If you live in the sunny city of Abu Dhabi, it’s almost expected that you’ll boast a golden glow all year round. But it’s not healthy to spend too much time basking in the scorching sun, which can lead to skin cancer and premature ageing. Sunbeds are even worse: one study found that those who bathe in UV light from sunbeds are 74 per cent more likely to develop skin cancer. So don’t risk it – mist it.
We’ve tested some options for safe, effective bronzing.
Do It Yourself
Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse
This product was surprisingly easy to apply: it was the texture of whipped buttercream and, unlike most at-home tanners, glided on with no stickiness, although it smelled a little of chemicals. After a thorough hand-wash, we padded around in a towel for an hour or so to allow it to sink in, yet the cream was absorbed so quickly we probably could have got dressed after 10 minutes. Our tentative first-time application produced a fantastic glow that looked natural – our sparing use even helped us to avoid Tango ankles. We re-applied the product a day later to build the colour, and were bombarded with comments about our healthy, radiant glow. The best at-home tanner we’ve ever used.
Dhs175, available at Paris Gallery, Marina Mall (02 574 6565).
5/5
Boots No.7 Self-Tan Body Spray
When we read the words ‘spray’ on the side of this bottle, we imagined something more along the lines of an aerosol than two fine streams. On the upside, it was extremely quick to dry (less than five minutes) and after an hour or two you can add another coat – we recommend that you do, because the first shade was rather pale. Following the instructions a little too closely, we used it sparingly on our knees and elbows, only to be left with white patches. Over the next week, the tan faded gradually without patchiness. The verdict? We’d definitely use this one again.
Dhs75, available at Boots, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7167).
4/5
Leave it to the pros
Full body bronze for men
The Lounge is one of the few places in the capital where boys can get bronzed too. Starting with our feet, the therapist used an airbrush to spray product with meticulous precision all over our body, and it was all finished and dry within 30 minutes. A word of warning, though: don’t use spray-on deodorant before being tanned. The spots where we’d applied Right Guard that morning turned bright green. Fortunately, it soon faded, while our fake tan lasted more than a week and fooled most people into thinking we’d been catching the rays. Our only complaint would be that our feet were a bit patchy, because the airbrush hadn’t worked properly at first.
Dhs480. The Lounge (02 667 7377).
3/5
Fake Bake full-body tan and exfoliation for women
The therapist started by rubbing fruity body scrub all over us before we jumped in the shower. The application process itself was comical – we were asked to stand virtually naked in odd, rigid positions (we looked like we were attempting the robot dance) while the therapist methodically rubbed the lotion into our skin. She was skilled in her application and there was no mess at all. However, we experienced a mild itching sensation that made us want to have a little scratch (you can’t straight away or the solution comes off). But we resisted and were left with an excellent natural glow. It looked as though we’d spent the weekend at the beach, minus the telltale strap marks.
Dhs350 at Sisters Beauty Lounge (02 222 2501).
3/5
