Fake tan '˜fail' becomes viral online sensation

Imogen Silversides, of Scarborough, has appeared in national newspapers, on morning TV shows and online platforms after a photograph of her went viral.

The fake tan mishap was sparked when the 17 year old followed advice from a post online and applied her fake tan with a paint roller.

After three applications of the dark fake tan, Imogen was left looking in the mirror more muddy than bronzed.

The Facebook post Imogen originally got the idea from had received lots of likes and positive comments.

“I really thought it was a good idea,” she said. “I think if I had stuck with the one layer it would have been fine but I went a bit over the top.”

Imogen’s Facebook post was liked more than 40,000 times and got more than 5,000 shares.

“It’s a good opportunity. I’ve had people get in touch and ask if I’m interested in doing stuff.

“It’s died down a bit now but it’s opened a door that I never thought it would - especially from fake tan.

“I think it’s crazy really - I’ve just gone viral.”

Her mishap has also caught the attention of fake tan companies such as St Moriz and Sunkissed who have sent through fake tanning goodies in the hope she might have more success the next time she tries her hand at bronzing.

Usually Imogen has a spray tan rather than fake tanning herself, but when the spray tanner wasn’t in and using a roller was recommended she thought she’d give it a try.

“I wanted to look hot but ended up looking burnt - that’s what a lot of people say,” Imogen added.

Having also sparked a debate on how best to apply fake tan, Imogen’s picture has appeared on ITV’s This Morning.

“A lot of people say I don’t need it anyway, but I think when it got such a big following it must be a good idea - but obviously I think I put too much on.”