The best drugstore self-tanners for pale skin

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Want an instant bronzed glow without going on holiday? Here are my top picks of the best drugstore self-tanners for pale skin.

As someone who is pretty pale, I learnt the hard way that there was no point in even trying to tan in the sun.

Instead of the bronzed skin I wanted, I’d be left with a burn that would just slowly fade back to the ghost-like shade I was before.

Now I just stick to the strong SPF daily, and self tanners for a fake holiday glow.

Another thing I learnt the hard way is the importance of getting a fake tanner that suits my skin.

When I first started self-tanning I would always look a little bit too orange, but now I have found a collection of self-tanners for pale skin that look perfect on my skin tone.

Today I’m going to be sharing with you my fool-proof self tanner routine that gets perfect results every time with no streaks or patches in sight.

I’ll also be sharing some of my all-time favourite fake tanning products that you can pick up at the drugstore.

Drugstore self-tanning routine for pale skin

Products that you’ll need

1. Body scrub or an exfoliating mitt to use with your regular body wash
2. Body moisturiser
3. Tanning mitt
4. Self tanner of your choice

Step 1: Preparation

Before you even think about pulling out the fake tan you need to make sure your body is prepped and ready.

My preparation involves exfoliating and shaving the night before I plan to fake tan.

For exfoliation, you can either use an exfoliating mitt and your regular body wash, or an actual body scrub.

I’ve always preferred body scrubs, my favourite of the moment is from Frank Body (you can just as easily DIY these scrubs yourself using leftover coffee grounds if you make fresh coffee in the morning!).

Make sure your body is scrubbed and smooth. Pay extra attention to areas like your ankles, elbows and knees—the areas that, for me, fake tan seems to cling to the most.

After exfoliating, I’ll shave to make sure my skin is extra smooth.

Once I’m out of the shower I’ll make sure to cover myself in a generous coat of moisturiser all over, with an extra layer applied to areas that tan sticks to (ankles, elbows and knees).

Step 2: Application

When applying fake tan, I only use tanning mitts—they just work the best.

If I’m using a tanning mousse, I’ll dispense a few pumps of the product straight onto the mitt. If I’m using a spray or water self-tanner, I’ll spray the product directly onto my body.

I first start by swiping the product into my skin in straight lines to ensure that I have every inch of me covered. I’ll then buff the product in using circular motions so that there’s no streaks.

After it’s all applied and buffed in, make sure to leave enough time to allow the tan to fully dry.

Even when you think it’s completely dry, wait a little longer.

Step 3: Aftercare

Once the tan is on, developed and washed off I make sure to moisturise as much as I can.

This ensures that even if the tan starts to fade away, it doesn’t begin to look dry and patchy.

It doesn’t matter too much what moisturiser you use, but if you want a good non-sticky, hydrating product, the Beauty Pie Body Crème is incredible.

Once the fake tan has faded away almost completely, it’s time to scrub it off and start the whole process again.

My favourite drugstore self-tanners for pale skin

Australian Glow 1 Hour Express Self Tan Mousse*

*(PR-Gifted)

I most frequently use express tanning products, they’re obviously a look quicker to develop than other self tanners which is good because you can wash it off as soon as you get to the colour that you want.

With these express tans, you get the most control over how subtle or dark you want your tan to turn out and this one from Australian Glow has been my new favourite.

This tanning mousse doesn’t smell and doesn’t leave any streaks or cling to dry patches. The tan does get super dark if you leave it on, so I make sure to keep an eye on it and wash it off after about half an hour so I get the perfect natural-looking summer glow for my skin tone.

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water

If you’re someone who worries about looking orange, the Isle of Paradise range is your best bet.

This range has colour correcting actives in their products that are specific to each skin tone which will guarantee your perfect tan shade every time.

This product is clear and has no guide colour which is great for those of us with white sheets.

I’ve never had a problem with the tan looking patchy, as long as you spray the product generously and buff the product in with a mitt, your tan should look great.

Dove Visible Glow Gradual Self Tan Body Lotion

If you want a quick and simple tan that requires no washing off and also doubles up as a moisturiser, I cannot recommend the Dove Gradual Tanner enough.

It’s been one of my favourite affordable products for years now (read more about my other favourites under £10 here). I still instantly repurchase it every time I run out.

This is a gradual tan that comes in 2 shades, light and dark. If you want a subtle everyday glow, go for the lighter shade—it gives just the right amount of colour where you look perfectly sun-kissed.

This is also the product that I use to keep my fake tan topped up, once I notice the colour starting to fade away, I’ll go in with a layer of this which will moisturise my skin while giving it another hit of colour.

NIP+FAB Bronzing Booster

These are my favourite facial tanning drops from Nip+Fab.

I don’t like using regular self-tan on my face, mainly because a lot of the ones I have tried in the past have a really strong scent, something that I’d rather not put on my face.

These drops are specifically formulated for the face. This means you don’t have to worry as much about it causing breakouts.

All you need to do is mix a few drops (I use around 5) into your moisturiser or foundation and it will give you a subtle healthy glow that will build up throughout the day.

What’s your fake tanning routine?

molly