Tantastic Torsos

If, like me, you are not blessed with pale and interesting skin, it is time to dust off the fake tanning mitts and start standing out from the snow.

Reviewed here are five self-tanning products available now:

1. St. Tropez Made famous by celebrity endorsement such as Victoria Beckham, this tanner has been hailed by many as the best product on the market.

I asked my good friend and tanaholic, Alex Swartz, what she thought of the products and she recommends the spray as “it gives the most streak-free tan”.

The only problem with this is that it does not last very long due to wastage in the air. 270ml spray, £16.95 240ml lotion, £15.95 240ml mousse, £17.95.

All available from CheapSmells.com (this is the cheapest I have found the products online; they are more expensive in stores).

2. Fake Bake. This product is one of the best.

It gives the nicest colour of all of the products reviewed and also seems to last the longest.

When applying, be aware that it can cause a mottled look on the skin but this disappears after washing to reveal a gorgeous glow.

207ml spray, £11.95 170ml lotion, £13.95 118ml mousse, £13.95 All available from CheapSmells.com (again this is the cheapest I have found these online).

3. Makebelieve. This found fame by winning best self-tanning product on Gok Wan’s ‘How to Look Good Naked’. [-[quote]-]

It is quite pricey compared to the others on the market and, as with other sprays, does not last that long.

It gives even coverage and a good colour but it is not any better than some of the cheaper products making it not very cost effective. 200ml spray, £29.36, Boots

4. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze. This spray is not particularly cheap considering the prices of the above, higher-end tanning products.

Being a spray it is easy to apply but it does leave you feeling slightly oily for a while.

The colour was a bit orange and it did leave me a tad streaked. 150ml spray, £12.71, Boots

5. Garnier Ambre Solaire. This is my favourite of the slightly cheaper range tanners. It gives a nice colour and goes on evenly and easily.

It dries quickly too so you don’t have to try and air yourself. 125ml spray, £10.99, Boots

For a quick fix try Garnier Tan Wipes for £2.34 or a product which I swear by, Rimmel Sun Shimmer Instant Tan, £5.86.