Claudia Winkleman, the beloved presenter of The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing, is as famous for her signature beauty look as she is for her sharp wit and distinctive style. A key component of that look? A deep, golden fake tan, which she has openly joked about being addicted to, even resorting to gravy granules in a pinch. But one product she seriously swears by is the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Self Tanner.
What are the Dr Dennis Gross glow pads?
Winkleman told Grazia magazine last year that these pads were the "love of my life," urging everyone to try them. Unlike traditional mousses or drops, this premium tanner comes in the form of pre-soaked pads designed for the face and décolletage. Priced at nearly £50 for a pack of 20, they promise an even, streak-free application alongside skincare benefits, thanks to a blend of exfoliating and anti-ageing acids.
As a weekly fake tan user myself, I decided to take Claudia's recommendation and test the pads over a week, assessing their ease of use, colour payoff, longevity, and overall value for money.
Putting the premium tan to the test
I integrated the pads into my nightly skincare routine, applying them after serum and before moisturiser on freshly cleansed skin. The first lesson was learned quickly: a light hand is essential. My initial enthusiastic application resulted in a distinctly orange tint that lingered into the next day – a look perhaps favoured by Winkleman, but less ideal under office lighting.
However, the colour faded evenly over the following two days without becoming patchy. On my second attempt, I used a more delicate swipe and was rewarded with a natural, sun-kissed bronze by morning. The development time is between three to four hours, making overnight use perfectly convenient.
Key findings from a week of use
Pros: The application is remarkably fuss-free and mess-free compared to drops or sprays. The formula feels gentle and didn't dry out my skin. When applied correctly, the result is a believable, healthy glow that is particularly welcome in the winter months. The added skincare ingredients are a definite bonus.
Cons: The price point is steep for just 20 applications. There is a very fine line between a natural tan and an orange one, requiring careful technique.
The final verdict: Are they worth it?
There's no denying this is a luxury product. For those who prioritise convenience and are willing to master the light application, the Dr Dennis Gross pads deliver a long-lasting, natural-looking tan with skincare benefits. They eliminate the guesswork and mess associated with many other tanning formats.
While the cost per use is high, the dual action of tanning and exfoliating offers some justification. If you're seeking a reliable, glowy finish and can invest in the initial outlay, Claudia Winkleman's favourite has earned its cult status. Just remember: less is definitively more.
