Reader Ams wailed, "I applied tan last night and my neck is up in red welts today, probably from me scratching it during the night." Uh-oh - sounds like this lady is allergic to DHA, the active ingredient in sunless tanners. "Am devastated!", she exclaimed. "I look so crap and dead without it. I wish I was one of those girls that could pull off the pale look and look fab - I just look sick/cold/flabby!"
Ah, not to worry, sure don't you know we'll sort you out? While it's nowhere near warm enough to pretend to have gotten a tan by natural means - oh lets not kid ourselves, it's never that warm here - that doesn't stop beauty brands from launching their bronzing and self-tanning collections, which traditionally shimmy onto shelves round about March time.
One that looks immediately promising is Giorgio Armani's Bronze Mania collection. No stranger to tan (fake or otherwise) our Giorgio, I reckon we can count on him to see us right. In addition to the more usual powder and shadow products, there are tints for face and body that'll add a glow without a grimace to Ams' sensitive skin.
Advertised
One-shade-fits-all Mediterranean Tan for body reminds me of Clarins or Lancome's tanning waters, but with a heavier, gel-like texture. A cinch to apply and blend, it's one I'll go back to myself. There's no stink as this is a tint - so it won't develop further. Expensive at €40, but this is Armani we're talking about, and the tube contains 150ml. There are two skin tints for face available, also €40. The same applies: lightweight, gel-based coverage that's buildable and non-irritating.
On counter in early May 2009, you'll find them at Brown Thomas stores.
