Fake it, don’t bake it!

The same rule applies to tanning as it does to ageing. Do it gracefully. Thankfully there is a new wave of everyday gradual tanning moisturisers and instant tanners available in smooth lotions, fluffy mousses and handy spray oils and gels, that promise a subtle, warming sheen leaving skin with a gorgeous, natural glow. These cult beauty buys will become as part of your everyday routine as brushing your teeth.

The good news is that there’s one to suit every skin type. Take a good look around your local supermarket, chemist and department store at the huge variety of tanning moisturisers and instant tans at prices from under £10 to over £30. There are many great multi-buy deals and promotions in stores at the moment, so take advantage and make sure your cash stretches further.

BUDGET BUYS UNDER £10

Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant Tan & Gradual Glow £6.99

For an instant, natural-looking tan that can be used on the face and body this Rimmell must-have gives a gradual glow that will keep you looking healthy without being too overpowering. It comes in two matte shades, and is an instant tan that is easily washed off.

Palmer’s Natural Bronze Gradual Tan £7.49

Thanks to its signature combination of pure Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E, this is the perfect product to keep your skin beautiful and healthy with a natural-looking glow. With just a touch of self-tanner, it will create a delicate, sun-kissed, summer glow, gradually building a subtle tan within a few days, while deeply moisturising your skin.

Barry M In The Glow Body Oil Liquid Bronzer £7.99

With pure Coconut Oil and the tropical fragrance of Tahitian Gardenia, this gorgeous body oil will soothe, hydrate and add a subtle sun kissed glow to all skin tones. Simply apply over the body after showering and smooth into your skin for a richly moisturised, beautifully bronzed look. Allow a few minutes for the skin to absorb the product before dressing.

St. Moriz Fast Tan Response Tanning Mist £8.99

Ideal for those who like a quick fix tan, the St. Moriz Advanced Pro Fast Response Tanning Mist allows you to control your shade. Achieve a light glow in one hour, a medium tan in two hours and a dark tan in three hours. For those who like a deeper tan, leave on for longer.

PURSE FRIENDLY £10 to £20

Garnier Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Dry Body Mist £10.20

This is a no nonsense multi-angle spray tan that leaves a light tan, ideal for a subtle glow. It has apricot extracts to moisturise skin, is quick-dry, and there is no need to rub. A perfect product if you’re new to the world of self-tan sprays.

Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk £11.99

This innovative dual action gradual tanning milk formula is enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E and will hydrate and nourish your skin while developing a stunning natural golden tan. With a subtle cocoa butter scent it’s great for everyday use.

St. Tropez Instant Tan Finishing Gloss £12.00

Providing an instant gorgeous bronze glow, with buildable coverage, if you have a tan commitment-phobia then this is the product for you. This superb instant tanner is washable so it is ideal for beginners and those just looking for a quick fix-up.

Modelco Gradual Tan Everyday Body Moisturiser £12.49

This is an everyday triple action self-tanning moisturiser. Suitable for all skin types, it acts as a self-tanner, tan extender and moisturiser all in one, allowing you to build or prolong your tan gradually and easily. Infused with nourishing and antioxidant properties of Green Tea Extract, it delivers a natural golden glow and helps to even out skin tone, hide cellulite, stretch marks and spider veins.

Fake Bake Faux Glo Long Lasting Wash-Off Tan £13.45

Inspired by make-up artists, this instant spray tan in a can boasts a 360˚ nozzle and gives a continuous spray that works at any angle, even upside-down. It’s the easiest way to create a temporary, instantly tanned look, is suitable for all complexions and exceptionally good for covering irregular skin tones. The super-fast drying aerosol is transfer resistant, pleasantly fragranced.

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Everyday Body Lotion £14.19

This new Gradual Tan Tinted Body Lotion from St. Tropez gives an instant hint of bronze that illuminates the skin, whilst gradually building a healthy sun kissed glow. It’s a lightweight, ultra-hydrating body lotion that’s easy to apply, quick drying and suitable for all skin tones.

Skinny Tan Gradual Tanner £14.99

This deliciously scented moisturising cream builds a natural looking tan with daily applications. The application is really creamy and it will develop into a natural looking tan over a matter of hours and days.

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Plus Firming 4 in 1 Lotion £18.99

St. Tropez’s newest addition to its Gradual Tan range contains allo-melanin, which mimics the skin’s natural melanin to give you a healthy tan. Applied daily, its special formula combining a cell energizer, hyaluronic acid and anti-oxidant, is designed to tone, firm and moisturise tired skin during the bronzing process. Four benefits in one for under £20 is great value for money.

SPLURGE £20 AND OVER

Clinique Body Tinted Lotion £20.00

This luxurious tinted lotion will give you a deep tan with gorgeous golden undertones, the colour gets richer within the next day, and the finished look is tropical vacation worthy. The lotion formula means a super easy and smooth application, so there are no missed spots or streaks.

Bobbi Brown All Over Bronzing Gel £25.00

This deluxe gel will give you a golden tan with brown undertones. Perfect for the summer, the gel is fresh, dries fast, and has SPF 15. It is also travel-friendly, and the ideal go-to for emergency retouches.

Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish £29.49

This sumptuous wash off skin finishing body makeup gives a natural looking tint for the body, and reflects light for a photo-ready finish. Whether you’re putting on a skirt for the first time this year, or you want photo-ready skin for a glamorous event, Body Blur is the perfect product. The subtle, natural-looking tint will suit all skin tones and the clean formula with organic and natural skin conditioning extracts will work for even sensitive skin types.

Fake Bake Airbrush Instant Self-Tan £27.95

This is a lush airbrush spray tan that will give you an instant glow. As it is quick drying and develops with speed it’s ideal if you have spare time on a night for precise application. The 360˚ nozzle gives you continuous spray and an even coverage.

Space NK Tan Luxe The Water £33.00

Don’t be fooled by the transparency, this gets results and gives a seamless natural tan as well as providing your skin with a hydration and vitamin boost. And just like water, there’s no smell.