The Bronzing Mousse Break-Down
Bronzing mousses are easy to apply as you can instantly see where the product has been applied, ideal for those who are a bit nervous about self-tanning.
Colour: 5/5
Last-ability: 2/5
Smell: 5/5
Price: 2/5
I've always been a firm fan of St Tropez when it comes to good tanning. The mousse is so easy to apply (use a tanning mitt for a flawless finish), doesn't streak, and smells great. No old biscuit-smells here, phew! The tan is a sun-kissed golden brown shade, which can be layered up for a deeper colour.
My only negative points for this product would be the price, which is a touch steep, and the duration which the tan stays on the skin. I find that after two washes it has normally disappeared, even if I leave it 24 hours before the first wash. This can be a blessing in disguise though, as there's nothing worse than old shabby tan remnants imitating a strange skin disorder.
Lauren's Way Self Tanning Bronzing Mousse (Medium), £17.95, available from LaurensWay.com
Colour: 4/5
Last-ability: 4/5
Smell: 4/5
Price: 3/5
A warmer brown tone, this is a tan for all you glamourous girls and boys. A deeper tan than the St Tropez, it definitely has that Essex-glam feel. It applied really evenly on the skin (again I use a tanning mitt) and dried instantly. What I loved about this tan is the fact that it lasts for days. Friday night glamour lasts right through to the Wednesday evening cinema trip. Perfect!
St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse, £2.99, available from Home Bargains
Colour: 2/5
Last-ability: 4/5
Smell: 0/5
Price: 5/5
Here's a tan for the end of the month, when the luxuries of pay-day are just a distant memory. Okay, it smells pretty hideous. The tone is more of a dirty brown than a golden one. And there is a slight chance you'll develop a rash if you have sensitive skin.
But hey, it's £2.99. And after a quick rinse-off in the shower, the colour is much improved and the smell isn't that intoxicating. Everyone needs an anti-pastiness contingency plan. This is mine.
My Fave Wash-Offs
Wash offs are great for stress-free (and pong-free) tanning and they're generally more hydrating than longer lasting tans. Just avoid rain at all costs!
Pictured from left to right: Rimmel, Sienna X, Lauren's Way
Sienna X Instant Bronzing Gel, £12.95, available from FeelUnique.com (includes free delivery!)
Colour: 5/5
Smell: 5/5
Price: 3/5
A lovely golden colour with a slight shimmer, this tan is a thick gel so it doesn't run on application. It also smells fabulous, as it is the most heavily fragranced out of the three. Perfect if you're looking for a very natural, sun-kissed colour.Lauren's Way Instant Wash Off Glow, £11.95, available from LaurensWay.com
Colour: 4/5 - if you want a darker tan then this is definitely the wash off tan for you!
Smell: 3/5
Price: 3/5
If you're a real tan-addict, then Lauren's Way is the way for you. This wash off is much darker than the others, has a very neutral smell, and was a bit runnier in consistency.
Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant Tan (medium matte), £5.99, available from Superdrug
Colour: 3/5
Smell: 4/5
Price: 5/5
A good mid-way tan, Rimmel's Sunshimmer is lighter than the Lauren's Way yet has a deeper brown tone than Sienna X. It is however a touch reddy-bronze in some lights, which I'm not a huge fan of. But it is available at a reasonable price, applies well and smells pleasant.
