Avoid UV rays and cross over to the dark side safely with the help of these top tanners tested by Team EW.
Brand: LA MER
Best for: Daily tanning
False tan: The Face And Body Gradual Tan
Tested by: Jade Sprowson, Style Editor
The rundown: As the Rolls Royce of gradual tanners, La Mer did not fail to impress. I applied this before work, fast-forward five hours and I looked like I’d spent the morning sunbathing. Next time I’ll apply in the evening, as when developing it did emit the telltale false tan whiff.
The result: Day one offered a light coverage. A second application resulted in a deep, streak-free tan not to mention super-soft skin.
Price: The Face And Body Gradual Tan Dhs437 La Mer at Bloomingdale’s
Brand: ST. TROPEZ
Best for: Olive skin tones
False tan: Self Tan Dark Bronzing Lotion
Tested by: Elizabeth Whiston-Dew, Beauty Editor
The rundown: With Kate Moss as their new face (you can’t get more beauty clout than that) and a new super-strength formula, St. Tropez still sits proudly at the helm of the fake tan realm. Although a little more arduous to apply than the original formula – you really have to work this lotion into the skin –you are left with a deep Saharan tan that lasts for five days.
The result: A rich, earthy tan to rival a week of sun lounging in St Barts, minus the sun damage!
Price: Self Tan Dark Bronzing Lotion Dhs270 St. Tropez at Sisters Beauty Lounge
Brand: VITA LIBERATA
Best for: Wash off
False tan: 24ct Tinted Wash Off Gel
Tested by: Cherith Nicholl, Assistant Fashion Editor
The rundown: With wash off formulas I have two main concerns: first, they may transfer on to my summer whites; second, they may have a giveaway scent. This organic, toxin and paraben-free tinted gel glides on to the skin, leaving a subtle golden hue that dries on contact. It withstands our humid climate and certainly gets my vote.
The result: An all-over, natural glow with a slight shimmer, making limbs look impossibly long and sculpted.
Price: 24ct Tinted Wash Off Gel Dhs130 Vita Liberata at Sephora
Brand: GUERLAIN
Best for: Fair skin tones
False tan: Terracotta Sunless Tinted Self-Tanning Gel
Tested by: Annah Cuthbert, Assistant Online Editor
The rundown: This luxurious pigmented potion coats skin with no fuss. I didn’t need to scrub my hands afterwards as it easily washed off my mitts. It’s the ideal choice for fairer skin tones who like buildable coverage. After two applications, my skin has a deep brown hue, akin to two weeks spent on the Côte d’Azur.
The result: Beautifully sun-kissed skin, without a hint of Oompa Loompa orange.
Price: Terracotta Sunless Tinted Self-Tanning Gel Dhs253 Guerlain at Paris Gallery
Brand: SISLEY
Best for: The face
Brand: SISLEY
False tan: Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care
Tested by: Alexandra Venison, Fashion and Beauty Assistant
The rundown: I’ve been in search of a face tanner that ticks all the boxes and I’ve finally found it. After your nighttime cleanse, tone and moisturise routine, slick a little of this delicious, perfumed cream on to your visage and you’ll wake up with a glowing tan.
The result: Using it every three days for the past two weeks has left me with a guilt-free glow.
Price: Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care Dhs465 Sisley at Paris Gallery
