Zoe’s back! After helping with our primer problems last week and our lip balm troubles two weeks ago, she’s here to answer our third reader question.
Today’s question comes from Mette Carina McGrath who asked about a body and face fake tan that doesn’t stink.
Over to you, Zoe!
For those of you who are unable to watch the video right now, here are Zoe’s picks:
Ella Bache Great Moussetan ($44) or Lotion ($40)
Palmer’s Natural Bronze Tanning Moisturiser ($9)
Famous Dave’s Moisture Tan ($40)
And for face, the Clarins Radiance-Plus Self-Tanning Cream-Gel ($54)
Do you use fake tan? What’s your brand of choice?
Zoe Foster is an author and columnist and Contributing Editor for Mamamia. She has previously been the beauty director for both Cosmopolitan and Harper’s BAZAAR magazines, and the Editor at Large of Primped.com.au. Zoe has published four books; Air Kisses, Textbook Romance (which she wrote with Hamish Blake), Playing The Field and Amazing Face. You can follow Zoe’s tumblr here and her Twitter here. You can and should buy Amazing Face here.
Comments
86 Comments so far
LOVE YOUR NAILS ZOE!
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Every fake tan stinks its the active ingredient that mixes with BO to produce the yucky smell. I use the ella bache tan cream and the product itself doesnt smell but once its absorbed in and risned off, the smell always comes from the pits no matter how much deoderant I apply.
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Zoe are you channelling your inner Madonna here? Circa 1982…
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Agree with Palmers. I’m a closet fake tanner with an almost-live-in boyfriend and all he knows is that sometimes I smell like cookies. And that my skin colour fluctuates without any input from the sun…. hmmm.
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Zoe! I have a skin condition from when I was little, which makes the skin on my arms rough and red. Do you have any ideas for nice lotions or moisterisers for sensitive skin?
PS: Bought Amazing Face. Love it to bits.
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st tropez mousse is the best tan. really easy to apply and nice colour. it’s not cheap though…
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Palmers gives a nice colour but the smell is so strong and sweet I can’t use it.
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Garnier – Intense Natural Bronze-up – it is a cream. AMAZING! I put it on at night after my shower and the very next morning I am beautifully tanned, it has such a natural glow and lasts for nearly a week! I use it on my face also and it just looks so natural, everyone should at least give it a go! xx
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Um, this is really off-topic but I was wanting to ask Zoe – what on earth are ‘whitening’ products? I see them advertised on Strawberry.net….oh, and are they good for age spots???
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Wearing Custom Tan today and I look like a bronzed version of myself in a good way. I smell like my perfume which is even better.
My feet however are messy. Why oh why am i so bad at self tan application?
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Dear Zoe
I think we should be best friends.
Please let me know if you’re free to take up the position.
Jade xx
Ps initially our relationship might be a bit one sided and you might feel like you’re constantly loaning me beauty proz and doling out advice but it will even up I promise and I’m a good cook and make a mean cocktail.
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Has anyone had a good experience with the Ella Bache spray tan treatment? I’m hopeless at applying fake tan myself so was thinking of getting one next week before a trip to the beach. A bit scared about becoming orange!
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I have been a couple of times to Ella Bache, and they actually rub the cream onto you.. It’s a very dark self-tan, but the colour is amazing the next day! I brought it and I use it myself at home, I love it!
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I had a Ella Bache Spray tan recently and the colour was lovely, very natural. Lasted about a week. They offer either a spray tan or for them to put the cream on you manually (with their hands!). They encouraged me to have the spray tan as it easier and less likely to streak.
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Hot tip: The Palmers one was on special (25% off) at my local Coles tonight.
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I met Zoe tonight at Sportsgirl – she is really very lovely in person, very sweet and attentive with everyone! Got a bit of a shock when Hamish came up just as I was talking to her though!
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If I apply fake tan only to my stretch marks will it cover them?
I have brown skin so I don’t think I’ll have a brown ‘spotlight’ on the area.
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i find dove fairly good. I am sure one product cannot suit every type and shade of skin….. might try the Palmers one though…
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Agree. I am fairly pale and find some look too fake on me. I used to use Johnson and Johnson Holiday Skin, but it seemed to,disappear last year. Now using Dove, in fair to medium, and I love it. It gives me a little colour but still looks very natural. I just put it on about four mornings a week when I get out of the shower. No smell and no streaks.
But might also try Palmers as I love their standard coco butter…
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To avoid an obvious “fake tan” look, I find that moisturising first and then applying fake tan (even the gradual ones) where the sun would naturally hit, gives a really natural looking finish, and prevents streaks!
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I still can’t get it right! I’ve currently got st tropez and even the gradual always looks streaky and patchy, even though it’s better than most I’ve tried! I also seem to have dark patches under my knees which make the tan go weird! Help me please!!!!!
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I used Ella Bache Mousse Tan and mitt for years, loved the colour. Then I bought two bad batches in a row, different stores, different times, the tan didn’t ‘mousse’, it was just a dribbly liquid. Once fine, but twice?
That made me finally decide to try another tan, which I had been considering given the cost of EB, which is steep if you use it a lot. Now I am using Le Tan. Much cheaper and I’m pretty happy with the the colour. Sticking with EB for the face tan though.
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St tropez, St tropez, St tropez! I use the foam & gradual tanner.Best colour and consistency I actually look tanned rather than duck a l’orange, just sayin’! Good for pasty ladies who want a natural brown, I find it results in a darker Colour than most others though so beware!
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When you say pasty, how pale do you mean? I am actually not pasty, more lily white, as in glow in the dark white…except for my freckles! I’ve accepted my ghostly paleness but now that I’ve put on a little bit of weight, I’m thinking of doing the fake tan this year, maybe St Tropez or the one below there – Palmers would be good for me?
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Hi Mandy! I’ve never used St Tropez mousse, (although I’ve heard awesome things from many many people!) but for really pale skin tones I would say go for a ‘gradual tan’ lotion rather than anything else. I like them because I feel like you have a lot more control over how dark you go. I have a friend who also glows in the dark and she just uses one or two layers of a gradual tanner designed for plae skin for a hint of a tan, whereas I’m pretty pale but one layer barely registers! That’s just my two cents worth anyway.
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Yep I’m with May… I have pale skin and freckles also but I have dark hair and eyes, I’m not white pale but I’m definately in that neighbourhood! As May was saying it’s all about hoe your skin takes the tan, a good one to start with might be le tan mousse in the lighter shade (i think its called bronze…) or try to St Tropes gradual tanner and it will give you an idea of the colour
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Thanks laydies
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I also vouch for Palmers gradual tan! Even for pasty-skins like me it’s a nice colour. And I cannot express to you how totally smug I felt when my new housemate actually said I smelt NICE and asked what lotion I was wearing! She couldn’t believe it was fake tan!
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I need to know what bronzers are good. I am allergic to self tanners. I first started reacting to holiday skin type tanners, but not normal tanners, after a couple of years i started reacting to normal self tanners so I tried professional ones. Yep the same – grrrrrr
So now i am stuck with using bronzing creams.
Any favs out there.
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Hello, I like idBareMinerals “Warmth”, you only need a tiny bit, it is actually brown and has ZERO sparkle/shimmer. Also good for sensitive skin.
I bought a pot about 3 years ago and I’m only halfway through – you only use a pin-head size bit and swirl it around on the lid with a brush and hey Presto!
I also brush it up the shin bone on freshly moisturised legs for a bit of colour.
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Anyone have any thoughts on Pod products?
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I was thinking the same thing…..
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Ella Bache Great Moussetan all the way. Tried them all. Even their cream isn’t as wonderful. Good for sensitive skin & looks real.
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I’d like one which doesn’t make any moles or other skin blemishes go dark. I only want to use it on my legs, but I have a lot of age-type spots and fake tans only make them stand out even more, when all I want to do is cover them up! Fake tan only seems to work on those with perfect skin
I’ve found that tinted moisturiser is the only solution, a fairly expensive one, and not all that satisfactory either.
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Zoe please tell us what you are wearing on your face, especially your lips! Gorgeous as always!
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The lips are the exciting bit – well spotted! It’s the on-sale in January Clinique Black Honey long last glosswear SPF15, which is a double-ended baby featuring Black Honey Almost Lipstick on the other end.
Black Honey, for those of us who aren’t makeup nerds, is the cult Clinique lipstick shade that is a just-bitten, sexy, wine-plum red colour, and which consistently gets written up as one of the best, most flattering berry shades ever.
I love combining it with bronzer for a modern take on berry lips, (winged liner and blush can look a bit themey and vintage when playing with berry lips) and because this lipstick (and gloss) are both so sheer, I honestly believe ANYone can wear it.
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That is exciting Zoe. Black honey is an all time favorite and I read about this new gloss combo in a US magazine, asked at clinique counter and they did not know when it would be out. So, will be in store in January to check it out. It looks gorgeous on you Zoe, I agree it is a suit all skin tones colour.
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I really just don’t get fake tan. I’ve tried dozens of brands, and not one comes close to the look of a natural tan. I can spot it a mile away on other people too, so it’s not just my skin tone. I believe it makes most women look older too. I honestly think everyone look’s better without it.
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For someone like me its a must as I’m pale, to tan I must burn so I would much prefer fake tan to risking skin cancer. My skin is already bad from years of trying to get colour. Unfortunately I don’t have the creamy white skin either, just pasty blue white so fake tan is a must!
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Agreed. Dark, pale, whatever, just own your natural skin colour. I find it really absurd this obsession with people wanting to change their skin colour – the pale skin brigade’s unflattering fake tan thing, and then the long-held Indian/Asian tradition of trying to be paler instead of enjoying stunning brown skin. Enough people, just save yourself the trouble and enjoy the skin you’re in!
(For the record I am bleach-pale. And okay with that.)
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I have just discovered EcoTan. I’m going to do a seperate post about some of the organic products I’ve been playing around with but this one is a HUGE WIN.
Doesn’t smell. Looks beautifully golden. And it’s organic so I assume you can also spread it on toast?
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Hi Mia
I was going to say the same. I have just ordered mine on the net so don’t know what the result will be. If you do a separate post hopefully I will have tried it by then. I ordered the mitt too, did you try that?
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Haven’t needed to use the mitt yet but I have it!
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Eco Tan is fantastic. Also love their gradual tanning moisturiser Winter Skin.
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Model Co is the best – and ive tried all .
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i like St Tropez mousse tan! it has a nice smell to it, and gives you an instant tan that develops further over a few hours. i’ve used others, but this is the best one for me by far.
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Sorry to be a pain but Zoe’s videos are always so quiet! Im not sure if its the mic or just the recording but I have to turn my sound riiiiiggghhhht up when she speaks and riiiiggghhhttt back down when the song comes on at the begining and end.
Love you lots though Zoe, keep up the great work
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I’m a chronic mumbler, which is a terribly frustrating trait, just ask my parents, or anyone who has to listen to voicemails I leave them. Will make sure I am louder and more enunciatedy next time!
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Thanks so much
x
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Perricone MD has a new No Sun Tanner which says ” it does not streak, smell, leave the skin dry or impart an unnatural colour. Results are truly dramatic with a tan that customizes to your skin tone within 3 to 7 days.”
It costs a pricey $110 but if does what is says it does I guess its kinda worth it. Has anyone tried it?
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Zoe – what nailpolish are you wearing in this video?? We saw a super quick glimpse and the sparkles caught my eye!!
Thanks
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It looks like Chanel Peridot…
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Yes, tis. I’ll be bored of it soon though, I assure you.
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I’ve been so slack with my fake tanning lately, need to get into it pronto. I’ve been wearing shorts to the gym and the sight of my ‘moon glow’ legs is truly frightening! I usually just use gradual tanners like the Dove one, but think I need it to step it up. As soon as I can afford it I’ll be using St Tropez.
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You can’t go by Dove summer glow for an extremely easy to use fake tan that smells yummy, I lash it on like a normal body moisturiser two mornings in a row and I have a beautiful, natural and light tan, that takes the blinding sheen off my naturally brighter than white skin..
Cheap as chips and foolproof..
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We need a video from Zoe telling us how the hell she did that with her hair! She looks GORGEOUS! Spill the beans, Foster!
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Exactly what I was thinking! My hair is the same length as Zoe’s and I’d love to have it looking like that!
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I second that – it looks amazing!
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yes a how to hair video would be great.
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Gosh guys! What a response!
I can give you a hint and say that it was quite dirty to begin with and that is usually the secret. But perhaps I figure out how to do a how-to for it…
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How does one get dirty hair? I just get greasy hair =(
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Never used fake tan until this year. I’m naturally olive skinned and tan normally during the summer. Saw a few reviews for Eco Tan Invisible Tan/Moisturiser and thought I’d give it a try –
http://www.ecotan.com.au/
It contains no smelly chemicals – all 100% natural organic ingredients if that is important to you. Easy to apply at home – leave on overnight and it doesn’t come off on your sheets. Leaves you with a developing golden tan and you generally re-apply it every 2-3 days. They have a salon spray tan product as well. As a first time user I really like it!!
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Dear Zoe the beauty guru,
I am loving your hair in this video.
Please inform me as to how I can copy this look.
I have serious hair envy.
Love,
the jealous locks.
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I adore my St Tropez, but it is expensive and a bit smelly. Can’t beat the colour though, not an orangutang in sight. I use the mousse in conjunction with the St Tropez applicator mitt. And I have a stash of their tan remover sachets if I somehow inadvertently get it on my hands.
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Have just applied the palmers – having been using it for ages & it’s a great, cheap product. I used to use St Tropez but found it too expensive. If using bare hands to apply was straight afterwards with jiff cream cleanser & if you get dark patches around knees or ankles wipe with nail polish remover!
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Oh thank you for the tip! I always have dark brown spots on my knees which give me away!
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Naked Tan Goddess Glaze – creamy, coconutty lemony shea butter goodness, green-based gradual tan.
Also love the spray tan version, 2 hours wash and wear.
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Thanks Zoe! I love your hair in this video too – how did you do that?!
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I am in love with Zoe’s hair in this vid too!
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I purchased the Elle Bache Great Mousse tan the other week. I’ve used it 3 times since and I’m not impressed with it’s staying power or drying power. I find that I can rub it off in patches the next day quite easily even though I have done all the prep work of exfoliating and moisturising like a mad woman for 3 days before.
I’m actually tempted to take it back.
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I swear by this tan and I have used LOTS. I find it quick drying and staying power is fine – doens’t rub off or go patchy. I would def go in and speak with one of the girls about it in store. Perhaps it was a dud batch?
Good luck.
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This is probably a stupid question but are you supposed to apply fake take with your bare hands or with a sponge?
Signed
Fake Tan Virgin
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I use a tanning mitt! It may have changed my life.
Mia laughs at me
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Oooh! What is this mitt?? Where is it from?
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I use a mitt too, and life is now complete. Mine is a St Tropez one, available from David Jones.
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I use a mitt too… its genius! can do my legs super quick. Mines from custom tan http://www.customtan.com.au loving their tanning mousse too… no smell & gorgeous colour!
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My sister and I are all about the little rubber gloves (not the washing up kind though). Bare hands is too risky!
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I use bare hands. The key, I reckon, is to swipe the product over your skin – not rub it in. And then scrub hands (with, uh, a scrub) the nanosecond you’re done. Or use a mist one, like Le Tan’s or Neutrogena’s. No paws required.
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I use gradual tanning lotions as I’m too scared to jump right in with a proper tanning product. My question is – how do you apply it evenly, especially around the ankles? I can never seem to do this and always end up with uneven patches etc. PLUS it’s always so obvious around my ankles.
HELP!!
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Been there! It’s really important to exfoliate thoroughly before using any sort of fake tan, focussing especially on the dry rough areas like the ankles and knees. Once I feel like I’ve shed a layer of skin I like to lightly moisturise the knees, ankles, wrists, or anywhere I tend to experience some crazy streaking. Only a light application mind you. I then apply the lotion as evenly as possible, taking care to not miss any spots. There are some tanners on the market that have a colour tinge to them so you can see where you’ve applied it – handy! Some streaking can still happen though, as careful as you are, but nothing a light exfoliating session can’t fix, just don’t scrub to hard. Hope that helps!
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You look good with a moustache. Facial hair is totally under-rated. xxxx
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Not that Zoe’s not awesome in video form, but I much prefer written articles, she’s such a fun writer to read!
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I am prone to break outs and the Palmers gradual face tanner is advertised as non-pore clogging and also has spf15 (the body one doesn’t so be careful). Works for me!
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Thanks! This actually has me tempted to try fake tan (I’ve been a pasty pin-up type for as long as I can remember)
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I use Palmers and its amazing – best one I have tried for the price!!
I find it only smells if i smell (that sounds terrible!) but if I have just been for a run or played netball i can smell the “fake tan” smell but otherwise its perfect!!
Thanks Zoe!
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Ditto – love it!
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