Reader Review: 3 readers, 3 fake tans - what's the verdict?

Three readers review three tans - Bellamianta Crystal Clear Mousse, He-shi Face and Body Tanning Gel and Catwalk HQ Dark in the first of our Reader Review series

In the first of our new series of reader reviews, we have three lovely ladies for the price of one. Over Christmas, tan fans Olivia, Geraldine and Aoife trialled one tan each. Here's what they thought.

Reader: Olivia

Tan: Bellamianta Crystal Clear Mousse

How did you apply the tan? Thick tanning mitt

How easy was the tan to apply? Very easy

Describe the texture: Mousse

What shade level was your tan? Medium

Did the finished shade meet your expectations? Yes

How long did it take for the tan to develop? I noticed it developed within the hour. I left it on [for] a few hours as I wanted a natural colour as I'm very pale and I was perfectly bronzed.

How long did the tan last? I had prepared my skin the night before by shaving and moisturising and I found it lasted nearly a week with regular moisturising after showering.

Describe the smell and your thoughts on it: There was no smell and zero colour so my sheets were clean the night after!

Olivia: I really enjoyed this tan, [it's] actually probably my favourite tan to use at the moment. The only problem was there was no guide colour which was a little hard but I rubbed it in so much it was hard not to miss a spot.

Rating: 4/5

Available from McCabes Pharmacy for €19.96

Reader: Geraldine

Tan: He-shi Face and Body Tanning Gel

How did you apply the tan? Thick tanning mitt

How easy was the tan to apply? Easy

Describe the texture: Gel

What shade level was your tan? Medium

Did the finished shade meet your expectations? Yes

How long did it take for the tan to develop? 4-5 hours on clear clean skin (I’m normally sallow tone)

How long did the tan last? 3-4 days

Describe the smell and your thoughts on it: Pleasant smell, not too strong like other tans I have used in the past.

Geraldine: I liked the texture of the gel, it wasn’t sticky or streaky, and mostly how it’s easy to apply. The trick is plenty of exfoliating pre-application.
Rating: 5/5

Available from Meaghars Pharmacy for €23

Reader: Aoife

Tan: Catwalk HQ Self Tan

How did you apply the tan? Thick tanning mitt

How easy was the tan to apply? Easy

Describe the texture? Foam

What shade level was the tan? Dark

Did the finished shade match your expectations? Yes

How long did it take for the tan to develop? I left it overnight and washed it off in the morning

How long did the tan last? 4 days

Describe the smell and your thoughts on it: A sweet smell that goes after showering

Aoife: I really liked this tan and will definitely continue using this product. It didn't stick to dry patched and gave an even glow. I applied it before bed and washed it off and did the same the following night to darken the colour. It faded off nicely and the smell isn't too strong!

Rating: 5/5

Catwalk HQ Self Tan Mousse €25 from catwalkhq.com