Summer is fast approaching - no really, it is - so this week at Showbiz HQ we have been testing out fake tans.
There have been a few disastrous streaks and stripes along the way so watch our fake tanning video below to make sure you avoid any tanning pitfalls.
You can't afford not to read on.
Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Velvety Gel, £9.99
Tested by: Victoria Joy, Journalist
Verdict: After a winter of 60 denier tights and multiple layers, my skin hasn't seen the light of day in a good while - so what better way to reintroduce it to the world than with a golden glow? That, however, didn't go to plan. Although the gel was easy to apply - I loved that it was slightly tinted so at least you can keep track of where you're putting it - and felt as if it might moisturise my skin as well as delivering some bronzing action, the results were poor. Firstly, I made the mistake of applying the gel just before bed, and was then left to stand limbs akimbo as it took at least 25 minutes to soak in - I admit I gave up and slipped between the sheets still feeling slightly clammy. Cue waking up the next morning to find my dreams of an even, sunkissed tan dashed, as instead I found pancetta-like streaks running down my arms and legs in a colour that would make the Tango man jealous. At £9.99 it's not too much of a splurge, but I'll stick with my regular Organic Pharmacy. I'm off to exfoliate. 2/5
Stockists: Available Nationwide
L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Dry Mist, £13.99
Tested by: Helen Russell, Editor
Verdict: As a self-confessed St Tropez addict, I was going to take some convincing to switch form my usual brand. L’Oreal’s latest offering comes in a sleek, bronze canister with an alarmingly high tech looking diffuser on the end and promises a streak-free, golden tan - that won’t leave you smelling of biscuits.
I found it easy to apply and the fact that it sprays from all angles means that you can reach all of those tricky bits, like behind the knees and parts of your back.
The spray takes a while to dry (resulting in the obligatory John Wayne pose for a good 10 minutes) and takes a few days of applications to build up into a visible summer glow but as an affordable, day-to-day alternative to my pricier tanning habits, I’d definitely use it again. 3/5
Stockists: Boots, Superdrug and supermarkets nationwide.
Hawaiian Tro
pic Self Tan Crème, £13.99
Tested by: Sarah-Jane Corfield-Smith, Fashion and Beauty Editor
Verdict: My motto in life has always been fake it, don't bake it. So I am without a doubt a seasoned pro when it comes to turning myself golden brown through the magical powers of fake tan. I have also always been a fan of Hawaiian Tropic suntan lotion so was thrilled to see that they have a new fake tan and was ready to give it a vigorous testing. Let's start with the smell - most fake tans, even the ones that say they smell good, smell like wet biscuits with a bit of damp dog thrown in. This, on the other, hand truly smelt tropical and coconut-y, yum! The texture? It's a velvety soft cream that rubs in easily. It comes out white so you have to know where you are putting it, I didn't end up with any streaks but a fake-tan first timer may not be so lucky. Next, the colour - It left me with the perfect fake tan colour, golden and brown without looking ridiculous and fake. Perfect. I may start declaring it's my favourite of all time. 5/5
Stockists: Boots and Superdrug
