I’m a fake tan pro and have tested all of them – a £22.99 option left me GREEN, but a £3.49 bargain is always a 10/10

WHEN it comes to fake tan, Erin Hope knows what she's talking about, as she bronzes herself up twice a week.

And now the tanning whizz has taken to TikTok to share her rating scale with others, as she admitted some of the more expensive options didn't live up to their reputation.

First up, the lowest score of the bunch, as she gave the Rose & Caramel Velvety Olive tanning foam a one out of 10.

She said people should only use the £22.99 foam if they want to look “mouldy” or “green as hell”.

Erin also gave it “minus points because it smells like vinegar”.

And she wasn't sold on the application either.

Working upwards, Erin weighed in on the £17.49 Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Foam, giving it a six out of 10.

Insisting she doesn't “get the hype”, she said the “spenny” product was “quite drying to the skin and hard to scrub off”.

Not only that, but there wasn't much colour left after she washed off the guide shade.

The Isle of Paradise Dark Glow Clear Self-tanning Mousse was next on the list, with a score of seven out of 10.

One of the main things Erin wasn't a fan of was the fact that the £19.95 mousse is clear, as she admitted it “feels like an extreme sport”.

In addition to that, it's “anxiety inducing waking up and seeing where you've missed”.

However, the colour is “nice”, and the product doesn't “ruin your sheets”.

“I do like this brand!” Erin added.

She gave Skinny Tan's Tan and Tone Wonder Serum an eight out of 10, as she praised the “stunning colour and shimmer”.

She also praised the application of the serum, but added it was “quite sticky”, and expensive – at £29.99.

When it comes to maintaining her tan in between bronzing sessions, Erin's a big fan of the £4.25 Dove Care & Visible Glow cream, which she gave a nine out of 10.

She added that it gives a “lovely golden colour” and has a “gorgeous summer smell”.

Fake Tan Lovers Guide to Applying it Streak-Free

Here’s Fabulous ultimate guide to a flawless, streak-free fake tan that will leave you looking like you’ve just stepped off the beach...

Preparation is Key

A streak-free tan starts with proper skin prep. Exfoliate your skin thoroughly 24 hours before application. Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees and ankles to ensure an even canvas. Opt for an exfoliator with natural ingredients to avoid irritation.

Hydration Station

Moisturise your entire body right after exfoliating, but pay extra attention to dry patches. On the day of tanning, only apply a light, oil-free moisturiser to these areas a few hours before you plan to tan. This prevents the tan from clinging to dry spots and developing unevenly.

Formulate, Don't Hate

Selecting the right fake tan product can make all the difference. Mousse formulas are easiest to apply and blend. Tanning drops can be added to your regular face moisturiser to match your face with your body.

Application O'Clock

Using a tanning mitt is non-negotiable for an even application. Dispense a small amount of product onto the mitt and apply in long, sweeping motions. Start from your ankles and work your way up to avoid creases. Apply sparingly on joints and use a fluffy make-up brush for your hands and feet.

Post-Tan Care

Once you’ve applied your tan, allow it to dry completely before dressing. Loose, dark clothing is best to avoid transferring colour. Avoid water and sweat for at least six to eight hours while the tan develops. After your first rinse, pat your skin dry gently and moisturise daily to prolong your tan.

But the reason she didn't give it full marks is because it often ends up sticking to the knuckles and fingernails.

Another nine out of 10 product was the Solait Self Tan Mousse in dark, which comes in at just £5.99.

“The most beautiful golden tan ever, soooo cheap,” she wrote.

“Stunning application and smells lovely!”

However, Erin added that it “would be a 10 if it wasn't so sticky/took so long to dry”.

She concluded her list with two products that got the holy grail rating of 10 out of 10.

“No matter what tan I try, it's always YOU,” she gushed, adding that the St. Moritz Professional Self Tan Mousse in dark is “so cheap” at just £3.49 in Savers, and gives a “deep vibrant colour even after washing off the guide”.

In addition, it “dries so fast” but doesn't fade quickly, and is “easy enough to scrub off”.

She's also a big fan of the same mousse in the Ultra Dark shade.

“If you need a deep, picture perfect tan overnight, this is a dream,” she said, adding that it “dries instantly” and leaves you with an “insane” colour.