Beauty tips: If you fancy a fake tan this season, go Irish

[ thetwodarlings.com ]

As we head towards darker days after a summer dominated by rain, fake tan is something that can give our complexions a healthy-looking boost. The market for tanning products is competitive, but interestingly, a collection of Irish female entrepreneurs are leading the pack.

Jennifer Butler and Jennifer Swaine (collectively known as the Two Jenns) launched The Tan (€16.99) on the Irish market earlier this year. The indomitable forces of Karen Brown of Karora Tan (from €14.99) and Marissa Carter of Cocoa Brown (from €5.95) have made a huge impact on the global market and are the types of businesswomen we could all learn from: personable and powerful.

To get the most out of your fake tan, here are some tips to ensure you're a bronzed goddess rather than a member of the workforce at Willy Wonka's factory. Exfoliate well the day before applying tan, especially around the elbows, knees, wrists and behind your ankle bone. It is best to shave at least day in advance of applying fake tan, otherwise the product settles in the open hair follicle and creates the dreaded dotted effect. Keep your skin free of moisturiser. For the most even of applications, use a mitt. Glove your Body (€19.99) is a machine-washable, double-sided tanning glove that has holders for your fingers so it doesn't slip when you're using it.

So the next time you’re reaching for a bottle of fake tan, think Irish.