Gradual tans do exactly what they say on the tin: they build up your glow slowly, as opposed to a one-time application. Since you’re able to develop your shade over time, gradual tans are ideal for rookie tanners or tan lovers in search of a more natural glow.
To help you on your quest for a subtle glow (without the harmful UV rays), we’ve worked with the wonderful {Cult Concierge} team to compile a list of the very best {gradual self tanners} and {gradual face tanners}.
Further down we’ll show you how and when to apply them and answer all your tanning-related FAQs. But first, allow us to introduce you to our nine favourite products!
THE BEST GRADUAL TAN OVERALL:
Enjoy the perfect bronzed glow at any time of the year with Tan Luxe’s {Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion}. The featherweight formula delivers a natural, buildable glow that’ll see you through all the seasons.
THE BEST GRADUAL TAN FOR PALE SKIN:
There’s nothing worse than applying tan only to realise it’s far too dark for your skin tone! Luckily, these nifty tanning drops allow you to take full control of your glow for a perfectly natural finish. Free from pigment, streaks and the tell-tale biscuit scent, the Isle of Paradise {Self-Tanning Drops} promise the ideal subtle tan.
THE BEST GRADUAL TAN FOR OLIVE SKIN:
Coco & Eve’s {Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops} are all you need for a natural, glowing tan. Simply add a couple of drops of this buildable formula to your {moisturiser}, mix well and prepare for all the “have you been on holiday?” questions!
THE BEST GRADUAL TAN FOR DARK SKIN:
Dark-skinned beauties, prepare to meet your new best friend. A hybrid of a body moisturiser and gradual tanner, Loving Tan’s {Deluxe Gradual Tan} gives your skin the best love and care, all while providing a toned-down natural glow!
THE BEST GRADUAL TAN FOR DRY SKIN:
With a potent blend of argan oil, vitamin C and chamomile extract, this formula deeply nourishes skin while imparting an even, natural-looking tan. The Coola {Sunless Tan Dry Oil Mist} is streak-free, fast-drying, and buildable – making it ideal for achieving that barely-there glow.
THE BEST GRADUAL TAN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:
Worried about tanning with sensitive skin? There are plenty of tans that work to nourish and care for your skin, and Bondi Sand’s {Pure Gradual Tanning Milk} is one of the best! Its skin-loving, fragrance-free formula includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening vitamin C and E, plus all the technical bits and bobs needed for producing a gorgeous natural glow.
THE BEST IN-SHOWER GRADUAL TAN:
While this is technically a pre-shower (as opposed to in-shower) tan, we couldn’t resist including the St. Tropez {Self Tan Pre Shower Mousse} in our list. Quick-drying and biscuit-scent-free, apply this fast-acting formula just one minute before showering and enjoy gradual results from the get-go.
THE BEST GRADUAL TAN FOR YOUR FACE:
A {serum} that self-tans… need we say any more? Enriched with a potent hyaluronic acid complex and an antioxidant-rich ingredients list, it’s hard to imagine a tan that can do more than Tan-Luxe’s {Super Glow Hyaluronc Self-Tan Serum}. Streak-free, tango-proof and gloriously buildable, it’s the perfect tan solution for your face.
THE BEST GRADUAL TAN WITH SPF:
A three-in-one serum, gradual tanner and sunscreen, there’s nothing the Tan-Luxe {Super Glow SPF30 Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum} can’t do! It’s packed with superfood ingredients that wouldn’t go amiss in a smoothie bowl, from coconut and avocado to chia and raspberry seed oils, which work to smoothen and tighten your skin – all while tanning and protecting against the sun, of course.
HOW TO APPLY GRADUAL TAN
One of the best things about a gradual tanner is just how easy it is to apply. Many gradual tans look and act like a moisturiser – with the added benefit of boosting your glow. Simply slather onto clean, dry skin using a {tanning mitt}, wait a couple of seconds for the cream to dry, then go about your day as usual, secretly knowing you’re tanning in the process! (There’s no need to wash it off!)
For more tanning tips, check out our guide on how to apply fake tan flawlessly!
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I APPLY GRADUAL TAN?
How often you apply your gradual tanner depends on the level of tan you’re aiming for (we’re talking a few days in Barcelona vs a two-month stint in the Caribbean!). Some people like to tan a couple of times a week, while others fit tanning into their daily routine.
WHEN TO APPLY GRADUAL TAN
Your gradual tanner needs time on your skin to get to work, so we recommend applying it after your shower, and at least 4-6 hours before you get your skin wet again. Make sure you’ve removed any tan-interfering {make up}, fragrance and deodorant beforehand to avoid any streakiness or *shudder* patches.
DOES GRADUAL TAN WASH OFF?
Concerned that your daily shower will ruin your new golden glow? Not to worry, as gradual tan doesn’t wash off in the shower! Like any tan product, it’ll start to fade within a few days. And while we can’t deny that showering speeds up the fading process, the smelly, shower-free alternative doesn’t quite tickle our fancy. The answer? Just keep applying your gradual tan whenever you notice it beginning to lighten.
HOW LONG DOES GRADUAL FAKE TAN LAST?
With the right preparation and aftercare, your gradual fake tan could last for up to 10 days. And of course, if you keep topping it up, it’ll keep glowing and glowing! Check out our tips on how to make fake tan last longer.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU WAIT TO SHOWER AFTER APPLYING GRADUAL TAN?
Gradual tan needs time to get to work, so we recommend leaving at least 4-6 hours between tanning and showering.
WILL GRADUAL TAN STAIN SHEETS?
As a general rule, no! Since they’re not applied as an intense burst of colour, gradual tanners shouldn’t stain fabrics, but check the product packaging to be safe.
