6 of the best tanning mousses for a foolproof and deep glow
If you’re looking for a deep ‘two-week beach holiday’ tan, then a mousse is the only way to go – here are the ones we really rate
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When it comes to self-tanning, if you want the deepest, darkest result then there’s only one formula that you should be reaching for: the tanning mousse.
Because when it comes to creating the most dramatic result, a gradual tan or self-tanning lotion isn’t going to cut the mustard – instead try a mousse. “Generally, mousse textures can hold a higher percentage of DHA [aka dihydroxyacetone, a sugar-derived ingredient that causes the skin to change colour] to achieve a deeper, more intense tan,” explains Laura Oosterloo, founder of tanning brand Bali Body.
“What’s more, the lightweight texture of a tanning mousse allows for a more seamless, streak-free application. And mousse formulas feature a darker colour guide, which appeals to fake tan enthusiasts as it offers the illusion of instant results and ensures no missed spots during application,” adds Oosterloo.
One thing to be aware of: dry skins may prefer a different type of fake tan texture, as St Tropez’s tan expert Sophie Evans explains. “If you have dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin, you may prefer a lotion over a mousse. Lotion self-tans are generally more hydrating, and the formula is more likely to contain serious anti-ageing skincare. However, lotions will not feel as light on the skin as a mousse.”
But if you’ve dry skin and are determined to use a tanning mousse, Evans recommends applying extra moisturiser on severely dry patches before the mousse.
With all of that in mind, here are 6 of the best tanning mousses to give you the deepest glow possible.
The customisable one:
St Tropez Express Tanning Mousse, £34
Meet St Tropez’s best-selling product. This tanning mousse was developed to appeal to everyone thanks to its speedy development time. If you’re after a light glow, you can wash it off after one hour, leave it on for two hours for a medium glow and for a full-on deep glow leave it on the skin for 8 hours.
Buy NowThe golden glow one:
Bali Body Ultra Dark Self Tanning Mousse, £28.95
Bali Body’s best-seller, this is loved for its lightweight texture and green undertones, which stop the final colour from looking orange. The formula also contains hydrating oils as well as antioxidants, so not only will it transform the colour of your skin but it helps with the appearance too. It also comes in a lighter shade and there is a new one coming very soon (that tanning enthusiasts will love) so keep your eyes peeled!
Buy NowThe sensitive skin one:
Bare by Vogue Dark Self Tan Foam, £23
TV and radio presenter Vogue Williams launched her tanning range back in 2019 and this mousse was the first product. Being an avid fake tanner herself she understood that a mousse would be the best starting point – and it has been the brand’s best-seller ever since. Unlike many other tans, it contains soothing oatmeal, so it’s suitable even for eczema-prone skin. It also comes in a medium and ultra-dark version.
Buy NowThe colour-correcting one:
Isle of Paradise Ultra-Dark Self-Tanning Mousse, £21.95
Much like you might use a colour corrector under your eyes to banish dark circles or to reduce the redness around angry spots, Isle of Paradise taps into the colour-correcting theory with all their tanning products. Here with the ultra-dark mousse, violet pigments are used to add extra depth to the bronze for the perfect tone and it delivers up to six shades of bronze darker than your skin tone. There is also a light version that utilises peach pigment for a lighter glow and a medium version that contains green pigment to counteract any orange.
Buy NowThe clear one:
St Moriz Luxe Hydra-Glow Clear Tanning Mouse in Dark, £19
If you don’t like a colour guide as it leaves you looking instantly obviously tanned, then this clear mousse is a great option – although its clear formula does require application prowess as you need to be confident you’ve covered every inch of skin to avoid streaks. It has a lovely floral blossom scent and is packed with collagen to help boost skin plumpness. It’s also good value.
Buy NowThe speedy one:
Skinny Tan 1 Hour Express Self-Tanning Mousse, £24.99
If you love tanning but can’t abide waiting for it to develop, try this one, as it does a transformational job in just one hour. You can, of course, leave it on for longer for a deeper colour, but after 60 minutes, it will have done enough, replacing pallidness with a healthy glow. It has a pleasing tropical scent of coconut and vanilla, and a light, foam-like texture that sinks in speedily.
Buy Now
