Fake The Bake
Monday 11th June 2007 by Elizabeth Richards
A healthy tan on shoulders and legs and a kiss of sun across cheekbones does wonders for the self-esteem but with the sun strictly a no-go zone for those wanting to hang onto youthful skin, great hair and good health, look to a self-tanner to deliver your summer glow. And great news! The terrible smell, blotchy results and arduous hours of application that accompanied the old formulas have been replaced with sweetly fragranced products giving smooth and even coverage that lasts longer than ever with added moisturisers to help keep skin soft and supple.
To ensure the results are as natural-looking as possible, always exfoliate and moisturise the skin prior to application and give dry areas – elbows, heels and knees – an extra dab of body lotion to avoid blotches. Don’t forget to rub excess formula into the top of your feet and the backs of your hands (these telltale areas are often missed) and remember you’ll still need to apply sunscreen when heading outdoors: some self-tanners boast added SPF but this will only last a couple of hours.
St Tropez Bronzing Mist Spray, £26.99
With a spray that works upside down to ensure smooth coverage on hard-to-reach areas, this oil-free mist has a weightless texture, dries in 60 seconds and has a self-adjusting formula to give any skin tone a natural tan that develops in three hours.
Available at www.MissGroovy.co.uk 
Phytomer Creamy Self-Tanning Gel, £23.25
Those who hate the messiness of self-tanning will fall in love with this fresh clear gel that is instantly absorbed by the skin to deliver a golden tan. Suitable for use on the face and body, there’s no residue, no blotches and no hassle. Fantastic!
Available at www.BeautyExpert.co.uk
The Organic Pharmacy Self Tan, £29.95
If your skin is too sensitive for some formulas, pick up a tube of this light and gentle cream which uses a unique DHA derived from sugar beet to give a natural even tan. It’s also great for perking up pasty winter skin with a healthy glow.
Available at www.TheOrganicPharmacy.com
Darphin Self-Tanning Face Gel, £22
Crammed with antioxidants and vitamin E to condition and moisturise skin, this fragrant formula has a light texture that makes it suitable even for irritated or oily skin and works in less than an hour to deliver a particularly natural tan.
Available at www.SpaceNK.co.uk
Sun Laboratories Instant Self Tan Spray, £15.50
It may be cheaper than many other brands but this spray gets our vote for easy application, fantastic results and instant colour. Apply twice weekly with moisturiser for a glow that’ll see you right through summer to autumn.
Available at www.HQHair.com
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