THE BEST CLEAR FAKE TANS FOR STAIN-FREE SHEETS – TRIED AND TESTED BY US
Fake tanning is such a love/hate process. Love feeling like a bronzed goddess, hate the whole faff around exfoliating, waiting for them to develop, and then, the morning after, often having to change your bedsheets if the colour has transferred overnight.
But what if there were some great bronzing formulas that promise to get you glowing without leaving any muddy marks on your white linen?
Our testers tried out some of the most popular clear formulas to see if they would deliver on colour without adding to their laundry chores...
Best clear fake tans to buy in 2024
Nip+Fab Faux Tan Mist Caramel
The claim: The mist has glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin so the colour fades evenly. The finished result should be an even, caramel tone.
Tester Rosie says: "The thing I hate about fake tan is the sticky feeling – I can’t sleep in it. Because this was a water, it felt really refreshing and didn’t stick to my pyjamas.
"It was harder to apply than a mousse because I couldn’t see where the mist was falling, so I was worried I’d missed patches, but when I woke up in the morning it was a lovely even colour, with just a couple of streaks around my wrists."
St. Tropez Purity Bronzing Water Gel
Currently £22.11 from LookFantastic
The claim: A tropical-scented gel that develops into a natural, golden tan in three hours – no need to rinse. It also promises 72 hours of hydration.
Tester Megan B says: "This was my first time ever using fake tan. I found the gel very easy to apply and was pleasantly surprised by the smell – fresh, not biscuity, as I've heard they can be. The tan took well to my legs and arms, but although I thought I’d been careful by using a mitt, it went slightly patchy on my wrists. This may be my amateur application.
"Everyone has commented on what a lovely bronze glow it has given me so I’d use it again and hope that practise makes perfect!"
Isle of Paradise Glow Clear Self-Tanning Mousse
Currently £13.97 from LookFantastic
The claim: Comes in light, medium and dark versions and promises to colour correct your skin tone to give you a perfect, personalised glow in four hours.
Tester Megan R says: "It rubbed in easily and didn’t feel too sticky while I waited for it to dry. I’m a regular fake tanner, but this was my first time trying a clear mousse.
"I left this dark version on overnight and when I woke up it was pretty even and I had a lovely golden shade (natural and not too dark at all).
"It smells lovely and it’s lasted pretty well throughout the week. I would definitely use it again."
St. Moriz Advanced Express Tan Foaming Water
The claim: The colour starts to develop in an hour – just rinse it off when you’ve reached the shade you like. Even claims to have a ‘mood-boosting’ scent.
Tester Bex says: "I’m not an expert fake tanner but I’ve used others in the past. This one had quite a strong tan smell.
"I applied it before bed and it didn’t make a single mark on my white sheets, which was great. The colour also lasted ages on my skin before fading, which saved me re-applying. I just don’t think it suited me, as the tone was very yellow. I’d leave it on for less time if I tried it again."
How to apply fake tan without streaks
Michaella Bolder, St. Tropez skin-finishing expert, reveals how to nail your application...
- Don’t be scared of clear tan. You will still be able to see a sheen on the skin where you’ve applied the product.
- Exfoliate and shave 24 hours beforehand so that tan goes on more evenly and lasts longer.
- Before tanning, apply an oil-free moisturiser on dry areas such as hands, elbows, knees, feet and ankles to avoid excess product ‘grabbing’ and going too dark.
- Always use a clean tanning mitt and apply the product in long, sweeping motions, working down your body systematically and taking your time. Check in the mirror to make sure you can see the moisture all over every area.
- When you’ve applied tan to your arm, lightly claw your hands to stretch out the fingers, then use the leftover on the mitt to sweep from wrist to nails. Lightly press the mitt all over your hand to cover anything missed.
- After doing each leg, stretch your foot, pointing toes down, and sweep the mitt over the foot. Use the pressing motion, as before, to ensure you’ve covered everything evenly.
- Allow the tan to settle (10 mins is ideal) before you get dressed – and yes, you can wear white straight away!
