Your big day is all about your wedding glow. We’re not talking about your ‘just married’ glow, we’re talking about that sun-kissed, vitamin D glow. So, we’ve bronzed our way through a number of self tanners to find you the best fake tans for your wedding.
The Best Fake Tans for Your Wedding day and Beyond
If you’re planning to fake tan for your big day, we’d recommend you plan far in advance. We’d also recommend you trial it at least five months before to make sure you have no reactions to close to the big day. This way, you’ll be confident in the product and the application process. And, with worries of a fake tan shortage hitting the UK, we’d suggest stocking up with you can!
Although travel plans have started to pick up in the wake of the pandemic, for those of us unable to jet off for some winter sun, the age-old fake it ’til you make it approach can be just affective when it comes to guaranteeing a tan for your wedding day. We’ve tried and tested some of the best fake tans to try before you head down the aisle.
The Best Fake Tans for a Gradual Tan
Vita Liberata Organic Gradual Tan
A savvy selection for brides with sensitive skin. This organic formula is infused with essential botanicals to help nourish parched skin whilst building an enviable summer tan. Plus, it smells amazing so we have no problem slapping it on daily.
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Crazy Angel Gradual Self Tan
Crazy Angel champions sourcing the perfect shade for everyone, and thanks to its colour-coded packaging system (you can choose a light, medium or darker tan and then select your perfect formula – be that mousse, liquid, water, lotion or drops), allows you to find your go to shade in an instant. The Gradual Tan, RRP £12 for 250ml, is super moisturising to help eliminate the risk of streaks or patchiness. Enriched with Shea Butter to smooth and hydrate your skin, this lightweight lotion is completely buildable to achieve your desired colour.
Applied like your normal moisturiser, this gradual tan is perfect for self-tan beginners or those looking to top up an existing glow. Top tip: try mixing with the Crazy Angel Tanning Drops (£15) to create an even deeper tan.
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Sienna-X Gradual Glowing Self Tan Lotion
Sienna X will help you build a gradual and even tan gradually ahead of your wedding. It’s enriched with a concoction of moisturising ingredients such as Aloe Vera and almond oil. Plus, the result is so natural you’ll look like you’ve just returned from a mini-moon.
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No.7 Naturally Sun Kissed Gradual Body Tan
The perfect partner for fair skinned brides who crave a sun-kissed glow over the TOWIE tones. This daily moisturiser slowly builds into a light tan whilst keeping your skin feeling hydrated.
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Tan tip
Apply your fake tan around two days before your big day to avoid colour transfer.
The Best Fake Tans for Instant Self-Tanning
utan x Jamie Genevieve Skin Idol Face and Body Bronzer
Jamie Genevieve created a hybrid formula for UTAN for you to use on its own, or mix in with your foundation to deepen the colour and enhance it’s dewy glow. A long-lasting high definition instant bronzer for your face and body.
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The Best Fake Tans for Your Face
St Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Facial Oil
St Tropez’s dry oil gives a gorgeous caramel touch to the skin for up to 10 days. It’s easy to apply and leaves the skin feeling smooth and nourished. Plus, when the bottle looks this pretty, who can say no?
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M&S Autograph TAN Instant Tan Velvet Touch Gel for Face & Body
Affordable and totally wedding-budget friendly. A great option for those brides who feel the need to a top-up their tan on the big day. The transfer-resistant formula washes off with soap and water and gives a lovely natural glow. Think weekend at Wimbledon rather than Bahama baked.
Tan tip
Have you been enjoying the summer sun a little too carelessly? Rocking some questionable strap marks or burn marks as a result? Queue the instant tan to disguise those white patches. However, beware of colour transfer.
Elemis Total Glow Bronzing Moisturiser for Face
Pump life back into your lacklustre complexion over the space of a few days with this face tanner. This Elemis tanner packs a punch that extends past your sun-kissed glow. Plus, it’s formulated with anti-ageing antioxidants and natural radiance-boosters. We’re sold on this bottled sunshine.
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utan Coconut Tanning Water
This little bottle of coconut delight is a multi-award winning product. Infused with real coconut extracts & vitamins, this light weight refreshing mist develops into a sun-kissed glow in 4-6 hours and can be built up to your desired colour.
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The Best Tan Boosters and Tanning Supplements
utan Tan Gummies
Take these Tan Gummies for 3-4 weeks without exposure to the sun, or if using along with with exposure make sure to use an SPF for sun protection. The gummies are vegan and gluten free and will give you a natural boost to your tan.
Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Body
For bespoke bronzing, this concentrated self-tanner is designed to be combined with your usual moisturiser. The result is a gradual and flawless tan. Nonetheless, we recommend you trial it long in advance of your wedding to find what works for you. We recommend between four and six drops depending on the colour you want to achieve.
Tan tip
Don’t go near the fake tan until you’ve exfoliated. Pay extra attention to your elbows and feet- we all know they are the problem areas.
The Best Fake Tan Mitts and Application Tools
Finally, you are only so good as your tools when it comes to tanning so splurge on the right mitt. We love the Sienna X tanning mitt as it is robust, spongy and incredibly soft. 
READ MORE:
- Waxing before your wedding: Everything you need to know about your pre-wedding wax
- How hair extensions can help you achieve your dream wedding hairstyle
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