Your guide to fake tanning in winter

Unless you’ve been jetting all over Europe like the majority of my Instagram feed, it’s likely you’re stuck in the depths of the Australian winter. And while some of us use this time to let our skin breathe and pare back our beauty routine, others (read: me) insist on rocking a golden winter tan at all times. But tanning in winter comes with a whole new set of guidelines to follow. Namely, you want to look like you just happen to be naturally sunkissed – not like you’ve been baking yourself for three months straight at Scorpios in Mykonos.
RELATED: We tried the new Bondi Sands 1 Hour Express tan and the results were surprising
RELATED: These are the best dark tanning foams on the market
Thankfully, tanning in winter can still be pared back compared to your summer glow routine. For one thing, all those winter layers dictate that you can skip a few areas of your body and just focus on the skin that will be on show. But you can also keep it simple and natural-looking by making a few smart product switches during the colder months. Here are our top winter tan tips, accompanied by the best fake tan products to use in winter.
#1 Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate
Winter is a particularly flaky time of year for the skin, with the chill making it extra dry. This can make your tan cling to dry patches on your body, causing those dark marks on your skin that have everybody asking if you accidentally knelt in chocolate – never a good look! Get around it by exfoliating regularly in between tans with high performance body exfoliators.
bh loves: Mitten Black Thick Deep Exfoliating Body Mitt, Alba Hawaiian Body Scrub Sea Salt, Alpha-H Liquid Gold Luxe Resurfacing Body Cloths, Stray Bean Simply Coffee Body Scrub ($15.95, straybean.com.au).
#2 Switch up your hair removal method
Shaving your pins in winter, especially without a really good shaving lotion, can make your legs even drier than before! Switch to depilatory creams with hydrating properties or at-home IPL devices that will leave your skin feeling smooth and silky, ready for a fresh coat of tan.
bh loves: SmoothSkin Bare Intense Pulsed Light Hair Removal Device - Black, Remington i-Light Pro + Face & Body IPL Permanent Hair Removal, Nair Sensitive Shower Cream with 100% Natural Coconut Oil plus Vitamin E, Marzena Hair Remover Cream.
#3 Try gradual tan
If you’re looking for a lighter, more subtle tanning option that will allow you to control your level of colour, consider switching to a gradual tan. There are loads of great options that act as daily moisturisers, while sneakily building up your tan over a number of days. So really, it’s the ultimate tan for lazy girls who just want a lovely winter glow without the hassle.
bh loves: Essano Coconut Oil Certified Organic Gradual Tan, St.Tropez Gradual Tan PLUS Firming, ulta3 Oh So Tan Gradual Tanning Lotion, Bronze by La Mav® Gradual Tanning Moisturiser – Medium.
#4 Go temporary
Can’t be bothered with the whole tanning process during the colder months? I totally get and here’s your shortcut – wash-off tan! Wash-off tans are temporary body bronzers that give you a golden faux flow until your next shower. Simply apply and go, then wash off with warm water and you’ll be back to your regular skin tone. Excellent for last minute events or the tan-phobic among us!
bh loves: Bondi Sands GLO, Le Tan Ultra Dark Instant Wash Off Self Tanning Spray, Australis One Night Tan Wash Off Mousse, Garnier Ambre Solaire No-Streaks Wash Off Instant Bronzer Gel.
#5 Keep it light
The key to a good, natural-looking winter tan is to keep it light. Choose a formula that won’t develop too dark or you’ll risk going a telling shade of orange – not cute! You can now buy tanning products in light to medium shades, as well as tans specially formulated for fair skin tones so you’re guaranteed a natural finish.
bh loves: Rimmel London Sun Shimmer Self Tan Mousse, Le Tan Uber Dark Ash Base, St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse.
#6 Focus on the face
If you only have the patience to get a healthy hue in one area, make it your face. Even the most subtle hint of colour on your face will make you look like you’ve been smashing green smoothies on the daily! There’s now a range of dedicated face tanning products that will have you glowing in as little as five minutes.
bh loves: St. Tropez Self Tan Express Facial Sheet Mask, Ella Baché Great Face Tan Without Sun, Lancôme Self-Tanning Face Gel, Clinique Self Sun Face Tinted Lotion.
Do you use fake tan in winter?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
27 Member Comments
I considered fake tanning at one stage but glad I didn't. that's too much maintenance. I don't even do my nails. If one day I have time to do my nails then I might consider fake tan too, but I think that day wouldn't come before I retire.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Yes, I do in winter, but I try to make sure the shade isnt too much darker than what my skin would normally be as it looks unnatural then.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I don't tan coz I'm permanently coloured year round. Lol
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Good tips but i can't be bothered to fake tan. I always wear long pants and long sleeves in winter so there is no point for me to tan.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I don't normally use tanning products in winter but occasionally when I do, I do love it.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I think Bondi Sands is selling pretty well, though I am happy being pale as vampire
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I’m too lazy to tan except for a special occasion, I just rock the white lol.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've been telling myself I want to start fake tanning... now that I'm watching anti-aging and supposed to stay out of the sun... but really I am just too lazy. I'm hanging on for dear life to see a future where spray tans are cheaper, more widely accessible and have natural looking results instead. I'm hoping with more skin cancer awareness maybe that can become a thing for people who don't consistently have the time to self-tan.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I do because dance competition season starts in winter for BJP and a glowy tan is a must for those leotards.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I like the idea of a gradual tan that works as a daily moisturiser - I hate adding more steps to my skincare/makeup regime, so anything that can be incorporated into my regular routine is helpful.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I'm glad I'm happy being pale (and extremely white in parts) because fake tanning sounds way too much trouble.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I can’t be bothered fake tanning in winter, even though I continue to wear shorts to the gym each day with my white legs on show!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
glad I don't fake tan, too much effort for lazy ol' me haha
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I really could not be bothered any time of year )
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Gosh this article makes me want to try fake tan!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Exfoliating is definitely most important thing,
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I cover up in winter anyway so don't see the point in tanning in winter.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I keep myself pale all year round as I really can't be bothered with tanning. Part of me wants to try it, but part of me is terrified of turning out orange + with scars on my face due to surgery, I'm unsure if I can really do fake tan anyway. That said I think formulas have come a VERY long way in recent years.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I keep tanning for when my white legs are bare in summer. In winter I mostly wear tights.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Fake tans are not my cup of tea but I'm impressed with the advancements that have been made with FT products
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
This article makes me want to exfoliate, shave and tan. I'm feeling pale.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Great article, thank you.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Definitely agree with the tip of keeping the shade light. Great tips. I am often too lazy to tan in winter or shave for that matter. Am always in pants in winter so tanned legs do not go on show much in this season for me.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I'm amazed at how far fake tanners have come - from those in the late '80's that I remember by big sister used (once and never again!) to the fantastic colours and even natural formulas of today's ones.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
nope, it would look odd.....but again I have naturally yellow skin hehe
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0