WHICH IS BETTER?

I've been a self-confessed fake tan addict for years and decided to share my views on the two biggest names in tanning. This guide is an honest review for anyone who has been tempted to try out the celeb's favourite but would rather know more before splashing that kind of cash! I will try to keep this guide as up-to-date as possible, so here is a list of each product's current fake tan ranges (some info. taken from the website):

St. Tropez:

Auto-Bronzant. This is St. Tropez's classic tinted self-tanning lotion. This aloe vera based lotion is non greasy and quick drying, with a relaxing aromatic scent. Conveniently formulated in one maximum strength shade that can be custom blended with St.Tropez body moisturiser to your own desired shade. Claims to actually mask stretch marks and varicose veins too!

Whipped Bronze. A personal favourite of mine, so easy to apply! Streakless, instant colour dries in just 60 seconds allowing you to whip it on anytime, anywhere. This self-adjusting mousse is oil-free and compliments your skin tone, while your tan deepens over 3 hours - all without the damaging effects of the sun. Aloe leaf juice allows for the richest, longest-lasting tan possible.

Bronzing Mist. I'm afraid I've never used this one, but I think all the products essentially do the same thing, but come in different forms (mousse, lotion or spray) so you can find out what application method you prefer! St. Tropex claim this one is "weightless". Perfect and instant colour dries in 60 seconds allowing you to Mist It on at any time. This self-adjusting mist is oil-free and your tan will deepen over 3 hours. Its aloe leaf juice allows for the richest, longest lasting tan possible.

Aero Bronze. Again, this bottle is a spray version for anyone that finds this method easier! It's basically supposed to be an 'air-brush' and you can even spray it upside down! Clever, eh? The combination of aloe and bronzers also work instantly while your tan intensifies over 3 hours.

Fake Bake:

Self-Tanning Lotion. Again, the original fake tan in lotion form. Has an easy glide formula that 'shows where it goes'. Claims to work with the melanin cells already in your skin to create a tan that compliments your existing complexion.

Airbrush. Does exactly what it says on the tin, Fake Bake's spray on version of their famous tan. Dries fast in seconds and features a 360 degree nozzle that gives a continious spray from any angle.

Extreme Tanning Gel. Fake Bake's gel version, perfect for those with darker complexions or those who just want an even deeper tan! Easy application that also claims to dry in seconds.

Self-Tanning Mousse. Mousse version, very easy to apply! Great for novices and those with lighter skin, this formula is also fab for 'tan maintence' and top-ups inbetween applications.

Both brands also do gradual 'everyday' self tanners, which I'll talk about further down the page!

THE BIG QUESTION:

ARE THEY WORTH THE MONEY?

In a word, YES!  BUT I have seen many reviews on both products were people have not liked them at all. I am totally unbiased here as I am merely a user and not a seller but the most important thing is that they do not suit everyones skin tone!

WHICH ONE IS BETTER, THEN?

The truth is, they are both brilliant! Sorry if this just confuses you more but it's true! Both give a natural looking tan. BUT the key is knowing that the two do DIFFERENT THINGS! And also knowing what one is best for YOU.

SO WHAT ONE IS BEST FOR ME?

I use both of the tanners but for different occassions:

• When I'm feeling a bit 'pasty' and just want to add a light colour, I go for the St. Tropez Whipped Bronze! ONE APPLICATION IS ENOUGH FOR PALE SKIN!

• When I'm going out, I opt for the Fake Bake Extreme Tanning Gel. You can get the same effect by applying St. Tropez's Auto-Bronzant but there is a difference in the two; I feel that you would need to apply the St. Tropez Auto-Bronzant a few times to get the same result as just one application of the Fake Bake Gel. So, not so good if you want to go dark quickly!

ARE THEY EASY TO APPLY? I'M RUBBISH AT APPLYING FAKE TAN!

If you are a complete novice, I would opt for the St. Tropez Whipped Bronze as it is easier to apply!

If you don't fake tan on a regular basis, you are not going to like Fake Bake's Self-Tanning Lotion! It can be quite tricky to apply as the lotion version can be quite thick! If you still want to give it a go, try their mousse version (I find the mousse versions of both fake tans easier to apply).

PROS AND CONS:

• CON: Lotion version can be tricky to apply so defintely not for fake tan virgins unless you go to a salon!
• PRO: Just like the saying, "it's easy when you know how!"
• CON: R.R.P £23.95 - £26.95 per bottle! (Price taken from the Fake Bake website).
• PRO: Buy it from eBay and save yourself some money, yay! Or shop around the internet for the best deal before parting with your cash.
• CON: The lotion goes on very dark so you cannot "tan and go". The bottle says you can but to be honest, I wouldn't as the colour is a bit funny looking at first. Although the mousse version is not as dark, it too can look strange and isn't really indicative of the end result! It is much better to leave the products on overnight then wash off in the morning! Don't worry, this doesn't fade your tan; this is what most of the products instructions say anyway.
• PRO: The colour guide on the aforementioned products is a bonus though. The instant colour lets you see where you're applying it and helps you to achieve the streak-free look.
• CON: If wearing it overnight, it can stain your sheets, PJ's and your boyfriend/hubby! Can stay "tacky" for a while after application.
• PRO TIP: I have a longish, old night gown that I put on when tanning! And I also try to leave at least an hour between application and jumping into bed so it's completely dry.
• CON: The Extreme Gel is not for the very pale.
• PRO: Fake Bake does come in different shades; their classic Self-Tanning Mousse or Lotion is not as dark as the Extreme gel.
• CON: I feel that ALL the Fake Bake products stink a little!
• PRO: There is no bonus to this, I'm afraid! However, they have now brought out gradual face tanners, which you can slap on just like normal moisturiser and it does not smell as much! This product is called The Face and also includes anti-ageing ingredients! Bonus!

• CON: This is not good if you want an instant deep tan. To achieve a base colour or deeper tan, St. Tropez recommends applying their Lotion for two or three consecutive nights (which is time consuming!)
• PRO: It is uber easy to apply, especially the Whipped Bronze Mousse for even lighter, easier application.
• CON: R.R.P £17.50- £30 per bottle (from the St. Tropez website).
• PRO: Again, you can find it much cheaper either on eBay or online. I actually bought a full system (that is, body polisher, fake tan and moisturiser) from T.K Maxx for only £20! You can also find St. Tropez in your local T.J Hughes.
• ANOTHER PRO:  Some St. Tropez products come in different sized bottles. So if you are unsure about splashing out on a full size 240ml of their Auto-Bronzant, you can buy a small 120ml bottle instead for cheaper!
• CON: Does not have different shades like Fake Bake, sadly! One colour suits all (supposedly), and if you want a darker shade, you have to apply their Lotion over a few nights.
• PRO: You can "tan and go", it absolutely great for legs! If you decide you want to wear a skirt but the British weather has left you pasty, just stick on the Whipped Bronze and viola! Looks like you're wearing tights! Dries quick and doesn't stain!
• CON: Not so good for people with darker skin who want an instant tan!
• PRO: It doesn't stink like Fake Bake! Has quite a pleasent smell, in fact!
• CON: Has no colour guide like Fake Bake (but I'll admit it is dark enough to notice where you're putting it).
• PRO: I really recommended their Everday moisturiser to give a gradual tan. This does come in two shades, fair to medium and medium to dark. Again, fab for a light, gradual colour.
• CON: Can take a while to achieve even a medium tan this way!

SOME TIPS FOR APPLICATION

There are loads of guides on this but I thought I'd just add some tips of my own as I think I've now got it down to a fine art!  But of course, PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!

GOLDEN RULE: ALWAYS EXFOLIATE (PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION TO KNEES, ANKLES AND ELBOWS) AND MOISTURISE BEFORE TANNING!!!

THE BODY

• I always tan from my feet upwards, and always in sections like this (apologies for the small picture!):

• I do my calves and shins first, then wipe any excess product  lightly onto the tops of my feet. I do not use any more for my feet! GOLDEN RULE!
• I then do my thighs and repeat the excess process onto my knees.
• Next is the stomach and I can usually manage to do my own lower back at the same time. I usually can tan up to where my bra strap would sit before I need to ask for help getting the rest of my back!
• Don't forget to get your sides whilst your at this bit! Gotta be golden all over!
• Next is the chest and neck.You'll probably need help doing your upper back!
• I then do my upper arms and shoulders.
• Then the forearms. Again, lightly wipe any excess onto the backs of the hand and lightly over the elbows. Repeat with other arm.
• Be careful here; you mustn't get orange palms now, a fake tanning sin! Always wear gloves when tanning your arms (except, of course, when you have to take off one glove to get to the back of the hand! But always put it back on once you are done!)

      THE FACE

• If you don't like having your face too dark, it is far better to use a lighter tanner on it (like an everday gradual tanner) or to simply mix your fake tan with your normal moisturiser!
• I find St. Tropez Everyday Moisturiser for the face to be the BEST for gradual tanning! Have tried many others like Avon and even better brands like L'oreal but this is the best because it is not greasy or oily at all! I'll admit, I haven't tried Fake Bake's The Face yet, but I probably will(!) and will update when I have!
• If you have problem skin (which I used to have when I was younger), fake tan on your face can sometimes make spots stand out or look even worse so I would advise using the above methods.
• And of course, always exfoliate and moisturise with products that are suitable for the face (and not the products you are going to use to exfoliate and moisturise your body, these are often too harsh for the face).
• Avoid putting the fake tan on your eyebrows or hairline, can stain!
• DON'T FORGET BEHIND YOUR EARS, SO MANY PEOPLE FORGET THIS, JUST WIPE A TINY LITTLE BIT OF EXCESS ON THIS AREA!
• I also like to use moisturiser on top of the fake tan on especially dry areas to avoid these areas looking even darker when you're done. This is because dry areas simply soak up the fake tan, like a sponge!
• If you are just tanning your face (which I sometimes do, if I'm feeling a lil pasty under my make-up or simply can't be bothered going the whole hog!), I would again put some moisturiser over the fake tan when you're done, just at your jaw line; this is to avoid any "tide marks" and patchiness!

MORE TIPS

• It's handy to have some fake-tan removal wipes if you have any accidents!
• Scrub your palms afterwards!!! (But wait until your semi dry, wouldn't want to wash all your hard work away!)
• If you are going out and will be painting your toe nails, paint them AFTER you've tanned! Covers up any fake tan that may have stained your nails! :)
• SHAVING! This is my own personal experience but thought I'd mention it in case anyone has had the same problem. I find that if I shave my legs BEFORE I use fake tan, the fake tan then seeps into your pores where the hairs have been! Leaving you with 'little dots' on your legs, no matter how hard you exfoliated beforehand! If this happens to you, just exfoliate some more the morning after you've completed tanning and it goes away. If you shave AFTER applying fake tan, I find it kind of "scrapes" the tan off slightly, leaving your legs paler! 
• If you decide to go with Fake Bake Lotion, please do not worry if the tan looks a disaster and patchy when you first apply! THIS IS NO INDICATION OF THE FINAL OUTCOME, I HAVE LEARNED! It washes off in the shower leaving you with an even tan underneath.
• And don't worry if the water turns brown and you think the tan is 'washing away'; this is simply the colour guide coming off, leaving the tan underneath! (Phew!)
• If you do spot some areas that look slightly darker than others, say, the ankles or knees, lightly "buff" off with a towel (best make sure it's an old, dark coloured one though, oops!)
• Sounds daft, but make sure you avoid getting any under your arms. Orange sweat is NOT a good look (especially on your new white top!) If you accidentally get some here, just "buff" it off or wipe with a tan removal towel whilst you are tanning! Don't try to wash it off later on, because it probably won't budge, in all honesty!
• Most reputable fake tans like Fake Bake and St. Tropez do actually gradually fade away instead of going 'patchy' after a week! However, if for some reason, the fake tan doesn't budge on some areas, use some diluted lemon juice! NOT RECOMMENDED FOR SENSITIVE SKIN THOUGH, please be careful and do a patch test first!

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I hope this guide has given you some good, basic info. on the two fake tans! Remember, all this info. is just my personal opinion; you may find you do not like either of these tans and prefer to stick to another brand! It is also very much about trial and error, finding out what form (lotion, mousse or spray) works best for YOU personally!

If you liked my guide, please vote for it, thank you!

Lisa x

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A LITTLE NOTE ON XEN-TAN!

I feel that I must update this guide as I have now tried out Xen-Tan and I am blown away by it; I've found it to be EVEN BETTER than St. Tropez or Fake Bake! And here's the 3 major reasons why...

1. I tried the Dark Lotion and, admittedly, it will not suit the very fair, but IT IS, BY FAR, THE DARKEST TAN I HAVE FOUND THAT IS NOT ORANGE! In the past, I have found that St. Tropez or Fake Bake is dark, but not dark enough (when you wash it off, you are still left with a good tan but you are not as dark as you were when you had freshly applied the lotion). So 10/10 for colour! It's so good that I am going to buy the lighter shade (Deep Bronze) for everyday! (because I feel the Dark Lotion is a bit 'much' for everyday, it's much better for a night out!)
2. IT DOES NOT SMELL! In fact, it has a very pleasant smell when you first apply it, a clean scent!
3. Although I love my Fake Bake and St. Tropez, I feel that I look significantly paler again after a few days. This is normal though, and you just need to apply regularly... not the case with Xen-Tan! IT LASTED A WHOLE WEEK! I felt it faded really, really gradually as well. Some people on other review sites complained of it being patchy, but I did not find this to be the case at all! I think this was probably because a) they weren't quite so experienced at applying fake tan or b) they did not exfoliate! I think people feel that they cannot exfoliate if they have fake tan on because the tan will 'scrub off'. That would seem likely, however, if you exfoliate lightly, this actually prevents the patchiness and results in a gradual fading instead of patchiness! So don't be scared; I exfoliated everyday with Xen-Tan, and it did not disappear! :)