Coco & Eve's Viral Fake Tan: A £20 Secret to a Holiday Glow
There's nothing quite like the confidence boost from a fresh, sun-kissed tan after a trip to a sunny destination like the Spanish coast. However, for many, that luxury is limited to a once-a-year summer treat. For the rest of the time, achieving that post-holiday glow often relies on fake tan products, and one brand has been making waves with its viral formulas: Coco & Eve.
Why Coco & Eve Stands Out in the Fake Tan Market
Beauty writer Eve Rowlands, who has been using Coco & Eve products since 2020, highlights how the brand avoids the typical "Tangoed" orange effect common with many fake tans. Instead, its formulas feature a green-grey base that results in a more natural, olive-toned finish. This subtlety is enhanced by easy blending with a mitt, minimal streaking, and a fade that doesn't leave skin looking scaly or patchy—key reasons behind its viral status.
As someone who prefers having a tan, Rowlands uses both the Express Tanning Antioxidant Mousse (£29) and the famed Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam. She notes that the latter delivers a slightly darker, stronger tan, developing over six hours or more, while the Express version offers a quick boost in just one to two hours for a sun-kissed look.
Affordable Luxury: The Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
Currently on sale for £20.80 from its usual £26, the Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam is a budget-friendly option. A single bottle lasts up to 20 full-body applications, making it essentially £1 per tan—a significant saving compared to spray tans that average £25-£35. This product sells every 20 seconds, thanks to its ability to mimic a genuine holiday tan while hydrating and firming skin with Cellushape technology.
Available in medium, dark, and ultra-dark shades, Rowlands uses the "dark" hue, which has fooled friends into thinking she just returned from vacation. The tan develops over at least six hours, drying quickly but feeling slightly sticky initially, so it's best to avoid tight clothing during this period to prevent staining.
Application Tips and Complementary Products
For those struggling with hard-to-reach areas like the back, Rowlands recommends the Coco & Eve Back Tan Applicator (£5) to avoid patchiness. She also suggests the Deluxe Vegan Kabuki Brush (£20) for blending tricky spots like hands, feet, and face, as her own wrist lines have been a downfall in past applications.
For facial tanning, the Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist, also on sale for £20.80, offers a spray application infused with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients like passionfruit and coconut. It develops similarly to the Bali Bronzing Foam, providing a natural tan on areas like the forehead and cheekbones, though careful spraying is needed to avoid uneven results.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?
Overall, Coco & Eve continues to impress with its effective, natural-looking tans that avoid biscuit-like scents in favor of fruity fragrances. While alternatives like bronzing drops or gradual tan creams exist, Rowlands affirms that Coco & Eve's viral products truly deliver, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a holiday glow without the travel.
