Everything you need to know about the different types of fake tan

Have you ever seen a tan on somebody and adored it? Loved it so much you went and bought it, only for it to look completely different on you than it did on them?

The same can happen when somebody shows you how well a tan comes off on their skin, only for it to come off awfully when you try it out.

Truth is, that is extremely common. We all have different skin types, different skin textures and different oils our skin naturally produces. You may even find a tan you love for your body just doesn’t sit well on your face. That’s why for any self-tan it’s, unfortunately, a bit of trial and error.

There are an array of tans to suit different skin types so it's all about finding the right one to suit you.

Here is a general idea of what you should consider:

Sensitive Skin/ Dry Skin

If you have sensitive skin, you need to stay away from any tan that has a fragrance and has a lot of chemicals. You need a tan that will also nourish your skin. Find a tan that clearly states it has skin-hydrating ingredients and that it is full of naturally-derived ingredients like argon oil and coconut water.

Remember, especially with dry skin, how important a moisturizer is. Remember to moisturize every day, especially around the elbows and knees to get the longest out of your tan but also to help enhance the moisturizing properties of your tan.

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin or acne prone skin avoid any tan that is oil based. Look for a tan that contains aloe vera or vitamin E, both are natural soothers and have cleansing properties. You should also choose a mousse over lotion as it will have a much lighter consistency, better for oily skin.

Choose the right tone

All tans are generally made universal, which means they suit almost all skin tones. But if you are a frequent user of self-tan you will know which shades, although almost the same, suit you better than others.

Here is a guide to the different base colours available:

Green-based

Yes, you read that correctly. Green is great for pink correcting, so it makes it a great one for those with fair skin.

Violet-based

Violet based tans are suited best to those with medium to dark skin. They are great for those who have fair skin but also tan quite dark naturally.

Caramel-based

Caramel is a great universal base. It is a classic and will suit all akin types. It gives a sun-kissed bronzed finish.

Dark ash-based

Dark ash is best suited to medium to dark skin types. Perfect if you want a rich tan.

The tanning golden rule: don’t go unnaturally dark. A great rule of thumb is to choose a shade that is 3 shades darker than you would naturally go in the sun. The last thing you want your tan to look is unnatural so stick with this rule and you can't go wrong!