There’s no doubt that Irish girls love their fake tans and I’m no exception. Unfortunately, Irish weather provides little chance of getting a natural tan, so I strive to achieve one from a bottle. However, with the countless brands of tan in the shops in lots of shades and prices. It’s easy to see how you could get confused when in the tanning aisle. Is this tan any good? How long will the tan last? Will I end up looking like a cross between an oompa loompa and Donald Trump? That’s where I come in, I’m going to introduce you to four brilliant tans on the market to suit different price ranges and tastes that each receive my seal of approval.
1) Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan Mousse – €7.99
Irish entrepreneur Marissa Carter’s 1 Hour Tanning mousse is one of the most popular tans in Ireland and for good reason. The tan comes in the original shade, a ‘dark’ shade and an ‘extra dark’ shade to suit all tanning needs. The best thing about this tan in my opinion is the short developing time which is a lifesaver if you, like me leave your tanning to the same day as your night out. Leaving on for one hour gives you a beautiful bronzed look, but you can develop it for longer for a deeper glow.
2) Garnier Summer Body Gradual Tan Moisturiser – €9.99
I’d be lying if I said that I always have the motivation to apply self-tanning mousse, because I don’t. If you’re like me, you like to save tanning mousse for special occasions and prefer something easier for everyday wear. A gradual tanner is your best friend. This tan both moisturises and gives you a beautiful and natural tan. There’s both a light and a deep shade for all preferences and the product has a citrusy smell that makes the whole process of application a delight.
3) Iconic Bronze Tanning Lotion – €12
The Iconic Bronze tan is only new to Penneys but it’s beloved by Irish model Sian Walton and features the popular Love Island’s Jessica Shears as the brand’s face, so you know it’s one to watch. It comes in shades medium and dark, so not for the faint of heart but it gives you such a lovely olive toned tan. It also has a floral scent that overpowers the usual self-tanner smell.
4) Bellamianta Rapid Mousse – €25
The most expensive tan on this list and my favourite. This tan is so good that the girl who served me in the chemist when I bought it told me she only wears it at weekends to preserve it. Like the last tan I mentioned this self-tanner has fans in high places and is loved by Irish beauty goddess Suzanne Jackson. I recommend leaving this one on for 2-4 hours for a gorgeous glow that will have you looking like you’ve spent a week sunning in the French Riviera.
Photo by Ayo Ogunseinde on Unsplash