THE GREAT BRONZER GUIDE: FOR ALL SKIN TONES

If there’s one thing we want in life, it’s to look glowy, radiant, awake, healthy (we could go on) and when it’s still grey clouds and torrential rain verging on May, we’re going to need a little bit of help in that department.

We spent last week perusing the bronzing section of the LOOK FANTASTIC website & added it all to basket. The next day, a box landed on our doorsteps, and we’ve been working our way through ever since. From fake tan, to bronzers, contour sticks to the essential application tools, we have you covered.

ad. There’s up to 25% off at LOOK FANTASTIC using our code THISISMOTHERSHIP*

Pick your level, pick your player….

FAKE TAN

There’s up to 25% off fake tans and tools at LOOK FANTASTIC using our code THISISMOTHERSHIP*

Bronzy, sun-kissed skin is a look that’s always in, regardless of the season. The world of fake tan is brimming full of incredible innovation, whether you have an hour to glow, or have enough time for an overnight sensation. Here are our favourites…

CLICK TO SHOP:HE-SHI RAPID 1 HOUR MOUSSE

Created by mother/daughter duo and salon owners in 2004, they were sick of seeing orange tans that smelt of biscuits. Every product they’ve launched since has been genius. This time-saving liquid formula accelerates the tanning process, developing in just an hour. Ideal for when you have a napping baby, a last-minute plan, a surprise sunny ‘legs out’ day or you forgot to tan before a big event. Leave on for 1 hour for a light to medium tan, 2 hours for a medium to dark and 3 hours for an ultra-dark tan. Our hero. This is currently out of stock, but keep checking back. Check out the whole range here.

CLICK TO SHOP:ST TROPEZ SELF TAN PURITY FACE MIST*

No streaks, no transfer, no self tan smell, no rinsing required. This clean and clear facial mist is the easiest to use self tanner yet. Infused with 100% natural tanning active, hyaluronic acid and non-pore blocking skincare ingredients. A firm favourite in both of our houses for the last few years. We keep a bottle on our dressing table so it’s close at hand for a ‘spritz and glow’. This is Gemma’s weapon of choice below.

CLICK TO SHOP:BALI BODY SELF TANNING MOUSSE

A golden and glowing, easy to use, self tan mousse that’s suitable for sensitive skins. Available in two shades, the 100% natural DHA, plant powered, airy mousse is enriched with chamomile extract, antioxidant-rich coffee seed and ultra-hydrating pomegranate. For a light tan, wash off after 1 hour. For a medium to dark tan, leave for up to 4 hours. For the deepest tan leave for 8 hours before showering. 

CLICK TO SHOP:ISLE OF PARADISE SELF TANNING DROPS

Created by the wonderful Jules Von Hep (if you aren’t following him on Insta, go and find him) these multi-tasking drops can be used as part of your skincare and bodycare routine, to transform any moisturiser into a custom self-tan. The more drops you use, the deeper the glow! They won’t block pores or transfer onto clothing and sheets, and colour correcting actives ensure the most natural-looking tan that’s never orange. No streaks, no transfer, no smell and no tell-tale orange tones! Genius.

CLICK TO SHOP:ST TROPEZ SELF TAN CLASSIC MIST

For those who prefer a lighter formula, this quick-dry mist never feels sticky on skin. The 360° aerosol design makes it easy to get to your back, ensuring every part of you glows, even the hardest to reach places. hake well and spray evenly all over your body. Blend using a Mitt to ensure no missed patches.

CLICK TO SHOP:BALI BODY BLENDING BRUSH

Mitts are great and all, but you have to admit, they sometimes make the whole tan application a bit clumsy. We’re new to fake tan brushes but we’re sold on this. It’s particularly great around the knees, ankles, elbows and wrists where the mitts can’t quite get into the contours and crevices.

There’s up to 25% off fake tans and tools at LOOK FANTASTIC using our code THISISMOTHERSHIP*

GEMMA’S WEAPON OF CHOICE: St Tropez Purity Mist

BRONZERS

There’s up to 25% off bronzers and brushes at LOOK FANTASTIC using our code THISISMOTHERSHIP*

As a beauty editor and a self-proclaimed bronzer aficionado, I try lots of formulas and I’m very picky about what I like. It must easy to apply, a matte finish because shimmer never looks natural, not too warm-toned or orangey, and finally, something that doesn’t fade or get patchy. This lot get my seal of approval…

CLICK TO SHOP: NARS LAGUNA BRONZING POWDER

The OG matte powder bronzer. Laguna is a warm, nutty shade with a matte finish. It is so perfectly balanced – not orange nor taupey so the colour is just right for most skin tones.

CLICK TO SHOP:ICONIC LONDON INSTANT SUNSHINE BRONZING DROPS

Powders are great because you build them up to the intensity you fancy (for me that is always around the ‘long weekend in Spain’ mark) but for some people they feel a little heavy and ‘make-uppy’ for holidays and hot weather. If that’s you, then you need this in your make-up bag. Twist, click and press a little drop of liquid gold. Add the droplet to your primer or moisturiser to instantly warm up any complexion. It’s also ideal for dotting and dabbing on top of make-up, as a bronzing highlighter. This is Sam’s weapon of choice below.

CLICK TO SHOP:NYX PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHT AND CONTOUR STICK

A must-have for all make-up bags, this double-ended contour and highlight stick blends like a dream making contouring foolproof. Swipe the deeper shade along the face’s natural contours, along the jawline and down the centre of the nose, then apply the lighter shade to the highest points of the face. Blend.

CLICK TO SHOP:REAL TECHNIQUES SNATCH AND SCULPT CONTOUR BRUSH

The brush you didn’t know you needed until you tried it. If you like to contour, this is a must-buy. The contour-hugging shape reaches the hard-to-reach curves buffing out any harsh lines seamlessly.

CLICK TO SHOP:ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK SUMMER GLOW BRONZER

Hot on the heels of their iconic Luminous Silk Foundation, Armani’s new bronzer delivers the sun-kissed glow that I constantly crave, and my makeup looks better because of it. Like a Paris filter for your face; formulated with micronised pigments and nourishing oils, the silky bronzer glides onto the skin seamlessly with a soft-focus effect, buffing and blending effortlessly into an imperfection-blurring, photo-ready illusion.

CLICK TO SHOP:L’OREAL PARIS INFALLIBLE 24HR LONGWEAR SOFT MATTE BRONZER

Sweat and shine-proof; this ultra lightweight powder won’t cake or crumble no matter how hot the temperature rises. The soft matte formula melts into skin and looks natural. I use it to bronze my entire face, to lightly contour my nose, and I like to apply it on my eyelids as an eyeshadow substitute to bring my bronzy makeup look together.

CLICK TO SHOP:ZOEVA POWDER BRUSH

The fluffy dome-shaped vegan bristles have been designed to seamlessly apply blush or bronzer, leaving no streaks behind.

There’s up to 25% off bronzers and brushes at LOOK FANTASTIC using our code THISISMOTHERSHIP*

*exclusions apply

[THIS BLOG POST WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LOOKFANTASTIC – ALL THOUGHTS AND WORDS ARE OUR OWN]