From orange elbows to straky calves, it’s easy to see why fake tan is the marmite of the beauty world. Whilst self-tanning may have a bad reputation, there’s no denying that it’s the single easiest and safest way to get that beachy glow. From gradual mists to gels and creams, the market offers so many formulations that there’s something for everyone.
Our beauty editor runs through the top ten fake tans of 2017, and why you need them.
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£35.00 Buy now with The Hut James Read Tan Body
Buy now with free deliveryIf a natural look if what you are after, opt for James Read’s ‘Tan Body’. This light cream hydrates the skin whilst gradually developing into a golden glow. A blend of Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid and Co-Enzyme Q10 allows you to build up your tan to the desired colour without that awkward orange fade.
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£25.00 Buy now with The Hut St Tropez Self Tan Luxe Oil
Buy now with free deliveryA true hero of our beauty cupboard, St Tropez’s luxurious tanning oil promises a golden glow without the hassle. Blended with 100% natural neroli, lemongrass and grapefruit essential oils, this fake tan offers multiple skincare benefits as well as a long-lasting, streak-free glow. (Insider info also tells us that this tan dries in a matter of minutes so you don’t need to worry about those dreaded orange stains).
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£39.00 Buy now with The Hut Omorovicza Glam Glow
Buy now with free deliveryRecently featured in Vogue’s very own list of top ten tanners, the Omorovicza Glam Glow is a miracle worker for dull, tired skin. The rejuvenating lotion develops within hours of application, leaving your skin with a soft summer glow.
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£29.00 Buy now with The Hut Vita Liberata Anti-Ageing Self Tanning Serum
Buy now with free deliveryAnother skincare hero, the Vita Liberata Anti-Ageing Self Tanning Serum can be added to your favourite moisturiser to create a subtle glow but we like to use the serum as a primer underneath make up. Stimulating collagen production, the formula plumps and conditions skin for a younger-looking, more refined finish.
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£21.99 Buy now with The Hut Skinny Tan 7 Day Tanner
Buy now with free deliveryIf you struggle to find a tan to see you through the week, look no further than Skinny Tan’s 7 day Tanner. Hailed as a saviour for busy women everywhere, the cream-formula offers a deep, golden glow than continues to develop into an enviable sun-kissed tan.
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£6.99 Buy now with The Hut L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Gradual Tan
Buy now with free deliveryA totally buildable, light, moisturising self tanner can be hard to come by, but L’Oreal Paris’ Sublime Bronze does just that. If your skin is on the slightly fairer side, this tan is perfect for you.
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£15.50 Buy now with The Hut Nuxe Sun Facial Self-Tanning Balm
Buy now with free deliveryThe Nuxe Sun Facial Self-Tanning Balm is very different from what we are used to when it comes to fake tanning. The non-sticky formula is truly unique in the fact that the silky texture develops into a glow-ey matte finish within just a couple of hours. A definite must for those who want the tanning experience without the mess.
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£15.00 Buy now with The Hut Fake Bake Perfection Wash Off Instant Tan
Buy now with free deliveryFake tan aficionados will know that Fake Bake’s range of self-tanners are hard to find fault with. We struggled picking one hero from the collection but the trusty Wash Off Instant Tan is truly a cut above the rest. The easy to apply liquid gives an instantly rich bronze glow to any skin type whilst smooth silky natural silicones moisturise and leave skin with a beautiful sheer glow.
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£22.00 Buy now with The Hut Ultrasun SPF50+ Glimmer Sun Lotion
Buy now with free deliveryThis fast-absorbing, water-resistant formula ensures the highest level of sun protection whilst developing into a deep sun-kissed tan. A holiday must-have, this formula is perfect for those with fair, sensitive skin.
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£15.00 Buy now with The Hut Paula’s Choice Self-Tanning Concentrate
Buy now with free deliveryCombine a small amount of this concentrate with your daily face or body cream to create a natural, long-lasting tan. The unique formula allows you to be completely in control of your tan without exposing skin to the sun’s harmful rays.

Fake Tan Disasters and How to Avoid Them
This week is Sun Awareness Week - a time to reflect on your tanning habits and ensure you’re being safe in the sunshine. With eight out of ten people failing to apply sun cream before sitting outdoors, and summer fast approaching, it’s crucial that we understand how to protect ourselves in the sun.