Self-tan guru James Read has launched a fake tan brand – here’s my honest review

A good gradual tan moisturiser is a holy grail product in your daily routine. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like triple active and 4D hyaluronic acid for a hydration boost, as well as shea butter and apricot oil for nourishing, Self Glow’s gradual tan ticks a lot of boxes. The scent is delicate and light (a nice change from the telltale smell of some gradual lotions), while the clear formula is easy to blend, leaving a glistening finish that helps with even coverage.

Fast drying, you can put clothes on within minutes without that sticky feeling. Skin feels instantly softened and hydrated, with a naturally-bronzed look after just a couple of hours. The colour by itself is quite subtle, but is easily built with multiple layers, or works just as well as a top-up for an existing layer of tan (real or otherwise). I love the pump dispenser, too, which makes application a breeze.

The Self Glow tinted serum offers the best of both worlds when it comes to tanning. Giving you an instant tint before developing more deeply over a couple of hours, the result is naturally bronzed and nourished skin. You can apply with a mitt or your hands (I prefer a mitt for more even coverage), with the lightweight serum blending easily. A little goes a long way (a plus, considering the price) with a guiding colour helping with a flawless finish.

Infused with hyaluronic acid for hydration, fermented mushrooms for soothing, aloe vera and plant based DHA for a radiance boost, it really does replicate the holiday glow. It doesn’t transfer to sheets or clothes, and dries quickly, leaving skin smooth and softened. The longer you leave it on before showering, the deeper your tan is, and the colour is easily buildable, without drying your skin out – apply the gradual lotion a couple of days later to prolong the glow.

After completing your skincare regime, it can feel a bit counter-productive to layer on face fake tan as the final step. Not with Self Glow’s overnight tan facial formula. With hyaluronic acid spheres and 4D hyaluronic acid helping with optimal hydration and plumping, as well as fermented mushrooms supporting the skin’s barrier and aloe vera for smoothing, it has all the benefits of your nightly moisturiser, with the added plus of a lovely natural colour.

The clear, lightweight formula has a nice gel-like consistency that goes on like a dream. Simply apply in the evening (remember to wash your hands) and wake up with hydrated, soft and subtly bronzed skin. Using it every other day builds a naturally radiant complexion that won’t see you compromise on your skincare regime.

Fake tan drops are a versatile addition to your skincare regime, as they can be used alone for a deeper bronzed look or mixed with your morning moisturiser for a subtle glow. Self Glow’s tinted tan drops are lightweight and hydrating enough to be mixed with anything, whether it’s your foundation or serum. Don’t be scared of the deep brown colour, which leaves a subtle tint after application and develops gradually over the next few hours for a tanned look.

The clever formula also works to even out your skintone and mask hyperpigmentation, which is another big plus. It fades nicely, too, so you’re not left patchy on day three. In fact, the initial colour lasts a good two days before fading at all, which means you only need to reapply every three days or so.

Giving skin some serious TLC while allowing us to indulge in a pampering session, we all love a face mask. Throw a tanning active into the mix and what more could you want? Yes, there are tanning sheet masks out there but Self Glow’s formula is unique in that it’s packed with real skincare benefits. Designed to be used before applying make-up or skincare, it has an earthy colour and gorgeous smell.

Simply spread evenly over your face (around four pea size amounts does the job) and leave on for 20 minutes, before washing off with warm water. The results are subtly radiant and glowy (you can see the colour developing slowly over the 20 minutes), with the hardworking formula also exfoliating and smoothing skin for a soft, cleansed finish. The perfect pick-me-up for tired skin. The price is steep, but only a small amount is needed, so it will last you ages.