Sun-starved Brits lather themselves in bronzer forward of ‘pretend tan Friday’

Sun-starved Brits are lathering themselves in bronzing cream ahead of what has been dubbed “fake tan Friday”.

A whopping 52% of people are likely to douse themselves in fake tanning products from tomorrow (Friday, May 3) in a bid to look like perma-tanned Love Island stars over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Millions are turning to the bottle to mock up a sun-kissed look after months of rainy weather left little opportunity to get the real thing on a lounger.

READ MORE: Met Office predicts ‘above average’ temperatures as maps show where will stay above 20C

The survey results come despite predictions of continuing wet weather ahead, despite warmer temperatures. Heat-seeking Brits are also being warned of potential tanning fails as a result, including “Tanners’ elbow” when a tan-seekers end up with orange elbows and stained bed sheets while trying to fake the perfect all-over glow.

According to 2,000 Brits surveyed by GingerComms, more than a third (35%) have fallen victim to a major fake tan fail. Around 27% admit suffering from “Tanners’ elbow”.

Similarly, 26% say they have ended up with a patchy tan, 26% admit to suffering tangerine hands and fingers and 21% found their bed sheets covered in orange tan stains after a night with fake product on their bodies.

Nearly half (49%) of responders named Donald Trump as the public figure with the worst tan.

Glamour model and reality TV star Katie Price came in second place (34%), while Simon Cowell (23%) and TOWIE’s Gemma Collins (20%) also feature on the list of famous tanning failures.

Marks on your clothing (21%) and orange feet (20%) similarly emerged as common bronzing bloopers. While 16% agree that a tan which starts to run when someone sweats is also a major disaster.

Brits also cringe if your neck ends up being paler than your face (15%) or fake tan gathers under acrylic nails (14%).

The good news is 48% of us agree the Bank Holiday weekend is the perfect time to say goodbye to those pasty pins and get bronzed.

Harriet Scott from the survey specialists, said: “Our research indicates that this Bank Holiday weekend is the perfect time to whip out the fake tan for the first time this year.

“However, it’s best to proceed with caution to avoid those pesky fake tan fails, especially if you don’t want to end up looking like one of the unlucky celebs who ended up on the list of worst tans ever.”

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