Beauty Bible Loves... Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Face Serum

We’re already mad for Gatineau’s gradual tanner for bodies, Golden Glow. It’s scooped Beauty Bible Awards, it’s the one we regularly point friends in the direction of – and you can find it here. (See the foot of this post, for a pic.)

Well, now, there’s a brilliant version for faces.

Fact is, despite the recent sunshine, we realised recently that we were looking awfully wan, having been diligently slathering on the daily facial SPF. It had done its job. But as a result, we were still winter-pale.

It was with some trepidation that we reached for this Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Face Serum, though. Last time Jo tried a facial tanning serum (from another brand), she’d failed to read the instruction that you were meant to add a couple of drops TO A MOISTURISER, and ended up deep, dark, colour-of-a-Victorian-sideboard tan. Not a great look for a blonde.

In the case of this Gatineau innovation, though – glasses firmly ON to read the instructions – you do actually smooth the formula directly into freshly-cleansed skin. It’s got good slip, so just the recommended couple of drops do cover from hairline to bra-line. Then your regular moisturiser (by day, with SPF) goes over the top.

So… first morning, having applied before bedtime 10 hours before, there was a slight lift in colour. Second day, more so. And the third day, a healthy and truly realistic glow, which is now being maintained with a couple of drops of serum every other night. (Note: we used LIGHT/MEDIUM; there’s a MEDIUM/DARK which we can’t report on – but match your skintone.)

We’ve always said there’s no excuse for anyone to put their faces directly in the sun, when faux tans exist. But this elevates the s-l-o-w glow to another level.

£42 for 50ml – buy here

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