Photo: Rachel from RARA Photography

Tried and Tested: The IMAGE team reviews Cocoa Brown’s new tanning serum

We recently tried out the beloved Irish brand's new Sunshine Serum. Here's how it holds up to other fake tan...

For those of us who wouldn’t dare bare our moon-pale legs without a layer of fake tan, we know the hassle of applying tan all too well. Enter flashes of a vigorous full body scrub, tan-stained sheets and shirt collars and roping our sister or friend into getting that spot between our shoulder blades we can never quite reach.

What makes Cocoa Brown’s new Sunshine Serum stand out is its smooth-as-butter application and it’s miraculously transfer-free. A skincare serum and tan in one, it effortlessly glides onto the skin, providing a gradual, long-lasting and luminous tan while infusing skin with deep hydration and anti-ageing peptides.

With a face and body range, Sunshine Serum is available in multiple shades, including medium and dark for the face serum, and medium, dark and extra dark for the body serum, so you can choose the best tan for you, whether it’s a subtle glow or a deep bronze.

So, how does the range hold up in comparison to other fake tan? We’ve asked four avid tanners and IMAGE staffers to share a tried and tested review.

Emily O’Neill, Marketing Account Executive, Branded Partnerships

“I have been using Cocoa Brown Sunshine Serum since the day it launched and I am so impressed with it! I love how hydrating and nourishing it feels and the addition of hyaluronic acid in the formula is evident as soon as it touches the skin. It really feels like a layer of skin care. What impressed me the most was how it naturally faded over the week which meant there was no scrubbing involved to remove any leftover tan before the next application. The face serum also gave me a gorgeous natural glow and it is the perfect base under your make-up as it is so hydrating.”

Simone Kennedy, Senior Event & Partnerships Executive

“I’ve been thoroughly enjoying testing Cocoa Brown Sunshine Serum for the past two weeks. The clear formula absorbs into your skin almost instantly, leaving no sticky feeling and, most importantly, no ‘tan’ smell! I’ve been applying it in the morning before getting dressed for the day, and a lovely golden tan develops with absolutely no transfer to my clothes, which is superb! It’s perfect for my on-the-go lifestyle.”

Hannah Stapleton, Marketing Intern

“My biggest skin concern is how dry my skin can get, especially in the winter months and often after tanning. I have found that no matter how I prep my skin, I am still super dry and often have a flaky/patchy tan as a result. The skin-loving ingredients in Cocoa Brown’s Sunshine Serum mean that my skin is being treated to hydration, and I have never had such a perfect tan application before. Being able to apply my tan in the morning, go about my day, and be bronzed by the evening is a treat. My mam is delighted my bed sheets and clothes are no longer being destroyed – I couldn’t recommend this more!”

Edaein O’Connell, Acting Social Media Manager

“As a fake tan fiend, I was both excited and nervous about using the Cocoa Brown Sunshine Serum. Excited because I’m a fan of the brand and nervous because I had never used a serum before and didn’t know what to expect. However, I need not be. Application is easy, there is no scent as it’s fragrance-free, and the serum feels really hydrating on the body. Because the serum is clear and you don’t have a strong guide colour, you do have to be extra thorough and vigilant when putting it on. After my first couple of tries, I noticed I missed patches on my body, but practice makes perfect and I eventually got the hang of it. I adore that you don’t have to wash the tan off and there is little to no transfer onto clothing or bed sheets. The wear of the tan is really beautiful, the tint is deep, but it still looks natural. It’s the first tan I have worn that I have received compliments on. This can only be a plus. When it comes to tanning options, this is my new first choice.”

Product imagery photo credit: Rachel from RARA Photography.

Sunshine Serum is available at Cocoa Brown stockists nationwide and is available online at Cloud10.