As the festive party season reaches its peak, many across the UK are seeking that perfect sun-kissed glow to complement their Christmas outfits. Achieving a natural tan in the depths of winter is near impossible, making a reliable bottle of fake tan an essential beauty staple.
The Search for a Scent-Free Solution
Lifestyle writer Nicola Roy, who published her findings on 7th December 2025, has sampled a vast array of self-tanning brands over the years. Her common grievance with many products was the distinctive, and often unpleasant, smell they leave behind—famously compared to the scent of digestive biscuits. This odour tends to linger on skin and bed linen overnight.
Her search ended when she took a chance on a brand she had never heard of before: Saltyface. To her surprise, this product proved to be a significant breakthrough. Unlike most tans she had tried, she noticed no bad smell upon waking. Instead, the tanning foam itself carried a clean, soapy fragrance, a detail she reported was a refreshing change.
How Saltyface Performs and How to Apply It
The tan applies clear, which is excellent news for avoiding stains on clothes and bedding. The bottle instructions state it is a leave-on formula, requiring no rinsing. Nicola applied it at night and woke up with what she described as a "stunning yet natural-looking glow."
For best results, she recommends starting with exfoliated and moisturised skin. Apply a few pumps of the foam onto a tanning mitt—a crucial tool to avoid orange hands—and work it into the skin using circular motions until fully absorbed. For tricky areas like hands and feet, she suggests using a brush with a small amount of product blended with moisturiser.
She is a fan of overnight application but confirms this tan does not need to be washed off. For a deeper colour, a second layer can be applied. To maintain the tan and prevent flaking, daily moisturising is key. Saltyface also offers a complementary tanning water for the face, which Nicola used as the final step in her nighttime routine, ensuring it was blended well into the hairline and jaw.
The Verdict: Cost vs. Results
Removal was straightforward with an exfoliating glove, likely due to the lightness of the shade. However, this lightness was also the product's minor drawback for Nicola. To achieve her desired colour intensity, she needed three layers, which used a significant portion of the £48 bottle.
She concluded that for someone with very pale skin seeking a subtle, natural bronzed effect for the festive period, the light/medium shade is ideal. However, for those preferring a more pronounced tan, she would recommend opting for the medium/dark variant next time to get more value from the investment.
Her final advice is to err on the side of caution, especially with multiple Christmas events on the horizon, to avoid any potential tanning mishaps. For those who prioritise a natural look and, most importantly, a complete lack of that classic fake tan smell, Saltyface presents a compelling solution this winter.
