Make Believe/Fake Bake?

[mouthscradle]

I was just wondering whether anyone has tried either Make Believe or Fake Bake self-tanning products? They seem to be really highly recommended, but I'd like to know whether they're really worth the money before I splash out :rolleyes:

[stacey21]

Hi,

Fake Bake I find to be really 'sticky' on my skin and takes an age to get off me - the snake skin look so does not suit me! I wouldn't say my skin is any more drier than normal. My friend is a fake bake addict whilst I am a st tropez freak - so we swapped to see what we were missing! To be honest she didn't really like St Tropez and I hated Fake Bake, so I guess it just depends on your skin type/application.

I always always always use St Tropez - I have tried every single fake tanning product recommended by people from Marks and Spencers own range to Clarins and Lancome and Clinique and always returned to St Tropez.

The best thing I have found is to buy the St Tropez Self tan lotion in the small bottle (around £17) or buy from ebay, and mix it either with st tropez body lotion or a body lotion which contains no aha's. this will allow you to dilute the colour whilst still having a guide. If you need any other help or questions you can pm me? Hope this helps

[mouthscradle]

Thanks Stacey. It doesn't seem to matter how well I exfoliate and moisturise before I apply tanning stuff, I always seem to still get orange streaks. I'm naturally really pale, with skin prone to oiliness in some places and dryness on my shins. I've tried fake tans and tanning moisturisers, various makes and tried creams, lotions, sprays, mists, mousses...

The reason I was looking into Make Believe was that I saw it listed as the top ranking product on How To Look Good Naked earlier on :p they've been running like a poll of their testers each week. They do a Tan Extender lotion which is supposed to build up to a tan over a few days and then maintain it, like those moisturisers that are on the market lately. I've tried some of them before but I seem to just get a nasty orange colour rather than a natural brown, and I get patchy coverage :rolleyes:

I dunno, the things we do :rotfl:

[stacey21]

lol, I know what you mean!

If you can try and get the little starter pack of St Tropez somewhere you can try the mixing with body lotion and see how you get on - if you are v.pale you can just add more moisturiser to make the mixture more diluted but it will still keep its colour to show you where you are putting it on. Also with St Tropez, it doesnt matter if it looks streaky when its on, as long as you have covered the skin area, because when you wash it off it leaves a veil of colour which is even,

let us know how you get on!

[ailuro2]

For my pale skin I used the fake tans that built up over a few days, I found it easier to miss out the dry patches and stop them going very orange straight away.

However I still looked a bit 'wrong' because I'm naturally very pale skinned, so I gave up after a few tries. Now I say I prefer to be more Dita Von Teese than Orange Spice. Wish I had the figure to match:p

[outrageous_monkey]

Ooh, I've fancied trying Fake Bake. Never heard of the make beleive one tho.

I'm very fair skinned (freckles) and to top it off I have (I think this is what its called) Housemaids knee, so I have orange patches on my knee's. I've tried just about every fake tan on the market. The other week I bought some St Tropez lotion and hated it, but after reading on here, I will mix it with some moisturiser and see if its any different. But being the fool that I am, I went and bought the St Tropez Aero spray thing, I've used it twice and its not changed the colour of my skin at all!:confused:

I do like, Loreal Sublime Bronze.........thats what I was going to buy, but they didnt have the dry mist spray, thats how I ended up with St Tropez.....again!:rotfl:

[Tori Bellatrix]

I agree with Stacey21 .. for me St Tropez is the best and well worth the money ... but I only use the cream (not the mousse or sprays). Even if you look like a streaky brown monster just after application, once the guide colour is washed off, it leaves a smooth even colour.

[kittykate]

boots sell make believe tan

i've recently used two fake bake products - beyond bronze spray (which was a good colour but faded after two showers and is now making me look all snakeskinned and patchy - was supposed to last a week!!) and beyond bronze lotion - leave on all night and wash off in the morning. this left me the same colour as before i put it on. so that's nearly £40 down the drain for them two products!

[skyrocket]

i know a few people who swear by st tropez - but they are always streaky and the only time i had a professional st tropez applied it was a joke. it was streaky and rubbed off on towels.
the best stuff i ever used was ecotan. it looked a natural colour and a bottle lasted for ever!

[Tori Bellatrix]

i know a few people who swear by st tropez - but they are always streaky and the only time i had a professional st tropez applied it was a joke. it was streaky and rubbed off on towels.
the best stuff i ever used was ecotan. it looked a natural colour and a bottle lasted for ever!

The guide colour with St Tropez can appear streaky and will rub off on towels ... however, once this has been washed off - it should leave an even colour.

[jewlls]

hi,
How long does the st tropez tan last for? We recently purchased a bottle of the bronzing spray, partner used it and it washed off a day later, is there a special way off applying it?

Jewlls xx

[skyrocket]

The guide colour with St Tropez can appear streaky and will rub off on towels ... however, once this has been washed off - it should leave an even colour.

thats what the woman who applied it said but it wasnt the case.
and looking at my friends who always wear st tropez it seems to be very similar to what mine looked like. i thought by getting a professional one it would be different but nope!:confused:

[harvey1964]

i swear by fake bake after using st tropez for years. fake bake is far better. the beyond bronze mentioned earlier on this thread is not the proper fake bake. the one to use is the dark brown oval shape "fake Bake"
you can get it on ebay for around £15
it never streaks.
Brilliant

[mouthscradle]

Well an update, I bought some Make Believe on ebay (cheaper than boots and they were out of stock anyway) the other day and I love it, smells gorgeous and makes my skin feel lovely, the colour seems to be really natural so far aswell, no orange streaks in sight! I went for their tan extender though rather than the full on self tan, cos that's what I'd seen get good reviews. Anyone else tried any? :p

[Lexi321]

I might after that good review mouthscradle :) I like having something to just give my legs a bit of cover

[Ginia]

Having had Vitiligo for the last 24 years I gave up sunbathing about 10 years ago when the patches got really extensive and must have tried every fake tan available in that time. I bought professional spray tan equipment about 2 years ago and hubby does it for me in the shower - he's got very good at it! When I don't have time Make Believe has to be the best alternative I've ever come across and beats Fake Bake and St Tropez in terms of ease of application, smell and resulting colour. If you want a lighter tan Ambre Solaire Tan Maintainer is still the best I've come across and its a very good price, the newer Dove and Olay are OK but avoid Johnsons Holiday Skin especially the dark version it streaks really badly even with very careful application. Hope this helps!

[nats3006]

im loving fake bake hee hee

[Debsi]

im loving fake bake hee hee

Hi there,

I'm very pale and freckly too. I tried fake bake when I was matron of honour at my cousins wedding. Only on top though as my dress was long. Bit messy to apply and sleep in, but once washed off, I had a lovely bronze glow. I think it's gr8.

I also use Johnson's Holiday Skin, for an everyday glow and it's quite subtle! For pale skin make sure you get the Noraml to Fair Skin!!!

Debs;)

[TheWaltons]

After you've exfoliated, rub a non oil based moisturiser into dry patches... like elbows, knees, heels... and make sure you wash your hands after you've applied it! :D

It will cling to dry skin and look awful.

[mouthscradle]

When I don't have time Make Believe has to be the best alternative I've ever come across and beats Fake Bake and St Tropez in terms of ease of application, smell and resulting colour.

I really can't get enough of my Make Believe, I keep putting it on and then just sniffing my arm :p It's actually a gorgeous smell, with all other tanning moisturisers I've tried it's smelt so bad I've only put it on when I know I'm not gonna be going out anywhere for the next 24 hours! :rolleyes:

[kylieM]

I use the ones that built up over time.

If I was you I would go and get it put on you by a professional (that way, you are less likely to look like an Orange streaky mess) they exfoliate your skin, then put the fake tan on and then put a non oil based moisturiser onto dry patches.

Last time I got it done at Toni and Guy it was about £30 and lasted for 3-4 weeks

[Jaynelovestoshop]

I have red hair and really pale skin, I had never found a false tan that went on evenly and looked real. I tried the fake bake mousse a couple of months ago and its fantastic. It has a make up base so you can see where you have missed, don't worry if you go over an area twice because you can wash it off in the morning. I always put it on once a week about an hour before bed and then have a shower in the morning, it leaves an even tan despite looking like I have been dipped in gravy browning the night before (which believe me the first time scared the life out of me). I have sensitive skin and it didn't cause any blemishes even on my face.

I love this product and can't wait to go on my hols and for the first time ever look like I am getting a tan.

[amanda1983]

i have tried fake bake, st tropez, make believe - u name it ive tried it. i had never heard of make believe and was a bit apprehensive spending £30 on a product i wasnt familiar with but it was the best £30 ive ever spent. i like my tan quite dark so i applied two or 3 coats and i think i only used about 1/3 of the can. dries in seconds, smells lovely, didnt streak even though i got soaked before the 3hrs recommended time was up. the colour was gorgeous yet natural looking and i received compliments all evening. the colour lasted for ages aswell. i havent used a different product since and would never go back to any of the other brands. simply superb

[drdave]

I have red hair and really pale skin, I had never found a false tan that went on evenly and looked real. I tried the fake bake mousse a couple of months ago and its fantastic. It has a make up base so you can see where you have missed, don't worry if you go over an area twice because you can wash it off in the morning. I always put it on once a week about an hour before bed and then have a shower in the morning, it leaves an even tan despite looking like I have been dipped in gravy browning the night before (which believe me the first time scared the life out of me). I have sensitive skin and it didn't cause any blemishes even on my face.

I love this product and can't wait to go on my hols and for the first time ever look like I am getting a tan.

Hi there

I am a regular user of fake bake tan lotion 170ml (http://www.bodybronze.biz/page4.htm). I get it from www.bodybronze.biz (http://www.bodybronze.biz) £14.95 with FREE shipping to UK. It is fantastic, I use the fake bake body polisher (http://www.bodybronze.biz/page4.htm) to exfoliate in the shower, after showering apply the fake bake tan lotion (http://www.bodybronze.biz/page4.htm) and then apply the skin smoothie to lock it all in. Sleep with it on and then shower off the next morning. It looks like a mud bath but there is no streaking at all. Again I then moisturise it in with the fake bake skin smoothie.

Happy tanning

[Deby]

hi iv used alot of fake tan products over the years and my opinion is that fake bake xtreme gel is the best iv used st tropez for years but i think this is better the tan is darker put it on at night and shower in the morning repeat the next night for a darker tan.might not suit everyone but i think its good.

[money saving diva]

hi does fake bake stain bed clothes etc? I used johnsons holiday stuff when it first came out and loved it but hated the smell and it stained my bed stuff so I stopped using it. I would love to find something which will give me a natural looking tan without having a horrible smell and staining everything?! Should I try fake bake? I want a light colour - what product should I get?

[fairladyzxgirl]

Ive just bought a little tester pack of make beleive. It includes self tan, night face tan and the tan extender.

I have tried every God damn fake tan on the market.

My draws are currnetly stacked to the rafters with fake bake and st tropez, both of which I find very hard to apply. I cover myself taking such care to cover every bit of me, yet when i wash it off I still have big white patches etc I also exfoliate till my skin is red.

So fingers crossed for make beleive!

[money saving diva]

fairladyzxgirl where did you get the tester pack of make believe from and how much was it? I wouldn't mind trying a small pack like that to give it a go. I always practice on my legs (so I can cover them up if it goes wrong!) and the johnsons holiday stuff is the only stuff I have ever put on and dared to leave the house wearing all over!! But my duvet went orange!!?

[donnacarteruk]

Does anyone know hoe to stop blonde eyebrows from going orange? I've been using gradual tanners, Johnsons, Garnier and Olay but as I have natural light blonde hair, my eyebrows always end up orange! Even when UI use the facial gradual tanners.
I'm giving up on Johnsons as I agree with comments before about making the bed sheets orange, and I never get an even colour :-(
I've tried St Tropez both at home and had it applied professionally witha lotion and a spray, but I've not been impressed with that either. Fake Bake scares me as I am really really pale, like the milky bar kid and I'm worried the colour will be too dark for me.
So, I'm tempted to try the Make Believe gradual tanner. Its being added to my wishlist as my birthday isn't far off. Hows that for money saving? Get someone else to buy it for you! Mwahahahahaha! :p :money:

[dickoa]

i am a self tanning addict and like stacey have tried EVERYTHING!! i agree st tropez is good- but its expensive and it stinks :mad: i have found a gradual tanner that is actually really good. you see a real difference after about 3 days and i use it on my face and body. its called GARNIER SUMMER BODY in deep sun-kissed. its only about 3 pounds for the smaller bottle and you get plenty of use out of it. it smells like apricot- no nasty biscuit small. its like a light lotion that absorbs really quickly. gorgeous! you can buy in most supermarkets/boots etc- tesco usually do offers on this product:j

[MarcAnthony]

Having had Vitiligo for the last 24 years I gave up sunbathing about 10 years ago when the patches got really extensive and must have tried every fake tan available in that time. I bought professional spray tan equipment about 2 years ago and hubby does it for me in the shower - he's got very good at it! When I don't have time Make Believe has to be the best alternative I've ever come across and beats Fake Bake and St Tropez in terms of ease of application, smell and resulting colour. If you want a lighter tan Ambre Solaire Tan Maintainer is still the best I've come across and its a very good price, the newer Dove and Olay are OK but avoid Johnsons Holiday Skin especially the dark version it streaks really badly even with very careful application. Hope this helps!

Hi there. I too suffer with Vitiligo and have it on my hands and a little on my face. I have been looking for a tan cover up for ages now and have never tried anything like this. As you say, it simply gets worse in the sun.I note you have the spray tan. Does this cover and match up or do the white patches remain lighter ? It certainly sounds as if it works for you. I have also just purchasd some makebelieve tanning. Do I put it on then wash it after 2 - 3 hours as this is what Boots the Chemist told me to do. Your advice/guidance would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[amanda444]

Hi, Iv just bought the Make Believe Fake tan and personally i think it is brilliant! It shows you the colour straight away so you cann see where your applying it. You hardly have to use any out of the bottle so you will get loads out of it. I have tried loads of fake tan and they have all been really streaky apart form Make Beleive, I am very happy with the result :) recomended buy!! :)

[Saint_Chris]

read this, i think it is good

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1621869

[A Biz]

Hey, I was trying to find someone who had tried Make Believe stuff a while ago but couldnt find anyone so just went out and bought it - I got the shock of my life when I applied it!!! It was dark and orange and streaky and I was in proper panic mode but thought i'd see it through and see what happened when i washed it off the next morning - and you know what? It is the BEST tan I have ever used! I have tried pretty much every single tan going (apart from Fake Bake) and used to just use St Tropez because it was easy, but to be honest it never gave my skin a great colour and gave me a snake skin effect quickly. But Make Believe is brilliant, it looks like crap when you put it on, but like St Tropez it doesnt matter if it looks a bit streaky, if the skins covered it will wash off fine.. it smells nice and it gives you a BROWN not orange colour. It really is ace. Buy it, buy it noooow!

Oh and it fades nicely and doesnt crack or go scaly! Lovely job.


I was just wondering whether anyone has tried either Make Believe or Fake Bake self-tanning products? They seem to be really highly recommended, but I'd like to know whether they're really worth the money before I splash out :rolleyes:

[paledonna-25]

hi everyone, i have beem useing make beleive self tan lotion, with terrible results...it never comes out evan, its always streaky or patchy, and barley any colour 2 it, can any1 offer any advice on applying this tan 2 get good results, any help would b much appreciated x

[flowerscotland]

I use fake bake and swear by it, it's worth paying a little extra for a good product :D I have tried and tested everything out there and this is the best.

It never streaks on me, I always exfoliate and moisturise a few hours before I put the tan on and it's fine. Wash it off the next day and it leaves you with a lovely glow, which isn't orange :D

I need to do it tonight actually for going out tomorrow night :T

[Chipstter]

I'm with all the 'Make Believe' girls. Also didn't want to spend money on a product that I hadn't heard of. But my friend wanted to know when I'd been on holiday! Haven't used it for a while so can't remember the smell, just know that it didn't smell as bad as some other creams I have tried.

Recommended for sure!

[prowla]

Why on earth do you want to use a fake tan???
It is probably the most ridiculous thing ever invented, intended to con women out of their hard-earned cash by brainwashing them into believing that they will somehow look exotic.

[my_gorgeous_ellie-belle]

Why on earth do you want to use a fake tan???
It is probably the most ridiculous thing ever invented, intended to con women out of their hard-earned cash by brainwashing them into believing that they will somehow look exotic.


Lol, because if you are as pale as me then you look really washed out(and worse if you have very dark hair like i did before i went platinum, i look like a ghost when i have no make up on - i remember going to work with none on once and being asked if i was ill from a few of the guys :eek: because i looked as white as a sheet:eek:) . Even when i have my make up on i am still way more paler than anyone else but thats the way i like it. I use the light fake tans, i don't like looking too tanned as it's just not natural as my undertone is so light. Its to make my skin less transparent almost. Just a hint of colour can make you look much healthier. Porceline (sp) white is stunning but not all pale people are lucky enough to have that porceline Dita look - i wish i did, then i wouldn't touch fake tan at all.

Personally i am not a fan of the dark deep tanned look, on most people i have seen it looks cheap (on some its looks fab so i can see why people try it but it doesn't suit everyone, in fact imho it doesn't suit many people just a lucky few). But each to their own i suppose!;)

[misstipsycake]

hi everyone, i have beem useing make beleive self tan lotion, with terrible results...it never comes out evan, its always streaky or patchy, and barley any colour 2 it, can any1 offer any advice on applying this tan 2 get good results, any help would b much appreciated x


Have to agree with you Make Believe didn't suit me, tried the fake tan lotion and the gradual tan and didn't think much of them - very patchy and I didn't like the smell. Have been using fake tan for 20 years and have tried lots and lots of different brands - Xen Tan and Fake Bake are my favourites and I am very fair - no patchiness and looks natural :T:T!

[kerrydrobertson]

i have also tried so many brands of fake tan and always use St Tropez on myself and on my clients. A lot of people do not apply the lotion correctly though which results in streaks/orangy bits. It should be applied after exfoliation and lotion on dry patches only if you need it. Wear gloves and smooth it on, dont rub it on like you would normal body lotion.
Also using a buffing mitt about 20 mins after applying it to even out any streaks and blends it in. Leave for at least 6 hours and wash as normal the next day.
Another tip is after you get out the shower/bath do not rub your skin, pat it dry as again this can cause the streaks.
anyhoo
I have used the Make believe stuff, gradual tan and self tanning lotion and found them to be ok and have a not too bad smell. Obviously they are all expensive so as someone else said maybe try the testers to save splashing out and see what one you like best as everyone has different favourites

[glowgirl]

Hi everyone I have read through this thread and would just like to recommend a couple of self tans other than the brands discussed for those of you who like a very dark tan I recommend this http://www.siennasol.co.uk/ it is a professional product that can be applied at home and will not ruin clothes or bedding, for those who like a lighter tan try this site http://www.celebritysecrets.co.uk/ who have a range of strengths, again these are professional products for use at home but not available on the high street.

For information most self tans available on the high street are below 8% dha (the active chemical) and most spray tans are a 10% or maybe a 12% if your lucky also I begrudge paying St Tropez etc prices when I can get a superior result with a much better value product - hth:)