanning — the biscuity scent, the streaks, the stained sheets and the problem of patchiness as the colour inevitably fades away. Those niggly — yet oddly nostalgic — issues are pretty much a thing of the past, due to the fact there are so many more options available these days for achieving a top-to-toe glow.

Don’t get us wrong, there will always be a place for self-tanning but the skin-enhancing category has diversified, becoming a lot more inclusive both in terms of formulas and across the skin tone spectrum too. There are shimmering oils that give glow-factor to all skin colours, wash-off creams offering makeup-like coverage and gradual tanners that allow for more control of your colour at a slower pace. Welcome to the golden age of glowing skin.

Shimmer and shine

When it comes to achieving a radiant rather than bronzed glow, a pearlescent or Champagne-toned sparkle can be applied all over or kept to the high points of the body such as the shoulders and collarbone. For an even more subtle look, mix a touch of shimmering oil with your regular body lotion.

Try: Tom Ford Shimmering Body Oil Soleil Blanc $166. Sunday Riley Fairy Godmother Shimmering Body Oil Gel $82. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Pearly Body Gel $174.

Gently does it

Try: Isle of Paradise Hyglo Self Tan Body Serum $58. Sisley Self Tanning Hydrating Body Skin Care $185. Kora Organics Gradual Self Tanning Lotion $78.

Instant gratification

Sometimes you just need results, fast, so tinted lotions are great to have on hand. Always let them dry to the touch before dressing and if you’re wearing white, do a test run first to ensure there’s no risk of colour transfer.

Try: SugarBaby Bronze Radiance Cream Instant Glow Wash Off Bronzing Crème $30. Emma Lewisham Illuminating Face & Body Oil $92. Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Lotion Tinted Skin Perfector $28.