Problem Solvers

The best fake tan alternatives for those who ‘don’t do’ tan

‘Don’t do’ tan? If the thought gives you goosebumps, these temporary alternatives take the sting from the fake-tanning tail. Limb-gilding, streak-free and transfer-resistant, these {sun & tanning} make up must-haves are perfect for all those whose track record with ‘faux glows’ has caused lasting trauma…

So, for a glow without the aggro, these gorgeous goof-proof bronzers grant a gleam to sun-starved skin while camouflaging tell-tale signs of clumsiness (bruises be-gone!). Ideal for unexpected heatwaves when you need to get your stems out sharpish, these temporary tanners will rush to your bare-legged rescue (without the whiff or waiting time).

Sol de Janeiro’s phenomenal bronzing oils gave Lily Aldridge, Kate Upton and Scarlett Johannson their glorious Met Gaga glows. A great way to make like the A-List, choose between {Rio Sunset} – a pale, champagne gold or the toffee-toned {Copacabana} – to gild your limbs, shoulders and décolletage with a glistening, transfer-resistant lustre (who needs clothes?!).

Causing a (well-deserved) crush at the checkout, Huda Beauty’s {N.Y.M.P.H} sold out within hours of launch – such was the clamour to swiftly emerge from your post-winter chrysalis looking da-BOMB (not da-pasty). Inspired by Beyonce, the three shades of glistening liquid are basically ‘golden hour’ in a bottle, building from subtle to show-stopping – just mix with moisturiser for an incandescent gleam or use it ‘neat’ for skin that looks like molten metal (in a greeeeeeeat way). Particularly gorgeous after hours, be warned: this may cause confidence…

And speaking of Mrs. Carter, Beyoncé’s make up artist (@sirjohnofficial) used ALLEVEN’s {Colour Shield} in the shade ‘Almond’ to get her pins #Beychella ready. Blurring, tinting and transfer-resistant (the spray-on leg make up withstood ALL of Bey’s costume changes), this hides and boo-boos for spellbinding stems just in time for sunshine.

And just in from the tanning brand striving to banish faux-(tan)-pas for good, {TAN-LUXE} have launched {Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum} – powered by a potent hyaluronic acid complex which effortlessly delivers a streak-free, ultra-nourished glow that you’ll absolutely adore. Youth-preserving while helping you to fake that faux glow, this lightweight yet potent serum is a 3-in-1 hard-working hero that tans, plumps and adds serious glow to skin for a flawless and natural, healthy tan which will have everyone asking where you went last weekend.

SHOP SUN & TANNING >>



Verity Douglas

Verity Douglas

Content Editor

Cult Beauty’s Content Editor and a Cult Beauty OG, Verity loves nothing more than the marriage of language and lip balm. A quintessential Libran, she’s a self-professed magpie for luxury ‘must-haves' and always pursuing the new and the niche — from the boujee-est skin care to cutting-edge tech. Balancing an urge to stop the clock with her desire to embrace the ageing process (and set a positive example for her daughter), Verity's a retinol obsessive and will gladly share her thoughts about the time-defying gadgets, masks and treatments worth the splurge...