Summer Self-Tanning: Tantastic Instant Tan Bronzer and Self Tanning Mousse review

For a gorgeous summer tan without the damage, faking it with self-tanners is the best way to go. I've been testing out quite a few over the past month, so I thought I'd share my thoughts on Irish brand, Tantastic today.

Tantastic have a small but sufficient range of self-tanners which are available in various different formats. As I'm new to the brand and I hadn't heard of them before, I decided to play it safe and chose their Self Tanning Mousse and Instant Tan Bronzer to try out.

Tantastic Self Tanning Mousse* (150ml, £18, link)

Mousses are my self-tan formula of choice. I find them the easiest to apply as the mousse simply spreads all over the skin with the sweep of the mitt, which minimises the risk of streaks. If you're new to self-tanning, mousses are definitely the first I'd try! Tantastic's mousse offering features some key moisturising ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Vitamin B5 and Glycerine, as well as 100% natural DHA which is Ecocert approved. The formula is also paraben and alcohol free, which makes this a good option for those with dry skin like myself, as many self-tanners can be very drying on the skin.

With its pump applicator, I simply put some mousse into the mitt and spread it all over as usual. The mousse is tinted so you can see what areas have been covered, and it gives the skin a lovely, healthy and natural golden look instantly, with not a hint of orange in sight. There was no obvious fake tan scent either which is always a bonus. It maintained this colour for around 4-5 days before it began to fade evenly so I'm happy with the results.

Tantastic Instant Tan Bronzer* (175ml, £11, link)

If you want a subtle golden glow, but don't want the commitment of a proper self-tanner, then wash off formulas are the best option to try. Tantastic's Instant Tan Bronzer is a tinted gel formula that's perfect for those who just want a temporary colour boost for a night out. It has Vitamin E and Provitamin 5 to soothe the skin and protect it from free radicals, and like the mousse above, it's also paraben, alcohol and fragrance free.

The gel was easy to apply with a mitt and absorbed into the skin quickly. It did feel a little sticky as first, but once it's dry, it's dry without any residue. The shade I got was almost identical to that of the mousse; a very natural, non-orangey, golden summer tan. You can reapply it if you want a darker colour, but I was happy with just one application. I tested it once it had dried by splashing some water on my leg, and I'm pleased to report that it didn't run or go streaky. I washed it off properly in the shower in the next morning and it came off easily without needing to scrub. Definitely a good one to try!

Have you tried any products from Tantastic?

P.S Congratulations to Harriet who has won the Witch skincare giveaway! I've emailed you :)