Beauty writer Adele Miner offers an honest appraisal of AyuGlo Self Tanning Mousse.
As someone living in Ireland with limited sun exposure, faux tan is a dependable staple in my beauty routine. Whether it’s simply applying a thin layer of gradual tanning lotion after a shower or following a full Tan Thursday regimen for a special occasion, I’ve learned a few tricks to make my tan look as natural and flawless as possible.
Beyond the basics of exfoliating beforehand and never applying tan directly on shaved legs, I’ve also discovered which brand suits me best. When I run out of one bottle, I replace it immediately, never straying. Up until now, it had been Bondi Sands, specifically the Self Tanning Foam. Easy to apply, dark enough to show a noticeable tan, yet not so dark that it looks unnatural.
My loyalty was unshakeable, until I gave AyuGlo’s Self Tanning Mousse a go.
You may be acquainted with Ayu Cosmetics, an Irish-owned vegan cosmetics brand creating beauty products from cream cleansers to mascaras.
Entering the realm of tanning, the Self Tanning Mousse is described on the site as: “straightforward to use, quick-drying and packed with skin-loving ingredients, including Vitamin E and Truffle Extract, making it suitable for all skin types”.
My thoughts
When I test it for myself, I can usually tell within moments whether a tan will suit me. If it doesn’t glide on smoothly, I know to put it aside. From the very first swipe, the Self Tanning Mousse felt like a dream to apply and blend. The trick is that it develops a natural guide colour, so you can clearly see what you’re doing. One coat is enough for a natural-looking tan, so resist the urge to layer on more.
After application, my skin felt instantly hydrated, and thankfully within 10-15 minutes that tacky fake-tan sensation faded, allowing me to slip into my pajamas and drift off to sleep while the colour developed. The mousse claims to possess “excellent antioxidant properties” that help hydrate and nourish the skin.
The following morning, the tan looked pretty good, and with a quick rinse to remove the initial top layer, it was exactly how I prefer my tan to appear—natural, even, and with a noticeable glow.
The product also promises an even fade, which, in my first use, wasn’t entirely accurate. However, after a few more applications I realised that maintaining daily moisture and giving the skin a gentle exfoliation in the shower allows the tan to fade evenly.
Pros: The application is foolproof, gliding on smoothly and leaving no streaks or patches. Like all Ayu Cosmetics products, the formula is vegan, devoid of any animal-derived ingredients.
Cons: The wear-off can become uneven if you neglect your skin. Counteract this by keeping skin moisturised and lightly exfoliated.
Price: €22.95
Overall verdict: If you’re seeking an easy-to-use, vegan tanning option, this is an excellent one to try.
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