The Anatomicals range is now pretty well established, but this is actually the first product I’ve tried from the range, and it was a pleasant surprise. The packaging of this tan is as witty as I’ve come to expect from Anatomicals…

This tan is a lotion/cream, which develops over a few hours – there are other formulations available too in the range – a mousse, spray and instant tanning lotion. The whole range is priced at £6.99 each, and is available now at Superdrug.

I’ve used this tan about three times now over the last fortnight and I’ve found that a top up application every four or five days keeps it nice and even – I only ever apply tan to my legs, because the logistics of trying to blend any tan on my arms or back, frankly, terrify me… I’ve probably used about a quarter of the tube over that time at the most, so in my book that makes this a very good value product.

The lotion itself is white, so has no colour guide. Despite this it was easy to apply – it reminds me of Xen Tan Deep Bronze Luxe lotion, which is also a white lotion – same rules apply with both, apply and rub in until the white has gone, which is easy enough. To ensure no streaks around the ankles etc, I just used a tiny amount of body lotion to blend the edges out around the toes, ankles and feet. The other thing I love about the application of this, is that you can apply it with your hands – no mit or gloves required (believe me I was sceptical about this, but I’ve used this three times now, and after a good handwash with soap and water, not an orange palm in sight…)

Prep wise, this tan wasn’t “hard work” either – one of the things that always makes me groan when anticipating fake tanning is the amount of preparation required to make it look good, scrubbing, shaving moisturising… All good habits but the thought of it sometimes make me want to retreat under a duvet… I applied this tan at various times between scrubbing and shaving my legs, and got good results each time. I think this may be due to the fact that is far less drying than a lot of other tans I’ve tried.

Scent wise, this starts of having a pleasant enough tropical-pina-colada type scent, but it does develop a typical fake tan smell as it develops – for this reason, I’d recommend this as a bed time tanner which you wash off the next day before facing your public…

The resulting tan is a natural looking one, with a golden-yellow undertone – if you are pale and looking for something believable which lifts your skin from grey to sunkissed then this is well worth a try. The tan can also be intensified by repeat applications too – I tried this whilst testing the tan, and got good results. On the other-hand though, if you like your fake tan to make you look like you’ve spent two weeks frying yourself on a beach in Barbados then this is unlikely to satisfy you… It does give very even and streak free results (providing you don’t splash water in it whilst washing your hands after application – I learnt this the hard way!)

For those who are interested, here are the ingredients;

I personally really really like this tan – its one of the best budget tans I’ve ever tried. I’ve tried St Moriz and found that although it gave good colour, it was very drying and it wore off very patchily. On the other hand, this one felt nice and moisturising, was relatively fuss free to apply, and faded evenly.

Like all products though it won’t suit everyone…

Recommended For;

• Pale skinned types who are looking for a natural tan
• Those who don’t mind lack of colour guide
• People looking for a tan which doesn’t cost the earth
• People with yellow undertones, who want a golden tan, rather than one with red tones.
• Those who hate “fussy” tan preparation.
• Those who don’t mind topping up every five or so days