How to get an everyday glow with a gradual tan

Whether you're looking for a holiday-ready glow or sun-kissed skin all year round, Sarah Young has you covered

Gradual tan is a quick and easy way to achieve natural sun-kissed skin all year round (Getty/iStock)

From sticky mousses to pungent lotions, fake tan suffers from such a bad reputation that while the quest for a full-body glow is at the top of our agenda come summer, the perilous pitfalls that come with it can be seriously off-putting.

Enter, gradual tan. A quick and super-easy way to achieve natural sun-kissed skin all year round, it’s time to trade in stained hands, orange bed sheets and white patches for fool-proof tanning.

What is gradual tan?

Best described as moisturiser-meets-fake tan, gradual tanning products aim to help you achieve a softer, more natural-looking colour day-by-day.

Unlike self tan, which gives you results after just one application, gradual tan is typically applied daily in order to build a glow over time. Whether you’re new to tanning and testing the waters, or simply want to maintain your already sun-kissed skin, these products allow you to apply every day until you reach the level of intensity you’re after.

Tan Luxe, The Gradual Tan Lotion, £22, Space NK

How do I apply it?

Just like traditional fake tan, you should try to exfoliate your skin before you begin but you can skip the moisturiser. This is because gradual tanners already contain hydrating ingredients to keep your skin hydrated and prevent your tan from fading.

Depending on the type of colour you want, you can alter how often you apply these products. While some people like the results after just one application, others prefer to make it a part of their daily routine and build on their gorgeous glow all year round.

Overnight Bronze & Glow Mask, £38, Charlotte Tilbury

Here’s our handy step-by-step guide:

1. Exfoliate your skin, shower and dry.

2. Taking a small amount at a time, rub in the tanner with your hands, applying in a circular motion.

3. After applying, wash your hands to avoid stained palms.

4. For best results, apply every day and you should see tan develop in a few days.

5. Moisturise every day, and re-apply gradual tan as necessary.

Bondi Sands, Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk, £11.99, Superdrug

What products should I use?

From budget to high-end luxury, gradual tanning is big business and, while the amount of products out there is vast, it can be overwhelming to find the right one for you.

If you want to start at the lower end of the price spectrum, we suggest picking up Garnier’s Summer Body Milk or Dove’s DermaSpa Summer Revived Gradual Self Tan.


 Gradual Tan in Shower Lotion, £14.50, St Tropez 

Alternatively, Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk and St Tropez’s Classic Face and Body Lotion are great mid-range products. Also, if you’re stuck for time, why not invest in St Tropez’s In Shower Tans? They take just three minutes as part of your daily routine and leave you with a healthy looking tan after just 3 consecutive days. Simply shower and glow.