Streak-free tanning!

Faking it has never been easier with our guide to getting an instant glow

Goof-proof tan

if you’re a fake-tan virgin, gradual tans are your safest bet, as they only contain a small amount of the tanning ingredient, dha. the more you use it, the deeper the colour will become, meaning you have control over the result. think brighton sun-kissed, rather than barbados bronzed. we like: St Tropez Purity Bronzing water mousse, £31; and Rimmel Sun Shimmer instant Tan & Gradual Glow, £6.99.

No-time-to-tan tan

tanning doesn’t have to mean locking yourself in the bathroom for hours, so if you’re time-starved, opt for a formula that develops quickly to get your speedy result. choose from an instant wash-off formula that develops in an hour or an overnighter that builds as you sleep. we like: Vita liberata Ten minute Tan, £30; and l’oréal Paris Sublime Bronzer overnight Elixir, £14.99.

Body-fixing tan

if you want to whittle down your waist without pounding the treadmill, once you’ve mastered fake tanning, try using it to sculpt your body into shape. yes, it really does work! choose products that have specially formulated ingredients to improve skin tone or use your regular tan product to cheat curves with contouring. we like: Fake Bake 3D Face & Body Tanning Contouring kit, £49.95; and ameliorate Transforming Body lotion with a Hint of Colour, £19.50.