Fake a gorgeous tan: Best buys

The newest ways to fake a tan - all the latest buys. Plus, read on for latest ways to protect your skin in the sun. By Trish Lesslie

Best for... long-lasting colour: Xen-Tan Deep Bronze Luxe 

Sheer instant colour that transforms into a fake tan that should last about a week, thanks to an innovative new time-release ingredient called Lexorez. Moisturising but non-greasy, it has a delicious vanilla fragrance and an end result that's more olive than orange. Not cheap, but it will last a long time and you won't have to apply it as often because it contains much higher levels of DHA (the tanning ingredient) than usual. With skin-saving ingredients vitamin E and shea butter.

£25.95 for 236ml; call 0844 800 7662 for stockists

 

Best for... moisturising gradual tan: Bloom Gradual Tanning Lotion

There are cheaper gradual tanners, but you'll be hard-pressed to find one that's more nourishing and hydrating than this. With shea butter plus jojoba and macadamia oils to hydrate, it softens and smoothes the skin before developing into a subtle golden tan. The floral fragrance leaves a lovely delicate scent, too.

£11.74 for 240ml: from Superdrug

 

Best for... anti-ageing skincare: Soleil Beauty Self Tanning Spray Providing 12 hours of moisturisation, this self-tan for the face and body has been reformulated so it now contains an anti-ageing complex and extra skin-caring ingredients.

£6 for 200ml: available from Tesco

 

Best for... even colour fade: Famous Dave's Tanning Mousse

Already a cult product in America, this quick-dry, feather-light formulation glides on to ensure an even, streak-free finish that fades more evenly than most fake tans. With a blend of natural-based ingredients and antioxidants, it's suitable for both face and body.

£19.99 for: 200ml; www.famousdave.co.uk or call 02380 011637

 

Best for... versatility: Piz Buin Self Tanning Lotion + Colour Dial

You can now customise your colour, thanks to the innovative dial system that blends tanning agents from two separate chambers to produce the depth of tan you want. Simply twist the dial cap to select one of five shades, ranging from the lightest glow to a deep tan. With a fresh summer scent and hydrating formula, the colour develops in just a couple of hours and can be used on both face and body.

£17.99 for 240ml; call 0845 601 5792 for stockists

 

Best for... gradual face tanning: Soltan Once Lotion with Gradual Tan Face, SPF25

This self-tan specially for the face has SPF25 plus a five-star UVA rating. Just one application will give a hint of gradual tan and provide sun protection for up to six hours. It also contains light-diffusing particles to give your skin a supersmooth appearance and add youthful radiance.

£9.99 for 50ml; available from Boots

 

With these great new products, protection and pretence have never been easier. See our top buys to protect your skin in the sun here.

 

---

Summer stories - tips and inspiration

 

Fashion, hair and beauty for summer - all you need to know!

 

Want a flat tummy? Find out how to get it here

 

Midsummer menu - food for friends

 

Subscribe - SAVE over 25%