16 best gradual tans for a healthy golden glow
While mousses and mitts have always hogged the limelight, building your base with a gradual formula is – in this long-serving fake tanner's opinion – the best way to achieve a subtle and natural-looking wash of bronze.
From fast-drying lotions and creams to butters and serums, these products give you a natural-looking glow and are also far less drying than other methods (goodbye, tiger bread skin).
Thanks to the hybrid moisturising formula, stubborn dry areas, such as elbows, ankles and knees, are much easier to tackle. Better still, you're left feeling supple for days after a tanning session, thanks to skin-loving ingredients.
Designed to be applied just as you would a normal body lotion, it's much easier to execute a streak-free tan with your bare hands – just remember to wash them after, to avoid the tell-all Wotsit fingers. Plus, you can customise your glow by reapplying as many times as you'd like.
How we tested
Our criteria for the best gradual tanners spanned ease of application, long-lasting results, evenness, value for money and skin benefits. Some of these products we've loved and used religiously for years, while others are newer launches that have risen to cult status in our bathroom cabinet.
We tested the formulas after exfoliating and reapplied each product to see how well it built a realistic glow. Here are the gradual face and body tanners to stock up on in time for summer.
Why trust our coverage
Daisy has been covering beauty here at The Independent for the past five years and, in addition to garnering a breadth of knowledge on all things skincare and bodycare, she's become somewhat of an expert on fake tans, from graduals to mousses. Besides using fake tan herself weekly, Daisy is guardian of IndyBest's guide to applying fake ta n and has written several individual reviews for tanners, including St Tropez and Bare by Vogue. Now, after copious testing, she's pulled together a definitive guide to the best gradual formulas. Scroll on for her verdict.
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Brooklyn Beckham gets back to the grind: Glum hot sauce salesman joins Nicola Peltz shopping and heads for a family lunch with the in-laws
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Just look to the recent viral status of the latest Marc Jacobs Daisy Wild Intense Eau de Parfum Spray, £121. Whether sweet and gourmand or light and floral, there's something to suit every taste in our curated edit of the best Marc Jacobs Daisy perfumes. They may each be unique, but rest assured, every one is infused with that signature, unmistakable hit of nostalgia. Now whisper it- 'Daisy, Daisy, Daisy…' 1. Marc Jacobs Daisy Wild Intense Eau de Parfum Spray Rachael Martin, beauty director says: 'If you're in search of a refreshing, floral fragrance that captures the feeling of a golden summer evening (think a delicious, countryside breeze and a crisp glass of wine in hand) then Daisy Wild Intense might just be the ticket - it's the latest addition to Daisy's repertoire and it's already been met with rave reviews. One spritz feels like an escape from London- which, when it's this muggy, I'm all about. A misting opens with bright notes of banana blossom, before unfurling into a cocktail of creamy jasmine and tuberose. There florals feel full-bodied and luxurious, yet never overpowering. There's then a warm, comforting base of amber and sandalwood, which lends a soft, woody richness. It's familiar, and almost nostalgic. There's a real comfort there. What really sets Daisy Wild Intense apart is its staying power- the clue, of course, is in the name. A light mist in the morning lingers gorgeously and still manages to reel in compliments come evening. If you're after a scent that feels both carefree and considered- this might just be your new summer staple.' Pros Long-lasting Layers beautifully Cons If you like a more muted scent then this isn't for you 2. Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Eau So Sweet Eau de Toilette Rachael Martin, beauty director says: 'If you're partial to a sweet, almost sugary scent then you'll likely find favour with Marc Jacob's Daisy Love Eau So Sweet. One spritz reveals pudding-worthy, gourmand notes of freshly picked white raspberries muddled together with delicate daisy petals. Then there's another unexpected layer- a mingling of honeyed sugar musks that takes things up an extra notch on the sweetness scale. I'll be teaming mine with a crisp, broderie dress. Sugary, girlish and romantic - it just makes sense.' Pros Ideal for those who like a sweet, floral scent Currently on sale Cons May not be as long lasting as some of the other Daisy scents 3. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette Price: $102 Rachael Martin, beauty director says: 'The original Marc Jacobs Daisy has developed a cult following that remains strong all these years later. Originally designed with younger girls in mind (but still worn by women- myself included), it's an instantly iconic spritz that works well no matter the season. It's fresh, airy, feminine, and youthful. It's clean, powdery and fresh. With notes of wild strawberry, red grapefruit, violet leaves, gardenia, jasmine, musk, vanilla, and white woods, this summery scent is ideal for first-time Marc Jacobs perfume buyers. Plus it's a scent that lingers beautifully - it's rare I can still smell something on my own skin by the end of the day. This always delivers.' Pros An ideal way into the Daisy perfume franchise Great for every season Cons Has become a popular scent 4. Daisy Marc Jacobs Daisy Glow Limited Edition Eau de Toilette Rachael Martin, beauty director says: 'Sunshine in a bottle is a phrase bandied about the beauty industry far too often, but in my opinion, Daisy Glow truly embodies this sentiment. It brings together top notes of bright white strawberry, gentle violet, and vibrant marigold, grounded by base notes of warm white woods and comforting vanilla. There's even a hint of Parma Violets in there too which gives it that edge of nostalgia. And a moment, please, for the bottle. 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