When it comes to achieving that sun-kissed glow for special occasions like weddings, hens’ parties, and honeymoons, many opt to leave the task in the hands of professionals. However, we understand that some brides may still prefer a DIY approach. In response to this demand, we’ve compiled our list of top self-tanning options for brides with varying skin tones – from light to medium to deep.
Before diving into our picks, let’s cover a few crucial points to consider when opting for a do-it-yourself wedding-day, hen party, or honeymoon glow.
But first, a word of advice!
Before applying a self-tan product on your actual wedding day, it’s essential to conduct a trial run or two to get the desired results. This testing phase allows you to determine which formula works best for you and understand how to effectively apply it. By doing so, you’ll be able to identify any potential issues and make necessary adjustments beforehand. For our comprehensive guide on self-tanning at home, click here!
How to Choose a Self Tanner for Your Wedding, Pre-Wedding Events or Honeymoon
When selecting a self-tanner, factors beyond shade come into play. To achieve the desired glow, consider three key aspects: ease of application, staying power, and finish preference. Do you opt for a subtle radiant or deeper bronzed look? The formula of the self-tanner is crucial in this decision. Most common formulas include liquid, mousse, and lotion. Each type offers distinct characteristics that cater to individual skin types and preferences.
Liquid self-tanners dry quickly, making them suitable for summer use, but may streak slightly if you’re not accustomed to the formula. Mousse self-tanners dry rapidly and provide minimal hydration, making them less ideal for dry skin. Lotion-based self-tanners offer maximum hydration and even fading when combined with daily moisturizing. Ultimately, experimenting with different products is recommended to determine which one suits your needs best.
The Best Self Tanners for Brides: Light Skin Tones
For those with skin that struggles to tan in the sun’s rays, a light to medium self-tanner is the way to go. To prevent any unwanted acne or congestion, it’s essential to choose separate formulas for the face and body – opt for non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores. In general, lighter shades with a peachy undertone tend to complement fair skin tones beautifully, resulting in a healthy and radiant glow.
For those seeking our top recommendations:Mousse enthusiasts will appreciate Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Mousse Light, available at Brown Thomas for €25.95. Its light formula is perfect for achieving that sun-kissed look without the risk of breakouts. For those who prefer liquids, Clarins Radiance-Plus Booster for the body is a great choice – with 30ml of product priced at €33 on Clarins. ie, it’s an affordable way to achieve a radiant complexion.
Lastly, for those who swear by lotions, Lancome Flash Bronzer (€27.50 at Beauty Buys) offers 125ml of product that will leave your skin looking naturally bronzed.
The Best Self Tanners for Brides: Medium Skin Tones
For individuals with a medium skin tone that effortlessly tans in the summer, there are various options to enhance their complexion. One approach is to use a medium self-tanner or opt for a darker shade to achieve a more pronounced bronze effect. The natural warmth of the skin complements a self-tanner with a green or caramel base, producing a radiant golden glow. Alternatively, a dark self-tanner with a violet base can provide a deeper bronzed appearance.
However, for a natural and radiant finish suitable for special occasions such as weddings, hen parties, or honeymoons, sticking to medium shades is generally recommended.
In terms of product recommendations, there are several options available:
Mousse: St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse (240ml) is a popular choice, retailing at €26.35 from Beauty Bay.
Liquid: Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tan Liquid (170ml) is another option, priced at €23.99 and available at Boots.
Lotion: Bondi Sands Self Tanning Lotion Dark (200ml) offers a more affordable solution, retailing at €15.45 from Look Fantastic.
The Best Self Tanners for Brides: Deep Skin Tones
Individuals with deeper skin tones that tend to resist sunburn can often experience dryness when sunlight is scarce. To counteract dull, lifeless skin and restore vibrancy, a layer of self-tanner is an excellent solution. A medium tan is particularly effective in winter months for adding warmth to the complexion. The base notes of green or caramel can further enhance deep skin tones, resulting in supermodel-like skin on your special day.
For those seeking to achieve this look, we recommend considering mousse-based self-tanners like Vita Liberata’s pHenomenal Self Tan Mousse Medium, which offers a medium-toned solution at €49.99 from Boots. Alternatively, liquid formulas such as He-Shi’s Express Liquid Tan at €33.95 from Look Fantastic can also deliver impressive results. For those on a tighter budget, lotion-based options like L’Oréal Paris’ Sublime Glow Gradual Tan at €7.
95 from Look Fantastic provide a more affordable option.
Planning your pre-wedding pampering? Our wedding beauty timeline is here to guide you through the process.
