The New Way To Tan

It was 2012 when Dior released their Bronze Self Tanning Oil but the trend never really took off. Back then we were still figuring out how to tan using the more traditional formulas of lotions and mousses. We were just getting out of the orange faze and were finally feeling confident enough to use at home products for a natural looking tan. But now two years’ later we want the new thing in achieving that illusive golden skin and it turns out Dior had it bang on the money.

Now two major brands within the world of tanning have debuted their first oil based products. For the highstreet L'Oréal Paris have brought out Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Elixir for the Face & Body. At £15.99 it is one of their more expensive tanning products but the new formula promises some impressive results. The instructions are simple, apply for 3 consecutive days to achieve an intense, golden tan that has no biscuity scent and lasts, wait for it, up to two weeks. The watery consistency is not quite gel not quite oil and dries quickly for a tacky free finish. But if your budget allows for more indulging then the upper end of the market is the Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil from tanning heralds St.Tropez. At £25.00 it is more than L’Oréal’s but competitive against their existing range. The shimmery liquid inside is shown off in transparent surroundings similar to L’Oréal. Not just a gorgeous fake tan but also a moisturiser this intelligent formula is packed with natural ingredients like Lemongrass and Grapefruit. Streak-free, long-lasting and natural looking tan are successive qualities to this product.

The oil based fake tans seem to be tackling some of our issues with the current fake tans on the market and fulfilling many of our desires too. A more pleasant smell, not odourless but more bodycream than a tanning giveaway scent. A more natural colour that works on a range of skin types and ethnicities as whether you have dry skin or are naturally very pale these products prove to both nourish the skin and make the orange tinge a thing of the past. Glow just like for the face is something increasingly craved for the body too. Like a dewy foundation for the limbs these tanning oils give luminosity and radiance. Probably one of the biggest demands is a fake tan with lasting power, reducing the maintenance and retaining that beautiful brown sheen for longer. On all accounts it appears to be tick, tick, tick and tick.

Aside from the formulas themselves the packaging is somewhat more sophisticated and luxurious. Both are held in heavy glass bottles which feel more skincare than fake tan. This oil revolution proclaims a new attitude for fake tan. This is a tan which wouldn't feel out of place being displayed adoringly like perfume. A tan for adults. The question is which one will you choose?