Beauty: Bronze ambition

Get a golden glow in an instant…

It’s official: we love to tan – and fast. Sales of bronzers in the UK have doubled to £43 million in the past year alone*, but choosing from the hundreds on offer can be a task in itself. Picking the right one will enhance your features, not mask them.

1 You want definition

Contouring can be time-consuming, but there’s a way to simplify the process of sculpting your face. W7 Hollywood

Bronze & Glow, £5.95, is a fab imitation of a more expensive palette. Using the dark shade, start from the centre of your forehead and brush around the temple down to your cheeks, then your chin, making a ‘3’ shape on each side of your face. Then brush the highlighter across your cheekbones to add definition to your face.

2 You want a complexion boost

We’re always a fan of a multitasker, and anything that makes our life easier gets a thumbs-up from us. Elizabeth Arden FourEver Bronzing Powder

Compact, £29, is several shades of sun-kissed, preventing any chances of looking one-dimensional. Swish a brush across the three tan shades to apply all over, then dust across the whole quad when focusing on your cheeks to get the most of the gorgeous, rosy colour.

3 You have dry skin

If your skin is parched, you may find powders look muddy and exacerbate any fine lines you have. Bourjois Sculpt Bronze Sunkissed Highlighter, £10.99, is a gel-based liquid formula that’s best applied all over for a natural, healthy look. For a light glow, mix a small amount with your normal moisturiser before applying, but if you want more colour, apply it alone, massaging it well to avoid streaks and patches.

4 The tools for the job

Many of the brushes that come with bronzers are too small to do an effective job, so it’s worth investing in one. Beau Belle Arched Powder Brush, £16.95 (below), is large enough to give great coverage while allowing you some precision. For liquid bronzers, Real Techniques Miracle Finish Sponge, £5.99, is cleverly shaped to blend well around the curves of your face.

5 You want a subtle glow

If you’re pale, even the bronzers labelled ‘light’ can leave you looking unnatural. However, more brands are bringing out much lighter shades to help you inject a little colour without going overboard. Think a weekend in St Tropez instead of several months in the Caribbean. Benefit has extended its bestselling Hoola range to include a paler colour, Lite, £24.50, which does the job nicely.