Beauty SPOT

A perfect natural tan is the ultimate fashion accessory for summer. When applied well, your fake tan should look completely natural, prompting looks of envy from friends as you utter "my week in Ibiza was fantastic, darling!"

Fake tan also offers the ability to practice safe sun exposure. Rather than exposing yourself to the sun's harmful UV rays during the day, you can get a tan after the sun sets. With a market full of tanning options including aerosols, gels, crèmes and wipes, we road tested this Summer's hottest new products to help you choose the right tan for you.

Tips for achieving a natural look:

1. EXFOLIATE: All the tanning products we tested suggested cleaning and exfoliating the skin first for the best result. This ensures your skin is a fresh canvas for the colour to be applied evenly.

2. MOISTURISE: Regular moisturising lengthens the duration of the tan, and improves the quality of your skin ready for when you need to reapply.

3. ADD PROTECTION WITH SPF: It's important to note that most fake tans don't offer any protection from UV rays. So it's best to get your tan on first then cover yourself in SPF cream for safe exposure to the sun.

4. GET SOME LATEX: A handy box of disposable gloves is indispensable when using crèmes and gels for avoiding yellowed fingers. Otherwise make sure you wash your hands with soap and water immediately after applying

5. AVOID DARK ELBOWS AND KNEES: Elbows, ankles and knees are traditionally dry spots, and tend to absorb more than their fair share of colour. So always apply lightly to these spots.

6. ENLIST A FRIEND: Unless you're a contortionist, you will find applying tan evenly to the upper back yourself quite tricky.

7. FOR YOUR FACE: Clarins have specifically designed light and fluid products suitable for obtaining a natural colour on your face. We found these both easy and pleasant to use.

8. GO NUDE: After applying fake tan, make enough time to be nude while the tan dries. Enjoy this nude time. Recline, drink a Campari and dream of St Tropez.

Model Co TAN AIRBRUSH IN A CAN
$32 for 150g can
Great for an immediate big glow to go!

Promising instant all over bronzing, I'm keen as mustard. After just one use, I'm hooked. It's fast, and boy is it effective. You get an immediate tan of dark rich tones. My legs look fabulous instantly. I did giggle later in the shower when much of the colour washed off. But the colour remaining was still very impressive, and more natural.

Applying aerosol tan requires a little bit of skill. To apply, I held the can 40cm from my body. It took a little while to get the hang of creating a constant flow for even colour. But with a patch of tissue I just rubbed the darker spots in a circular motion to blend. This was easy. Though I found it impossible to spray the back of my body, so called in a friend to help.

Result after one application 5 star
Speed factor 4 star
Ease of application 7/10. Easier applying to the front of your body
Colour lasted 4 days
Can you use this product on your face? I was too scared!
Drying time 10 minutes to pat dry. At least 4 hours before swimming.
Mess factor I managed to tan the bathroom. So best to cover a lot of space with newspaper. Or do this outside.
Be aware You won't be able to come in contact with any water for at least four hours (8 hours even better) after application as the colour comes off easily until it is properly set.

Available from David Jones and selected independents. Purchase online at www.modelcoshop.com.au

ESTÉE LAUDER Go Tan Sunless Towelettes
10 per box $51
Great for a subtle all over tan, applied anywhere anytime.

These little towelettes really are the easiest way to apply fake tan. The towelette unfolds to a large square, so it's impossible to streak or create blobs. I simply wiped over arms, legs and chest to get an even tan. It was so easy, I used on my face and neck too, which after an hour had a light tan.

The colour was subtle, so to get a deeper tone on my arms and legs, I reapplied again the following day. This achieved a very natural looking tan. The beauty of this product is you can easily apply in a hurry and achieve an even colour, then build up colour with regular use (though it could get expensive with wipes only). All up, loved this product for it's easy and minimally messy tan.

Result after one application 4 star. Gives a medium gold hue in about an hour.
Speed factor 4 star. Application is very fast.
Ease of application 9/10. This was certainly the easiest method of applying tan.
Colour lasted 4 days
Can you use this product on your face? Yes, with ease.
Drying time: 5 minutes
Mess factor Minimal.
Be aware These towelettes will only produce a subtle, light glow. Not suitable for those searching for dark colour.

Available from David Jones and Myer nationally. View more information at www.esteelauder.com.au

SHE Golden Body Air Brush Bronze
$19.95 per 200gm can
Great for a perfect bronze colour all over.

If you are a little hesitant about sporting the dark tones produced by the Model Co airbrush, the SHE aerosol is for you. The tan is delivered in a fine mist, evenly covering the body in a light glow (as long as you hold the nozzle pressure constant). The colour appears immediately, warming up your skin tone and producing a natural hue. Apply a few times, and you are left with a gorgeous colour which says 'relaxing week at the beach'.

As with the Model Co, application to your own back can be difficult if you are not double jointed, but this can easily be solved with the help of a willing assistant. Ensure that you wait a few minutes before launching your bronzed self on the world, as any contact with H2O can be hazardous.

Again, with any darker patches just blend with your hands in a circular motion and then wash your hands immediately after. (There's nothing worse than people admiring your tan before spying your suspiciously brown palms). Application is best performed in the shower cubicle. This colour develops quickly, and after a few minutes drying you are good to go.

Result after one application 5 star
Speed of application 4 star
Ease of application 8/10 - Not recommended if you are going it alone
Colour lasted 3 days, then started to fade.
Can you use this product on your face? Personally I don't spray aerosol cans in my own face, but with the help of an assistant who is spraying carefully from a distance, you can match your face to the rest of your body.
Drying time 10 mins for a complete dry, make sure you are certain it is dry before you put on your good white top and stain it.
Mess factor - The bathroom might need a good scrub afterwards, but it's worth it.
Be aware - Make sure you point the spray away from you when you initially press the button, build up inside the nozzle can result in a highly unattractive dark brown splotch. Also be aware of the ill concealed jealousy of acquaintances when you unveil your new glow.

Available Priceline stores nationally, along with selected pharmacies, health & beauty boutiques.

Fake Bake - Original Self Tanning Lotion
$39.95 for 50ml
Perfect for a to-die-for tan overnight.

A little research into the users of Fake Bake revealed a cult like following. So really? Can a successful fake tan be truly so satisfying? The answer is a resounding yes!

I followed the instructions to the letter. First slapping on some gloves (absolutely necessary), I applied small amounts and rubbed energetically, small sections at time. With its dark tones on immediate application, I did look like a coal miner as I sat nude watching the television as it dried.

As suggested, I applied 1 hour before bed. I expected a mess on my sheets, it was only minimal. The next morning after a shower, the dark dusty tones washed offer to reveal an all over golden tan. I was impressed to say the least. For the next 5 days, the tan lasted very well. I was suprised that for a white gal like me, the golden glow was very natural.

Result after one application 5 star- Following the instructions, the colour is fantastic.
Speed of application 3 star- For best results, apply in half an hour, but you're really looking funny overnight while it sets.
Ease of application 8/10 - No streaks!
Colour lasted 5 glorious days, then started to fade.
Can you use this product on your face? Yes you can, but you'll need to wash off before you go out in public.
Drying time Best to leave on for 8 hours.
Mess factor Using gloves is essential. Being nude a while also essential.
Be aware You'll need a friend to put on some gloves to hit that back spot. And best to let it set an hour or more to avoid too much mess on your sheets.

Available online www.adorebeauty.com.au

SHISEIDO Brilliant Bronze Self Tanning Gel
$19.95 per 200gm can
Great for a sparkling colour that lasts well

Would you like a pretty, subtle glow without tanning your bathroom? Try Shiseido's tanning gel, a light moist gel that produces a light colour and delivers a gorgeous sparkle to your limbs. The gel goes on easily, reminiscent to applying your favourite body lotion. The scent is pleasant, and the sparkle effect is immediate.

Unlike aerosols, this is a product that requires your patience during its development time. By all means reapply to achieve a darker tone, but don't go OTT otherwise in a few hours time you will be finding it darkly glowing in places you hadn't realized you applied it so heavily to. So ensure you apply evenly, and prepare for a fantastic night out glittering under the night lights!

Result after one application 4 star - colour takes time.
Speed of application 5 star- about the time it takes to apply your body lotion
Ease of application 9/10 - So easy, just ensure you rub it in evenly and cover every spot.
Colour lasted: Suprisingly, this product was still visible after three days, although the sparkle disappears by your next shower.
Can you use this product on your face? We didn't trial.
Drying time No need for this product, just rub it on and off you go.
Mess factor As long as you wash your hands thoroughly after application, mess just doesn't happen.
Be aware Don't go overboard initially, the colour takes time to develop.

Available from major deparment stores and selected pharmacies.

CLARINS Liquid Bronze Self Tanning
$40.00 for 125ml
Great for perfect colour on face and décolleté

Clarins offer really excellent options for tanning the face safely. This fake tan smells really pleasant, and feels really smooth as you apply. I had no issue putting it on my face and neck to achieve a good match to the rest of my newly tanned body. The milk like liquid goes on really smoothly, and in an hour or so, a golden tan appears. The colour lasted well for 4 days.

The instructions suggest using a cotton ball, but I used my finger tips, it felt lovely to apply.

Result after one application 5 star - The colour takes an hour to develop into golden glow.
Speed of application 5 star - You'll be applying to just face and décolleté, so just 2 minutes.
Ease of application 9/10 - It's so easy - just avoid the eyebrows.
Colour lasted 4 days at least.
Drying time No need for this product, just rub it on and off you go.
Can you use this product on your face? Yes, it's designed for that purpose.
Mess factor Minimal. Use a cotton ball to avoid needing to wash hands, but no fuss using fingertips.
Be aware The colour is subtle, but probably enough for your face.

Available at leading department stores, Clarins Gold Salons, select salons, pharmacies nationally and online www.adorebeauty.com.au. For stockists call (02) 9663 4277.

CLARINS Tinted Self Tanning Face Lotion with High Protection SPF 15
$40.00 for 50ml
Perfect for sensible protection and an instant tint.

From Clarins, another good option specifically for the face. This product differs from most fake tans by offering SPF 15 protections which is sensible in a face cream. Like the Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning above, the lotion is very easy to apply. The smell is a little stronger, but still pleasant. On application, colour is very subtle, but gives a golden tone instantly.

Result after one application 4 star - A natural, subtle colour develop quickly
Speed of application 5 star - no more than 2 mins.
Ease of application 9/10 Again, very easy.
Colour lasted Colour last 3 days.
Drying time Leave a few minutes if applying makeup.
Can you use this product on your face? Yes, it's designed for that purpose.
Mess factor Use a cotton ball to avoid needing to wash hands, but no fuss using fingertips.
Be aware The colour is subtle, but probably enough for your face. Application every 4 days or so would be sufficient to maintain a natural looking colour. Beware of rubbing into hairline and eyebrows. You might use vasoline to protect fair hair from absorbing the colour.

Available at leading department stores, Clarins Gold Salons, select salons, pharmacies nationally and online www.adorebeauty.com.au. For stockists call (02) 9663 4277.

PHYTOMER Creamy Self Tanning Gel No Sunscreen
$54.00 for 150ml
Perfect for a smooth on, streak free tan.

Application of the Phytomer Gel is fast and easy. Being a clear gel, application is clean and fast. It was easy to move around to achieve an even coverage. Taking a few hours to really develop, after about 4-5 hours, the colour had reached a really deep golden tone. The Gel really does beat creme for fast application. The smell was pleasant also.

Result after one application 4 star - A rich colour after one applicationy
Speed of application 5 star - you could do the whole body in a few minutes.
Ease of application 9/10 Very easy.
Colour lasted Colour last well for at least 4 days.
Drying time Half an hour. We didn't test against clothing.
Can you use this product on your face? Yes, it's easy to apply a little.
Mess factor Not much mess.
Be aware Being a clear gel, you can't see the colour at first, so apply sparingly as a strong colour will develop.

Available from Phytomer Spas & Salons nationally. For stockists call (02) 9663 4277.