Buzzapp Master 
Earlier this year, Sydney Sweeney and Sabrina Carpenter dazzled on the Met Gala red carpet. The blonde beauties were positively glowing as they paired their golden tresses with perfectly bronzed skin, and we’ve got the scoop on the product they swear by for that red carpet-ready radiance.
While we can’t confirm Sabrina used it ahead of the Met Gala, we know she’s a fan of this product, and Sydney definitely prepped her skin with this Loving Tan 2 HR Express Mousse, which is currently discounted at Lookfantastic.
As someone who is naturally very (very!) fair, I’ve experimented with a variety of tanning products to avoid looking like Casper the friendly ghost during the sunnier months. Sunbathing isn’t always an option in the UK (and who has the time?), and tanning beds and spray tans can be quite pricey, so I’ve found a few trusty products that I rely on throughout the summer for that sun-kissed look, reports the Mirror.
But I decided to put Sabrina Carpenter and Sydney Sweeney’s favourite tan to the test to see if it could work its magic on my fair skin and deliver the same sun-kissed glow they both sported at the Met. And I was blown away by the results.
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The Loving Tan 2 HR Express Mousse and range of tanning products are available at Lookfantastic
(Image: Meghan Coon)
The express tanning mousse is touted to deliver a deep, natural-looking tan in as little as two hours, making it the ideal go-to for your next do, whether that’s a casual brunch or a star-studded gala. Usually priced at £41.95, but now down to £33.55 at Lookfantastic, this beauty marvel promises a natural-looking tan in a remarkably short time.
Designed for self-tan enthusiasts who are pressed for time, the tanning mousse is said to provide instant colour, developing into a deeper, darker tan after the initial two-hour processing period.
I’m more inclined towards gradual tanners, simply because they offer convenience and flexibility when it comes to achieving the desired tan shade. But I put this Loving Tan to the test, applying it as directed while using the brand’s Deluxe Applicator Mitt (£13.95).
The application was actually as quick and easy as slathering on my usual moisturiser. Yes, you have to be careful with any streaks or smudges, ensuring they’re all even, but ultimately, the trickiest part was the middle of my back (as expected). That being said, if you enlist a mate or family member to help with that bit, the tan’s application takes less than half an hour.
Initially, I adhered to the instructions and left the tan on for the recommended two hours before rinsing it off. Whether due to my exceptionally fair skin or the brief developing time, the tan certainly imparted some colour, but it wasn’t the deep tan I’d been yearning for. So, I took a leap, applied another layer of the tan and let it work its magic overnight. By morning, I looked like I’d just returned from a sun-soaked Mediterranean getaway.
The tan prides itself on a fast-drying formula that incorporates colour guide technology. This aids in ensuring a streak-free application and allows you to leave it on for extended periods without any odd textures or smudging risks. It also doesn’t transfer onto your clothes, bedding, or furniture while it develops.
Moreover, this tan is formulated with an aloe vera base that provides a hydration boost, enhancing the longevity of your tan and helping to smooth dry skin areas – something I’m truly thankful for. I was apprehensive that the tan would cling or become patchy on drier areas like my elbows and knees, but it didn’t.
The tanning mousse imparts a natural-looking olive-toned hue, providing a medium-deep tan even to someone with Edward Cullen-esque skin (like myself). Not only that, my skin genuinely has a sun-kissed glow – my mates couldn’t believe the transformation overnight.
‘I left this tan on for 10 hours and this is the result’
(Image: Meghan Coon)
The only minor issue I found was that the applicator mitt, while effective in creating a streak-free tan, can be a bit tricky to keep on if you have petite hands (like myself), as it lacks the usual thumb feature found on most mitts. This was a minor inconvenience as it would occasionally slip, but it didn’t cause any major issues. If the mitt isn’t your cup of tea, the Loving Tan range does include a body brush for easier application.
The Loving Tan collection also boasts a Tanning Face Serum (£32) specifically crafted to blend seamlessly with your skincare routine, maintaining your facial tan as the colour evolves with skincare and makeup use. They’ve also launched a Tanning Body Lotion (£27.95) featuring the same formula as the Tanning Mousse but in lotion form, acting more like a gradual tanner – something I’m eager to give a go.
One standout aspect I adored about this tanning product is that it didn’t stain my baby hairs at the back of my head/neck, nor did it discolour my nails. As a bleached blonde, I was worried I might have accidentally covered some of my untied hair or gotten the tan on my white nails during application, resulting in them matching my skin’s tanned hue – but this wasn’t the case, which was a significant bonus compared to other fake tans I’ve tried.
The Tanning Mousse that’s a favourite of Sabrina Carpenter, Sydney Sweeney, and myself is up for grabs at Lookfantastic, Sephora, and Cult Beauty.
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