Are you faking it?

We all know that having a tan makes us feel healthier, more confident and for many of us, slimmer than our pastier counterparts.

However, according to Cancer Research UK sun beds are responsible for over 100 deaths a year. Using a sun bed just once a month can increase your risk of skin cancer by half!

Which is why here at 100% People we promote the much healthier option of: faking it!

These days there are so many brands of fake tans out there; to some the thought of doing a DIY job is pretty daunting! Well have no fear 100% People have the low-down to increase your “faking it” confidence.

First things first ladies you need to exfoliate. Don’t expect to just whack on the cream and suddenly become a glowing goddess. There is a little work involved. Exfoliate thoroughly remembering to pay particular attention to heels, knees and elbows. Your skin must be free of all dead skin. We love Body Shop’s Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub.

Okay so your beautiful body is raring to go… what now? Well you need to decide whether you want to go to a tanning salon and have your tan applied professionally or be brave and do a DIY job.

Having your tan done in a salon is more than likely going to give you a more natural look; they are professionals at the end of the day. If you do decide this is the best option for you don’t just hop down to your nearest tanning boutique, ask around for recommendations. People can be very picky about fake tans so if someone says a certain salon is good it should be a safe bet.

If you’re curious about having a Spray-Tan again ask for recommendations from friends and family. Heavenly Bodies are a market leader in professional spray-tans and many salons use their products. They say that their tanning solution takes the “fake” out of “fake tan”. The Sunday Times dubs Heavenly Bodies “the most convincing fake tan ever“.

Once you know where you’re going don’t be worried about booking a pre-appointment. Go in, meet the beauticians, ask what they would recommend for your skin type. You may be required to do a 24 hour skin test; another reason why booking a pre-appointment is a good idea.

If you think you’d like to have a go at doing it yourself then read on for our quick-guide to DIY fake tans.

Gradual Tanning Moisturisers - These have recently become extremely popular. Most big cosmetics brands have some version of this tan available. Basically you use it as you would your usual body lotion and it builds up a gradual tan after a few applications. After some research we believe the best Gradual Tan Moisturiser to be Dove Summer Body Glow. Comments being “The colour looks as if I’ve spent a few days sunning myself” and “The overall colour looks great, completely streak free!”

One-Application Fake Tans - These are the most popular of fake tans. If you want an instant tan then these are your best bet. Again there are many brands out there doing pretty much the same thing. One of the most fashionable brands being Fake Bake; used by all the stars Fake Bake specialises in tanning products. The Fake Bake Luxurious Golden Bronze Self Tanning Mousse has received glowing reviews; reporting an even and natural looking tan that lasts longer than most other fake tans.

The One-Night Fake Tan- If you need a glowing tan for one night only then this is the tan for you! Handy to have at the back of the closet for a tanning emergency! They usually don’t take very long to dry or involve any developing time, plus you can just wash it off once you get home! Our favourite has to be the Baked Body Glow Stick Bronzer from Urban Decay. The velvety-smooth, shimmering stick glides on to give your skin a sexy summery sheen, whatever the weather… A favourite with stars such as Gwen Stefani.