‘1 hour anti-ageing tan had friends ask if I’ve been abroad’

Spring is finally here and with the sun shining and temperatures climbing (mostly), it’s the perfect opportunty to get that sun-kissed glow. But attaining a bronzed glow doesn’t require jetting off abroad or sitting in the UV rays for hours on end as there are numerous tanning formulas beauty enthusiasts can apply at home which delivers a bronzed glow without the skin damage.

While many fake tan formulas require a good few hours to develop, Coco & Eve’s relatively new Express Tanning Antioxidant Mousse is ideal for those more pressed for time.

Created by celebrated beauty brand Coco & Eve – famed for its viral Like A Virgin hair mask and Sunny Honey Bali Bronze Foam tan – this express formula delivers quick-developing results from a range of colour depths.

Retailing at £29, Coco & Eve’s Express Tanning Antioxidant Mousse promises to provide a deep, beach-bronzed tan in under an hour (including rinse-off time), and best of all? It will continue developing over the next 24 hours.

It’s an ideal option for time-poor mums, spontaneous evenings out, or for those who prefer not sleeping while wearing a tan (no-one wants orange sheets).

One of our beauty writers, Eve Rowlands, is a keen fake tanner – she says much prefers having a sunkissed glow than not all year round – and said of this formula: “The Express fake tan from Coco & Eve is one of my favourites and it has my friends consistenly asking me, just hours after application, if I’ve been abroad.”

It doesn’t have that typical biscuity scent, either, and its application – with mitt – is seamless and streak free. What’s more is it doesn’t dry out the skin thanks to its coconut extract, hyaluronic acid and antioxidant infusion.

This isn’t the only tanning formula Coco & Eve stocks and a selection of its tanning products are currently on sale ahead of the summer season. One standout offer is the brand’s bestselling Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam, now £20.80, reduced from £26.

Marketed as an ‘anti-ageing self tan’, it’s formulated using the brand’s distinctive ‘Cellushape’ formula, which pledges to hydrate and firm the skin. It’s a quick-drying tan that develops within six hours, and comes in three shades: medium, dark and ultra dark, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Eve Rowlands also tested the Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam out for herself and raved about its results – read her review here.

For those more into tanning moisturisers, I’m a huge fan of the Gatineau Golden Glow (£55) and Ella & Jo Hydrate & Glow (£22). Both build a gorgeous, natural tan without that claggy feeling on the skin.

While the fake tan is ideal for those not wanting to spend hours in the sun, the brand also offers skincare products to help keep our skin protected when we do venture into it.

With 50% off, the brand’s Daily Water Gel SPF50+ Sunscreen is now £11.50 from £23. It’s a hydrating, lightweight sun protection factor with a silky finish. In line with Coco & Eve’s SPF range, this recently launched Highlighter Body SPF50 (£33) would be lovely to apply on holiday. It features attractive pearlescent shimmer, a serum-like consistency and includes skin-nourishing ingredients.

Back to Coco & Eve’s Express Tanning Antioxidant Mousse, it holds an impressive overall rating of 4.8, with one user hailing it as a ‘standout’.

“This Express Tanning Antioxidant Mousse is a standout. It develops beautifully fast, giving a natural, even glow without the orange tones,” they said.

“The lightweight mousse applies smoothly, dries quickly, and blends effortlessly – perfect if you’re short on time but still want a flawless result. What really sets it apart is the antioxidant infusion.”

They added: “My skin feels hydrated and comfortable, not dry or tight like with some express tans. The colour continues to deepen evenly, fades naturally, and doesn’t go patchy. Ideal for last-minute events or anyone who wants a streak-free, bronzed finish with added skin benefits. This has become a go-to in my tanning routine.”

Someone else remarked: “Love Coco & Eve. By far my favourite self-tanner! Doesn’t smell, and the colour comes out of my clothes and sheets if I happen to get it on them. Definitely recommend!”

Not every review is as favourable though, as one individual highlighted some drawbacks, writing: “Went on pretty patchy and definitely on the orange side. Tan lasted pretty long but faded patchy.”

Another customer fared better, stating: “The colour is perfect, the smell is great, and the foam is easy to put on, and fades nicely. I am not looking like a body full of freckles.”

Although for the most part, comments have been pretty positive, echoing this review: “Love it! Looks natural and goes on very smoothly!”