This year, with the nation “staycationing” because of Covid-19 and subject to the whims of the Irish summer (sunshine, showers and storms all in one day) the importance of self-tanning both to lift our mood and to give us some semblance of a summer glow cannot be overstated. Luckily for us, fake is now fab with new sophisticated self-tan formulations that create a believable, natural glow while also nourishing our skin. New generation self-tans are engineered to go on evenly and stay put for days while also convincingly taking the edge of Irish pallor. Beauty Buys’ top tips to self-tan effectively include:
  • Patch test your product to ensure that your skin isn’t sensitive to any ingredients
  • De-fuzz legs 24 hours before tanning.
  • Remove all dry skin thoroughly with a body scrub or a body brush, concentrating on legs, elbows, knees and heels.
  • Moisturise all over, especially the bony bits, to ensure an even colour.
  • To avoid racoon eyes, mix a few drops of self-tanner with your usual eye cream and dab over the paler circles.
  • Apply self-tan sparingly and evenly - you can always build up colour gradually but too much tan is harder to fix.
  • Blend thoroughly and wash hands after application. Use damp cotton balls to wipe off armpits, soles of the feet, fingers, eyebrows, the jawline and the hairline.
  • Dry thoroughly before dressing and wear dark underwear and loose clothes afterwards.
  Some of Beauty Buys’ favourite self-tanners for perfect self-bronzing include: SHOP NOW

The Self-Tan Meets Make-Up Hybrid

He-Shi HD Wonder Glow is a light-reflective, skin-perfecting instant make-up for the face and body that highlights and illuminates. Crystallised mica minerals create a luminous glow on the skin while colour-correcting technology helps to even skin tone and cover blemishes and veins. Infused with aloe vera to hydrate and nourish the skin, this luxurious product works for both face and body and can be applied on its own or on top of an existing tan. SHOP NOW

The Star Product That Tans And Nourishes In One

He-Shi Overnight Hyaluronic Tan Balm is a multi-tasking tan for the face with a 3 in 1 formula that tans, hydrates and prevents signs of ageing. It contains potent anti-aging and rejuvenating ingredients, notably lovely hyaluronic acid that reinforces the skin’s barrier and boosts its ability to retain moisture. Rejuvenating Millesis, stimulates the skin’s barrier and strengthens cell cohesion, jojoba protein repairs and conditions, while almond oil smooths skin to leave a dewy soft finish. It’s also infused with a therapeutic lavender scent. SHOP NOW

The Self-Tan That’s Good Enough To Eat

Clarins were one of the pioneers of effective self-tans and their Delicious Self-Tanning Cream is another divinely scented product; this beauty favourite smells like cocoa and has a tinted caramel colour for easy application. Skin will look and smell gorgeous thanks to its floral scent and instant colour. The creamy texture glides onto your skin to drape it in a natural golden glow that develops quickly. Cocoa butter helps prevent premature skin ageing and leaves skin with an attractive radiance and an amazing tan. SHOP NOW

The Beauty Editor’s Choice

Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel is another award-winning self-tanner and a beauty editor’s favourite which delivers a quick, streak-free, natural golden colour. A non-oily, lightweight self-tan gel, it's easy to apply and dries quickly, so it’s perfect for busy lives. Formulated with unique plant extracts in one bronze, tinted mousse, ensuring skin remains soft as an attractive colour develops. SHOP NOW

The Self-Tan Icon

Lancôme Flash Bronzer Self-Tan Lotion is an iconic self-tanner that allows you to easily achieve a delicate golden glow all year round. The quick drying formula has a tint for easily application, and glides onto the skin allowing a streak free finish. Enriched with Vitamin E, skin is nourished and glowing on application while your desired shade can be created by building up with regular use. An oldie but a goodie. SHOP NOW

The Subtle Self-Tan

White to Brown is a new range to Beauty Buys and we love it. Their Self-Tanning Water is one of the latest tanning solutions which offer a refreshing, alternative way to tan. This unique translucent tanning water gives a radiant, natural looking tan and is distilled with skin-boosting coconut, aloe vera and vitamins C and E for glowing skin. It produces a subtle believable colour and streak-free, flawless coverage. Great for fans of an understated tan. SHOP NOW

The Perfect Tool For A Streak Free Tan

And finally, because an artist is only as good as their tools and no one wants orange hands we recommend the White to Brown Ultimate Tanning Mitt a soft, luxurious velvet tanning mitt to give professional, natural results. The super-soft surface facilitates seamless application, ensuring streak-free coverage while the dual-side usage makes it easier to tan hard-to-reach places. So, we may not be able to count on the weather but we can predict a beautiful summer with Beauty Buys – go forward and glow.