TEXTURE PLAY

For beginners: ‘Gradual tanners work with a lower percentage DHA, so you can apply daily in place of your regular moisturiser for a hydrated glow that builds over time,’ says Mark Elrick, founder of Tan Luxe. Or, if you want instant results, go for something with a guide colour, such as St Tropez’s Whipped Crème Mousse [1], £22, so you can see exactly where you’re applying. Remember, however, to be careful with transfer on to bedsheets, clothes and towels.

For dry skin: Lotions are best for parched or sensitive skin, says Jill. Both Vita Liberata’s Fabulous Gradual Tanning Lotion [3], £15, and Vichy Idéal Soleil Face and Body Self-tan Milk [2], £14, hydrate while offering a rich, believable glow.

For the time poor: ‘Isle of Paradise Express Ultra-dark [5], £21.95, develops colour in as little as 30 minutes – though the longer you leave this hydrating mousse on the skin, the deeper the end bronze will be,’ says Jules von Hepp, founder of the brand. (All Isle of Paradise products come in three shades: ‘peach’ is best for fair skin, for a subtle glow, ‘green’ to counteract redness, and ‘violet’ for a rich tan that is great for evening out darker skin tones). The latter ‘leaves a natural glowy finish, without the kind of ashy tones common in some tans on melanin-rich skin,’ says GP and aesthetic doctor Sonia Khorana. And there are of course instant tanners, which these days are a million miles away from the Tango shades of yore – Bondi Sands’ GLO Matte One Day Tan [4], £10.02, blends brilliantly and, crucially, doesn’t look flat.