Wellbeing

Jo Fairley on achieving a natural glow

Our columnist explores the best natural ways to a sunless tan

Natural, when it comes to self-tanners, means two completely different things. First of all, there is the formulation aspect: if you’re reading this magazine, you are definitely keen to have this as botanically-powered and as pure as possible – and happily, there’s an increasing number of brands out there to choose from.

But then – equally importantly – we want a natural-looking finish. My recommendation is always to go for gradual self-tanners, which allow you to build to the level of bronzitude you’re seeking over a few days, or via adding a few self-tanning drops to your face or body moisturiser. That way, you’re pretty much guaranteed: no carrot-y orange finish. No Stig of the Dump muddiness. No having to stay home until your faux tan fades.

If you follow the instructions for these excellent natural self-tanners, you should achieve seamless, streak-free results. I think they all deserve gold stars.

Balance Me Gradual Tanning Drops

My go-to in summer, about once every three days: a couple of drops of this oil formula in my morning SPF moisturiser keep a healthy look perfectly topped up. Impressively, it’s 98.8 percent natural – and can be added (more generously) to body lotion to gild limbs, too.

Evolve Sunless Glow Body

Cleverly, this rich lotion features enzymes from organic papaya in the blend, which work to smooth skin while delivering a subtle, buildable glow. Organic aloe vera counters any whisper of irritation that may surface, and the lusciousness is down to shea butter.

Green People Self-Tan Lotion

This is an absolutely classic stalwart product – it was the first certified organic self-tanner in the UK, and it’s as good today as the day it launched. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve recommended this quick-drying, non-greasy product for its very real-looking, non-streaky results.

Eco by Sonya Winter Skin

OK, so first of all you have to completely ignore the fact this is called ‘Winter Skin’: it’s a luscious gel-cream which delivers a whisper of glow from the first application, and – with its blend of cacao, grapeseed extract and aloe vera – is not in the least drying. Particularly great for legs.

Coola Sunless Tan Serum

Do NOT make the mistake I did when first applying a tanning serum, which is to think it is your usual sort of serum. No, this 70 percent organically-derived blend of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, argan oil and plant stem cells is to be mixed with your moisturiser for a streak-free golden finish, with a whisk-youto- holiday aroma of coconut.

Jo Fairley is the co-founder of Green & Blacks and author of The Beauty Bible. Head online to see her latest projects at josephinefairley.com