Louise McSharry’s guide to the best instant tans for summer

I could spend these hundreds of words trying to convince you that your natural skin tone is beautiful, and that the entire concept of beauty is entirely made up given the subjective nature of its perception, but let’s be honest, at the end of it you’d still probably find yourself looking around for instant tan on the morning of a special event. So, let’s talk about instant tan instead.

Instant tan is a true friend to the last-minute merchant or commitmentphobic among us. While false tan generally takes hours to develop and lasts for several days, an instant tan can be slapped on right before you leave the house and will wash off whenever you manage to get yourself into the shower next. Also, since it’s essentially makeup and doesn’t include the active fake tan ingredients, it doesn’t have the trademark fake tan smell. What’s not to love?

The first of these products I fell in love with remains a favourite of mine. Vita Liberata’s Body Blur (€25.46 via cloud10beauty.com) comes in five shades, and offers not only a tint but a blurring effect — meaning skin looks smoother with a more even tone. Body Blur has often been referred to as an Instagram filter in a bottle, and I think that comparison is fair. It also lasts brilliantly and doesn’t transfer, meaning you remain flawless until your next shower.

Bondi Sands GLO range of one-day tans (€10.39 via boots.ie) give a realistic looking tan which lasts well even through dancefloor-related sweat. It also comes in three formulas, matte, which looks like natural skin, shimmer which adds a little luminosity and gloss which results in a high-shine finish. The matte formula is the darkest in colour, but all can be built for greater impact.

Tanologist’s Instant Tan + Illuminator (€17.99 via asos.com) offers tint and glow in one tube as well as a blurring effect. It is highly water-resistant but washes off easily with soap and water, and is easy to apply, making it a dream for those of us who are unskilled in the tanning arts.

Bare by Vogue Instant Tan (€18 via barebyvogue.com) also applies easily and doesn’t contain any shimmer, meaning it leaves a natural-looking tan which lasts brilliantly. There are loads of options!

Application is key when it comes to instant tan as it sets relatively quickly, so lashing it on with your palms is not ideal. You can apply with a tanning mitt or body brush. I especially like a body brush for tricky areas like feet, knees and elbows. There are loads on the market, but  Penneys’ PS Pro Vegan Body Brush is excellent, and only €5.50.

If you can’t manage to get your hands on that one, Revolution’s Body Glow Blending Brush (€10.49 via boots.com) also does a great job. After applying these products, allow them to fully dry and set before dressing to minimize the possibility of transfer.

Something old...

Ok, this isn’t that old, I will accept that, but it’s not new either and is worth talking about in the context of powder foundations as so many people absolutely love it. L’Oréal’s Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder (€18 via boots.ie) went viral last year thanks to its delivery of full coverage without a dry or cakey look. This formula is light, comes in 16 shades, and promises to be waterproof, transfer-proof and sweat-proof. In many cases, promises remain just that, promises, but this one delivers. I usually avoid powder foundations as I find they can highlight fine lines and leave my skin looking heavy, this one really doesn’t. I bring this with me to all sweaty events.

... Something new

Danessa Myricks is an incredibly talented makeup artist, but the innovation she is achieving via her self-named makeup line is truly remarkable. The latest launch is Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder (€36 via danessamyricksbeauty.eu) is just that. A balm which turns into a powder, making it a dream product for people who want lightweight coverage without the glowy-glisten of a tinted moisturiser. The result is shine-free but with a natural, skin-like finish. This product comes in nine shades, as well as a universal translucent option.

Buying Irish

Dublin Herbalists specialise in all-natural products, packaged in a conscientious and sustainable manner, so it makes sense that they would be ideal presents for new mothers and babies. The New Baby Collection Gift Set includes the brand’s Baby Oil and Baby Balm which nourish the skin and keep it in good condition via ingredients like vitamin E, avocado and almond oil, as well as soothing essential oils like lavender and bergamot. Also in the set is Mango Body Butter which can be used on any adult or older sibling, but I personally feel should be hoarded by new mums for a moment of well-earned escape.