Best New Self-Tanning Products

2nd OF September 2012

Spring is officially in bloom, so naturally us Aussie girls tear away our winter woollies and reach for the summer dresses and pieces from the spring summer collections we've been dying to debut! But there's still the issue of our 'winter complexion'. Problem, solved! Invest in a great self tanning product to add that healthy (and safe!) sun-kissed glow.

by Anna McDougall

Tanning Expert Katrina Brown from Sydney's Bronzing boutique which sees the likes of Delta Goodrem, Sass and Bide’s Sarah-Jane Clark, Charlotte Dawson and Rescu's Napolean Perdis as regular customers, shows us how we can achieve a natural hue with the Tanning Commandments:

Pre- Tan Preparation

Hair Removal: Wax or shave at least 8 hours prior to your tan

Remove any traces of old self-tan

Exfoliate: to remove any dead skin cells

PH Balance: your skin, avoid using any oil based products

Moisturise: Sparingly to your feet, back of your heel, elbows, cuticles and hands ONLY.

Application of Tan

Apply: Wear a mitt or latex gloves and Rub your hands together with moisturizer to make the application easy.

Barrier Cream: Apply moisturiser to your hands, feet, back of your ankles and elbows.

Baby Wipe: your finger and toe nails to prevent your cuticles and nails from turning brown

Post-Tan Tips

Dress: Wear dark loose clothing after your application

Rinse: Try and keep baths and showers cool

Moisturise: the tan twice a day to lock in hydration

Wash: Pat dry your skin with a towel as opposed to rigorously drying

Avoid: Try to avoid swimming in chlorine

ModelCo One Night Tan

After 10 years in the tanning business, ModelCo CEO Shelley Barrett has tried and tested different formulas, applications, tips and tricks, so you can rest assured you’re in good hands with ModelCo.

Shelley's Tanning Tips:

- Apply your tan within half an hour of showering when your skin is at it's best and cleanest to react to the tanning agent.

- To clean tan off your palms, rub palms along a wet washcloth making sure to get between fingers.
- Always choose a self-tanner to suit your needs be it instant, gradual, spray, mousse or a gel formula.

For one night only ModelCo delivers a velvety mousse that glides on to your skin to deliver a natural-looking, deep bronze tan in seconds that washes off with ease. The hydrating wash-off fake tan contains aloe vera, shea butter and vitamin E.

RRP: $28 Available online at www.modelco.com.au and at David Jones and selected independents

Santorini Sun - Tanning Face Cream

Rescu Road test: One is naturally apprehensive when it comes to facial tanning products and would much rather resort to make-up bronzers for the desired effect - not anymore! The Santorini Sun Tanning Face cream was applied as part of Rescu's morning beauty routine and by the evening (and party-time) a natural, streak free sun-kissed complexion was a perfect result - no bronzer needed! As a bonus the cream is formulated with Olive Squalane, and natural mica to give your skin anti-aging benefits while enhancing your features with a luminous glow. Will definitely be adding this to the summer beauty essential bag.

RRP: $26.95 available from santorinisun.com

Puretan Pure Bronze Instant Wash Off Bronzer

A salon tan in a tube! With a breakthrough Stayfast formulation this instant wash off bronzer is for the last-minute girl! Puretan uses the ingredients enriched with moisturises so you can forget that sticky or greasy feeling and enjoy soft supple skin to accompany your natural glow (not fake!). It simply quashes off in your regular shower routine and glides on smoothly so you can avoid the number one beauty faux-pas - looking like tandoori chicken!

RRP: $25.95 available from Myer nationally

Asyana Tan Extender

The Asyana Tan Extender is for the girl who likes a bit of longevity in her 'just came back from the Maldives' look. This daily moisturiser designed to top up and extend the life of your tan for up to two and a half weeks. The nourishing ingredients with added bronzing agents deeply hydrates your skin for a long-lasting tan and if you just want a subtle hint of colour the tan Extender can opt as your daily moisturiser to gradually build up your summer glow.

  RRP: $34.95 available from http://www.asyana.com.au

Invisible Zinc Jet Set Tan

For an even, natural result that lasts up to seven days, the Invisible Zinc Jet Set Tan™ is a quick-drying spray tan for the girl on the go. Drying instantly, the solution begins working two hours after application and continues to function for the following 12 hours. The translucent solution is made from the sugars of DHA & erythrulose, which react with skin proteins for the streak free tanning glam to go!

RRP: $24.95 available from David Jones, Myer, Priceline, Terry White and all good pharmacies nationally.

Bondi Sands - The Australian Tan

Look like you've stepped straight off the sands of Sydney's world famous Bondi Beach with Bondi Sands- The Australian Tan. A new generation in bronzing spray has been designed with a nozzle for ultra-fine, directional coverage, so you don't come off with a leopard print! Tailored to suit every skin type the hydrating formula will leave you with a long-lasting glow that dries to the touch in seconds.

RRP: $19.95 Available at Priceline and selected pharmacies nationally from August 2012.