I’ve never taken a tan but I love a golden glow! Being as fair as I am, there’s a fine line between being sun-kissed and Oompa Loompa orange, which makes fake tanning a little tricky. After decades of trial and error, I’ve finally found the solution!

Tan Luxe has made all my golden glow dreams come true! Based on customisable, skin care led foundations, their non-toxic, cruelty free tans do integrate seamlessly into your life, just as they claim to. I’ve come to use two of their tanning products religiously for the past several years: the Light Hydra Mouse and the Instant Hero. I haven’t once considered trying an alternative, as I couldn’t dream of better results than Tan Luxe delivers.

How to use the Hydra Mouse

I use the Tan Luxe Light Hydra Mouse on my legs. It smells nice for a tanning product, with a hint of raspberry, and once applied it doesn’t feel overly tacky on the skin, unlike some other tans. Before applying it, I moisturise my legs with REN’s Rose Otto moisturiser. This is a lovely, rich moisturiser and is quickly absorbed, making it an ideal foundation for the smooth application of the tan. After allowing a couple of minutes for it to be absorbed, I pump the mouse onto my St Tropez tanning mitt, which happens to be the best I’ve ever used, and carefully apply the mousse all over, using circular motions. I use tissue to remove a little tan from troublesome dark spots around my heels and knees. I apply it at night or in the morning and just wear leggings for the day. You can shower after 6-8 hours, however the longer you leave it on the longer your tan is likely to last. The formula is also enriched with vitamins B5, C and E as well as raspberry seed oil, explaining the raspberry scent. So it hydrates and tans simultaneously, ensuring skin is nicely conditioned as well as golden after use.

The results

This results in a lovely light golden tan every time, which lasts for just under a week. Not too dark for my fair skin, but not too light either. There are darker tanning mousses for those who wish a deeper tan. Also, skipping the moisturiser would produce a darker result and given the moisturising properties of the formulation, your skin wouldn’t be missing out too much.

How to use the Instant Hero

As I mentioned, I’m very fair so permanent tan tends not to sit too well on my upper body, especially as it starts to fade and go blotchy. My absolute hero product is Tan Luxe Instant Hero. An instant and washable tan which gives a beautiful, natural even glow to your skin and helps to blur any imperfections. It’s a bit like makeup for the body, but you don’t feel like you are wearing anything on your skin. There’s zero tackiness, residue or scent. There is a sponge applicator attached to the tube, however, I have gotten into the habit of dampening a face cloth with warm water, smearing a generous dollop of the Instant Hero onto it and then applying it all over. It’s pretty much foolproof. It’s also fantastic for topping up and prolonging the tan on my legs after using the Hydra Mousse.

You instantly look healthier and have a lovely natural glow after applying the Skin Hero. The universally flattering tone makes it suitable for all skin types and unlike other products I’ve used, it doesn’t overly transfer to clothing. It also doesn’t streak easily if you get rained on. I absolutely love this product and couldn’t last a summer without it!