I Still Want to Look Sun-Kissed in Autumn—These Tanning Mists Are the Answer

This body mist is a dream to use, and I reach for it in both summer and autumn. It features micro mist technology that makes it super easy to apply and means the product is dispersed evenly so you don’t have to worry about streaks. All I do in the evening (after exfoliating with a body scrub and prepping my skin) is spray it on and blend it out with either a brush or mitt, and I wake up with the most natural-looking, sun-kissed glow. One thing to note is that the mist is totally clear, so there is no guide colour. I recommend starting with a small amount and building up the colour depending on your desired finish.

Our beauty director, Shannon Lawlor, raves about this face tanning mist from Three Warriors. Designed to achieve a radiant, glowing complexion, the fine spray is infused with skin-loving ingredients such as rose oil and aloe vera. It develops in as little as three hours, and you don’t even have to wash it off. Lawlor‘s top tip? Blend the product with a brush just after application for a smooth, even finish.

James Read’s tanning products are so innovative, and this mist is no exception. I’ve gone through countless bottles of the stuff thanks to the hydrating, skincare-infused formula. The lightweight mist adds a golden glow and features rosewater, hyaluronic acid and plant-based DHA. It’s the kind of product that really will have people thinking you just got back from a restful week in the sunshine. Newer from the brand is the Golden Days Milky Tan Toner (£39), a milky mist toner-tan hybrid that hydrates and soothes the skin. I can definitely see myself testing this one out during the autumn months when my skin gets a little dry and irritated.

I’ve tried so many tanning products over the years, and I genuinely think Garnier’s offering is one of the best out there. I’ve tried both the face and body versions of this mist, and I’m always impressed by the quick-drying formula. Yes, it sprays out quickly, so application can take a little while to get used to, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be hooked on the quick-and-easy-to-use formula. One spritz delivers a natural-looking tan, but you could definitely customise the finish if you wanted.

If you don’t have time to wait for your tanning mist to develop, don’t fear, as the By Terry Tea to Tan mist delivers a sun-kissed effect in seconds. I’ve written about my love for this product many a time, but each time I use it, I’m blown away by how it takes my skin from lacklustre to luminous in an instant. The formula is infused with red and black tea extracts, alongside an active bio-cherry fruit essence, which temporarily “tans” the skin. You don’t have to wait for it to develop, and thanks to the guide colour, you know exactly where you’ve applied it. I spray a small amount onto the skin and buff it in with a brush for the best results.

Last but not least, let’s talk St Tropez. The brand’s Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist has been a favourite of mine for years. The lightweight formula feels like a regular face mist (it’s so lightweight, you don’t even need to buff it in with a brush), adding a sun-kissed glow and a hydrating, radiant finish thanks to hyaluronic acid, Hibiscus extract and green mandarin water. The mist itself is clear, but develops over four to eight hours for a golden glow. You can apply it under or over makeup, but I personally prefer to mist it on to clean, dry skin and let it do its thing. Plus, the tropical scent is simply divine.