Faking tans with St Tropez

My friends and family probably get sick of my warnings about sunburn and skin cancer. There's nothing worse than a reformed sunbather! And let's face it tans look attractive. So how to fake a tan convincingly?

First of all you should give yourself plenty of time and prepare your skin by exfoliating and moisturising (the latter depends on the product you use).

Recently I've been using St Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday for Face which is excellent. It applies well, there isn't too much "fake tan smell" and the result is convincing. A friend asked if I'd been away on holiday. I used it every day for about three days then followed with every alternate day. A little goes a long way so this is a cost effective product as well.

St Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday for Face £14.30/50ml available from Debenhams.

PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Applying a fake tan to the rest of your body can be more of a problem. Streaky legs and blotchy decolleté are definitely not very attractive. So I find "wash off" tans a real boon. I generally just use them on my legs. The St Tropez Wash Off Instant Glow Body Lotion is great for achieving that just back from holiday look in a few minutes.

Again it's best to prepare your skin well and not be in too much of a hurry. St Tropez Wash Off Instant Glow Body Lotion is easy to apply and you see instantly where you have been and where it needs to be applied and you don't need to use very much. Once applied you need to wait a few minutes before dressing as the colour may come off on clothes.The one I used is quite dark and left a stain on my hands that needed a good scrub with a nail brush to remove. The effect is perfect. But do make sure you take care washing it off scrupulously – I was once a bit careless and ended up with streaky towels after my shower.

St Tropez wash off Instant Glow Body Lotion £12.26/150ml available from Debenhams.

PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥