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I have something to confess; though I spent years as a shopping writer, often covering beauty, I’ve never once tried a self-tanner.
That’s not because I am naturally sun-kissed, or even due to going outside in the sun enough to build a tan (I’m too afraid of UV rays to try that).
It’s just that I’ve always been intimidated by self-tanning products, fearing streaky, orange results that revealed my inexperience at a single glance.
If I were going to try a self-tanner, I told myself, it would have to be something natural-looking and gradual; something beginner-friendly that wouldn’t ruin my skin or my sheets.
Enter: Coco & Eve’s ridiculously highly-rated gradual self-tanning lotion.
The brand’s Sun-Kissed gradual tanning lotion promised “buildable” results, which meant I could control my self-tan shade by simply stopping applications when I was happy with the results.
The silky, non-sticky formula promised to hydrate my skin, provide a streak-free glow, and absorb too quickly into my skin to damage my clothes (never mind my bedding).
It also required zero rinse-off, which I always reckoned I’d mess up somehow.
So, I thought I’d give it a try on a single leg – look, I did say I’m a sceptic – ahead of wedding season, when I’m hoping to achieve a full-body, credible-looking glow.
The first thing that impressed me about the self-tanner was its genuinely lovely smell (its scent profile includes, among other aromas, apple, vanilla, coconut, and peach).
Secondly, I loved its hydrating-feeling finish; it was as easy as applying regular moisturiser to my legs.
I followed the instructions, applying a thin layer to clean, dry skin and then leaving it to absorb (this took a matter of minutes) before going about my day.
The next day, I woke up to the results.
It’s safe to say I was far more impressed than I thought I would be.
The gradual tanner is meant to do just that: slowly, gently provide a natural-looking glow on your skin. Day one should provide a subtle but undeniable flush of colour that shows zero streaks.
Those seeking a deeper tan can keep going; I reckon I’ll do a two-day routine for upcoming weddings (once you’ve achieved the colour you want, maintaining it is as simple as re-applying every two days).
But honestly, I was obsessed with the day one results. My left leg, to which I applied the gradual tanner, looked less like I’d covered it in self-tanner and more like I had a natural foundation on my skin.
Not only did it cover my deathly-pale skin with a malted milk-level biscuit tan, but it also hid my usually bright blue veins and I-don’t-know-where-they-come-from bruises.
I’ve been completely converted.
Not only is the gradual-tanning lotion way more natural-looking than I thought, but there are benefits I never expected: the smell is divine, the application is ridiculously low-hassle, the results are completely in my control, and there are zero marks on my clothes or sheets.
I can’t recommend Coco & Eve’s Sun-Kissed gradual tanner enough for self-tan sceptics like me who are new to the beauty routine (and honestly, I think anyone after a low-fuss, natural-looking, streak-free finish should consider it too).
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