BUDGET
ST MoriTz inSTAnT SElf TAnning MoUSSE £4.99
ApplicATion: Messy. Despite using a tan mitt, the dye leaks through on to my hands.
The next day it’s clear to the world that my tan isn’t real.
It has a distinct smell of biscuits so much so that my husband asks if I’ve been tanning! Stained bedsheets galore. coloUr: Despite the application fiasco, the colouring isn’t too bad.
But it creates really dark patches at my knees, ankles and elbows which I later have to fix by exfoliating some of the tan off. ScorE: 6/10
SUnkiSSEd rApid TAn And TonE £9.99
ApplicATion: This chocolate mousse pops out of the can smelling like a beautifully expensive perfume. It rubs in with very little effort and darkens skin almost immediately, making it clear if you’ve missed anywhere.
Best of all it dries in quickly letting you get on with your day! You can leave it on for anything from one to four hours, depending on how dark you want. coloUr: Perfect for topping up a holiday tan or trying to get sun-kissed from scratch.
After an hour I’m beautifully bronzed with a very natural-looking tan. ScorE: 9.5/10
riMMEl SUn ShiMMEr inSTAnT TAn £6.99
ApplicATion: This is great for last-minute moments when you realise your pale complexion won’t cut it for a night out. It’s easy to put on and gives instant colour, but I’d strongly advise using gloves unless you want your hands to be browner than the rest of your body!
It’s designed to wash off, so don’t wear white as it may transfer – and avoid rain at all costs or you’ll have tiger stripes instead of tanned legs! coloUr: The medium shade gives a lovely shimmery sun-kissed glow.
If you want a natural look, don’t go any darker! ScorE: 6/10
gArniEr AMBrE SolAirE no STrEAkS BronzEr SElf TAnning MiST lighT £11.69
ApplicATion: As a self tan novice I found application tricky, as it was a colourless spray and hard to be exact while spraying the aerosol.
There was a strong smell, though, that faded as it developed over a few hours.
I was expecting to have streaky legs but the result was fantastic.
Perfect for someone who wants a natural-looking tan. No streaks or white patches, a very even tan, and not a single mark on my bedding! coloUr: A subtle but attractive glow. ScorE: 8/10