This easy tanning step is key to a low-maintenance beauty routine
Offering a bronze, summer glow all year round, gradual tan is the approachable answer to adopting a low-maintenance beauty routine - whilst looking like you've put effort in...
![Portrait of a woman in a towel, looking into the mirror and applying body lotion](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Zb8BEshxhWgsQYyUTKmsR-415-80.jpg)
Looking for an easy and fuss-free way to unlock a holiday-worthy glow, without actually jetting off abroad? Gradual tan is the key step missing from your beauty routine - and it only takes five minutes out of your entire week to achieve...
As much as we love the results of the best fake tan for mature skin, we must admit, the fake tan application process can be lengthy - and don't get us started on the upkeep to avoid the dreaded 'tiger bread' effect. Which left us asking the question, how do we achieve a healthy sun-kissed glow without all the fuss? Enter, the best gradual tan. This approachable, low maintenance tanning product has become a staple step in our beauty routines.
It's as easy to apply as a regular body lotion, subtle enough to avoid tanning fails whilst offering a natural colour pay off that'll make it look like you've just stepped off a plane - what's not to love? So, if you like the sound of this quick trick to unlock a sun-kissed tan, here's exactly why you should consider adding a gradual tan into your bodycare regime...
Why gradual tan is the answer to a low maintenance lifestyle
Essentially summer in a bottle, there are so many benefits to using a gradual tan, other than offering an on-tap faux glow with quick and natural results. Combining a body lotion and a fake tan, its goal is to not only provide you with a week-long tan but ensure your skin is left feeling moisturised - cutting down the time you spend on your bodycare routine. They're also buildable, meaning you can apply however often you choose until you've achieved your desired tan.
Simply pop your gradual tan of choice on after your shower, or before you hop into bed, and let it work its magic. Apply by rubbing the product into your skin with your hands (just remember to thoroughly wash your hands and in between your fingers after applying to avoid clingy tan), or with a tanning mitt for a seamless and hassle-free application - we'd recommend a double-sided one like this Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Application Mitt.
Gradual tans for a low-maintenance routine
RRP: £8.75
Get a holiday-esque tan in just a few simple swipes with this Dove Gradual Tanning Body Lotion. Packed full of moisturising natural seed oils, this tan looks and feels just like a regular body lotion yet offers a developing healthy, sun-kissed glow - without the need for jetting off abroad. What's more, there's two shades to choose from and it'll quickly absorb into your skin, leaving a soft and supple finish.
RRP: £14.49
If you're looking for a super easy-to-apply gradual tan, Bondi Sands' Tanning Milk is the answer. Enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E, sweep this product over the skin to hydrate your complexion, whilst it also revealing a natural and long-lasting tan.
RRP: £27.95
Available in 2 shades, Loving Tan's luminous gradual tan formula includes acai berry and coffee extract for antioxidant protection, alongside shea butter for a nourishingly soft finish. What sets this gradual tan apart from its competitors, other than its higher price tag, is its instant colour guide that adapts to your skin tone - making it super easy to see where you're applying the product.
If you're still debating whether gradual tan is for you, we'd say they are a staple, not only throughout the summer but all year round. They give you a natural sun-kissed glow, without the fuss of waiting to wash it off or leaving any unwanted orange bed stains.
If you're starting out in the fake tan world, gradual tans makes for a great, approachable entry point - without the fear of typical tanning mistakes. However, for seasoned tanning pro's, you can also use them as a way of making your fake tan go the extra mile and last even longer, too.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Sennen is Digital Beauty Writer at woman&home, where she shares the latest beauty buys and trending products from makeup and hair to skincare and nails. Previously, Sennen worked as a Junior Digital Editor at FROW Magazine, where she wrote about the latest fashion and beauty news, trends and viral must-have products to shop, and reviewing a lineup of beauty products. She has since worked with numerous brands including Who What Wear UK, HuffPost UK and Harvey Nichols. When she’s not writing about all things beauty, Sennen spends her spare time watching the latest Netflix series, doing lots of online shopping and walking her dog.
-
Katie Holmes convinces us to wear barrel leg jeans as she sports a stylish black pair with a petrol green blouse and stunning navy mules
We're adding this jean style straight to our baskets.
By Molly Smith Published
-
32 delicious destinations for food lovers
Culinary adventures await
By Lauren Hughes Published
-
Nigella Lawson has revealed her hair styling stash - and a relatable before pic
Want to know how Nigella achieves her bouncy, glossy and volumised locks? Look no further than her haircare must-haves...
By Sennen Prickett Published
-
Hannah Waddingham's go-to perfume puts a sexy twist on classic rose
We've tracked down Hannah Waddingham's luxe signature scent - and it's a perfect balance of timelessness and modernity...
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
Jennifer Aniston’s makeup artist reveals how to get her ‘simple’ 90s-inspired look - and it’s all about bronzer
The pro teaches us how to add 'dimension' to the face with sun-kissed colour
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
This is the £32 serum Eva Longoria uses for her red carpet glow - with 48% off
Looking to boost hydration and plump fine lines and wrinkles? Eva Longoria uses this affordable serum to achieve her glowing complexion...
By Sennen Prickett Published
-
9 Chanel nail polish shades that might be even classier than Rouge Noir
Chanel's elevated nail polish is the shortcut to a luxury manicure at home - and these shades are the chicest of them all
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
These September 2024 St. Tropez deals have discounts of up to 76% on so many tanning buys
Enjoy huge savings on St. Tropez's best-selling tanning products, from an express one-hour mousse to skin-loving face mists...
By Sennen Prickett Published
-
This structured and chic bob is the most perfect autumn haircut inspiration
The 'Laser Cut' bob is this season's most sophisticated hairstyle - here’s how to make it work for you
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
M&S' sell out beauty box is back today – get £95 worth of 'genuinely useful' luxury products for just £30
L’Occitane, Murad, Living Proof... this might just be the best one yet
By Kerrie Hughes Published