The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

Can this product really protect my sheets from fake tan stains? I put it to the test

The TikTok-viral product is finally back in stock

Daisy Lester
Thursday 11 July 2024 03:58 EDT
The budget buy boasts a cooling silk-effect design
The budget buy boasts a cooling silk-effect design (iStock/The Independent)

Those well-versed in the perils of fake tanning (think patchy elbows and knees, tell-tale hands and streaky patches) will equally loathe the inevitable stained sheets. Will it ever be possible to prevent the orange silhouette that’s left behind when you wake? Well, yes.

Enter self-tan sheet protectors that serve as an ingenious transfer-free dividing layer between you and your precious bedding. Essentially a silky sleeping bag for beauty buffs, the simple idea prevents the crime-scene-like outline left behind on your sheets after a fake tanning session.

Pioneered by Australian fake tan brand Bondi Sands (£29.99, Bondisands.co.uk), not only do protectors keep your sheets streak-free (saving you multiple weekly washes), but the cocooning design allows your tan to develop more evenly and flawlessly overnight, too. Plus, the protector’s polyester silk-effect fabric feels cool against the skin, which is an extra blessing during the summer months.

In recent years, a new, cheaper option has arrived on the scene, to rival Bondi Sands’s, and it quickly took TikTok by storm. Garnering rave reviews on the platform, Next’s £20 tan sheet protector has sold out multiple times – but now it’s back in stock for summer 2024.

Coming in a black colourway, the pouch is designed to help you sleep comfortably in your tan, minus the mess. You simply hook the top of the product onto your pillows, slip yourself inside and place your duvet over the top.

How we tested Next’s self tan sheet protector

The self tan sheet protector and end result
The self tan sheet protector and end result (Daisy Lester)

Next’s self tan sheet protector has been a part of my weekly tanning routine for two years now. After tanning, I simply slot into the pouch-style sheet and allow my tan to develop. From how comfortable it is to sleep in and, above all, how well it protects my sheets (and tan, of course), here’s why you need to invest in the fabulous fake tan accessory.

Next self tan sheet protector

next sheet .jpg
  • Colourways: Black
  • Size: 215cm x 135cm
  • Why we love it
    • Comfortable
    • Silky finish
    • Doesn’t stain sheets

Design

Next’s sheet protector is essentially a silky, slimmed-down sleeping bag made from polyester. A lot wider than other more claustrophobic protector sheets I’ve tried, the double-sized design covers most of a double bed. Featuring a handy slot for your pillow that prevents transfer from your face and neck, there’s also additional fabric to fold over your duvet if you sleep with your arms out. After applying my favourite Bare by Vogue clear mousse (£18, Debenhams.com), I simply slip into the bag (no duvet was even necessary in the midst of summer) and secure myself in with one popper on each side.

Results

Even though I’m a relatively fussy sleeper, I find the sheet protector surprisingly comfortable and cocooning. The roomy design means there’s plenty of space for tossing and turning during the night, while the polyester, silk-effect fabrication feels cool on my skin (a blessing during a heatwave).

Peeling away the sheet in the morning, I find no traces of tan on my sheets. Best of all, after showering to wash away any residue, my tan has developed much more deeply than it would sans the protector.

The sheet is only really necessary after a first application of tan, to avoid initial residue transferring onto your sheets, but if you’re very protective of your sheets, there’s no reason why you can’t use the sleeping bag throughout the week, as your tan slowly fades.

Next’s sheet also comes with a drawstring bag for storage between uses – plus, it’s machine-washable, making it easy to keep clean after every use.

  1.  £20 from Next.co.uk
Prices may vary
Back to top

The verdict: Next self tan bed sheet protector

As I’m someone who tans every week and has invested in nice sheets, Next’s sheet protector is a non-negotiable in my tanning arsenal. Comfortable and cosy, it doesn’t affect my ability to sleep – while there’s also the added benefits of its cooling silk-effect design.

Beyond its ability to keep my sheets transfer-free, the bag also helps my tan develop into a deeper and more bronzed colour. Costing just £20, Next’s tan sheet protector is essential for any avid fake tanner.

Stock up for summer and beyond, with our round-up of the best fake tans

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in