Now that we know Zara McDermott's fake tan secret for £12,97, we're one step closer to getting her enviable glowy golden tan. The former Love Islander has shared what she considers to be the best fake tan, so we can get in on her tanning secret at a surprisingly affordable price.
Luckily for us, the reality star turned influencer has never been shy about sharing her beauty faves. In the past, she's revealed what she uses as part of her skincare routine - from her favourite facial oils to her favourite foundations and more. Don't worry, we've been taking notes and now we know her secret to achieving a natural sunkissed tan in a bottle.
On Instagram, she revealed the fake tan mist she regards as one of the best face tanners that she uses 'every three nights or so,' to give her skin a refreshing subtle kiss of colour. You might be surprised to know that it's also amazingly affordable, and packed full of ingredients like hyaluronic acid to improve the appearance of skin.
Zara McDermott's favourite fake tan products at a glance:
Best Zara McDermott fake tan mist: St. Tropez Fake Tan Purity Face Mist, £12.97 on Amazon
Best Zara McDermott fake tan drops: Isle of Paradise Self Tan Drops Medium, £13.97 on Amazon
Best Zara McDermott fake tan applicator: Isle of Paradise Self Tan Brush Applicator, £10.10 on Amazon
We've definitely been paying close attention to Zara's tanning routine, so, we've put together a list of her favourite tanning products. As she tends to lean toward light and medium shades, there are even some options for fake tan for pale skin, too. Here's how to get gorgeous 'glowy' tanned skin just like Zara McDermott.
SHOP: Zara McDermott's favourite fake tan products
Best Zara McDermott fake tan mist
Rrp: £33.00
As someone who's hot on her beauty and skincare, it's no surprise that Zara uses the St Tropez Fake Tan Purity Face Mist. It's no surprise that celebs can’t stop using St Moritz, as it's full of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. 'I use this tanning mist every three nights or so on my face and leave it overnight,' she revealed in her stories.
Customer review: "Love this. As someone who is recently getting into skincare... I have been very careful about what products I use on my face. I read a couple of reviews and they convinced me to give this a try... it states that it doesn’t clog pores and so far so good. I have a very good skincare routine at the moment and this adds to it."
Pros
- Highly rated
- Effortless application
- Enriched with hyaluronic acid
Cons
- No different shades
Best Zara McDermott fake tan drops
Zara is also reportedly a fan of these Isle of Paradise Self Tan Drops, and it's no wonder why. Tanning drops are all the rage because they're a fuss-free alternative to tanning. Whether you mix it with your favourite oil, serum or moisturiser, you can just add a few tanning drops as part of your weekly skincare routine. Obsessed? Yes.
Customer reviews: "New to tan drops but worked beautifully from the first try. I added one drop to a pump of moisturiser to see the colour and effects and loved the natural sun-kissed look. Now I use two drops with one pump of moisturiser a couple of times a week."
Pros
- Can choose between drops or a water
- Enriched with a blend of superfoods
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May transfer
Best Zara McDermott fake tan applicator
According to Grazia, Zara uses this tanning brush for a flawless fake tan application every single time. She took to her Instagram stories to say, 'I apply my tan every few days with this brush, I just buff the tan into my face with the Isle of Paradise Self Tan Brush Applicator.' Not only can it be used on the face but on those hard-to-blend areas, too. Are the days of the tanning mitt officially over?
Customer review: "This incredibly well-made brush is a dream for perfecting your self tan. Use in circular motions over your elbows, knees, ankles and feet. Blends out beautifully."
Pros
- Applies tan evenly
- Soft bristles against skin
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some may still prefer a tanning mitt
Best Zara McDermott fake tan mousse
It seems the former Love Islander loves a bit of Isle of Paradise. Very on theme, if you ask us. We're taking her word for it and investing in the Isle of Paradise Self Tan Mousse this summer. Apparently, it's a great option if you're looking for a fake tan for pale skin. It contains colour-correcting actives as well as nourishing grapefruit, chia seed and coconut oils for that glowy 'just been on holiday' look.
Customer review: "This was super easy to use, I used it with a tan mitt. I was worried about looking orange and streaky. It has come out very even, not too dark on someone so pale so I'm very pleased. Looking like I've been away for a week and I look healthy, not baked out and not too dark! The smell is good and it goes on very easily."
Pros
- Enriched with natural oils
- Quick absorbing formula
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May have issues with the pump applicator
Best Zara McDermott fake tan foam
www.debenhams.com
Now if you're really wanting to treat yourself to a high-end fake tan, then the Bare by Vogue Self Tan Foam is the one for you. And seems like it's the one for Zara, too. On an Instagram story, she told followers, 'I feel like this is the one, guys. I love it so much. It smells really good and not like fake tan at all - it actually smells like passion fruit!' Luxuriously rich and containing beneficial peptides, it works to nourish skin while delivering a flawless tan in a bottle.
Customer review: "Love this tan - and it lasts really well. Quite pricy though."
Pros
- Smells amazing
- Enriched with peptides
- Made with organic botanicals
Cons
- No 'light' shade
FAQs
What other fake tan do celebs recommend?
As well as Love Island's Zara McDermott revealing her secret to a natural-looking and radiant tan, former Love Island contestants such as Molly-Mae Hague and Paige Turley have spoken out about their favourite fake tan brands they're using currently.
Of course, Molly-Mae is repping Filter By Molly Mae, which is her very own brand of fake tan. The range includes mists, drops and mousses that are ideal for getting your desired shade of golden glow. Designed to hydrate and nourish the skin as you tan, her products are full of skin-loving ingredients.
As for Paige Turley? She's currently loving a particular bronzing foam that she swears 'doesn't smell like biscuits'. So if you're not wanting to smell like a pack of digestive while you tan, check out Paige Turley's biscuit free fake tan that she swears by.
How to apply fake tan sprays and mist?
According to St Moritz fake tan, there are certain steps you should follow if you're wondering how to use self tanning sprays and mists. From skin prep to selecting the right shade, here are some tips on how to apply fake tan so that you get an even application every time.
Exfoliate and shave the day before: Whether you decide on skincare acids or a physical exfoliating scrub, ensure you remove any dead skin cells before tanning. It's recommended you shave a day before so you can get a smooth, even application.
Choose your shade wisely: If you're super pale and are looking for a natural finish, it's probably not wise to go straight for a 'dark' or 'extra dark' shade. Try a 'light' or 'medium' instead, and use it sparingly to test that it's the right shade for you.
Always moisturise: Making sure that your skin is hydrated means there's less chance of a patchy tan. So, before applying your tan, really go in with your favourite moisturiser, paying extra attention to dry areas like wrists, knees, elbows and ankles.
Take precautions: It's recommended that you stand on an old towel before you spray yourself so that you're not staining anything orange around you. And of course, don't forget to use a fake tan sheet protector on those white bedsheets!
Time to apply: With the bottle at arm's length, spray in light and even motion. Sweep the bottle continuously around the area in a clockwise motion. The aim is to get as even as an application as possible. Remember to close your eyes as you spray the tan on your face.
Samantha 'Sam' Price is a Beauty, Fashion & Wellness Products Writer at heat magazine. In 2021, Sam began her journey as a Storytelling Executive at Closer and heatworld on an internship, creating beauty and fashion content across these brands. It was 2022 when Sam was employed as a Commercial Content Writer writing about Family Life on Yours, Mother & Baby and Spirit & Destiny. Now, she specialises in beauty, fashion and wellness content across many brands.
Main image credit: @zara_mcdermott / Instagram