Bring out your inner golden goddess this summer with these five foolproof fake tans that will give a natural glow, no matter how much time you have

Words Jessica Burrell

We all know the signs: a few tell-tale tide lines, palms a little orange, a subtle biscuit scent. Self-tanning is so easy to get wrong – but get it right and you can enjoy sun-kissed radiance without any danger of skin damage. To get you glowing this summer (and ensure you don’t give the game away) we’ve rounded up the five fake tans that are most likely to fool everyone into thinking you somehow snuck in a two-week holiday…

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St. Tropez

Best for… Fool-Proof Faking

One of the most fool-proof fake tans on the market, you simply apply this in the shower (it goes on like thick shower gel), step out of the water for three minutes, then rinse it all off. It can be used once for a subtle, golden glow, or built up to give deep, believable bronzing. A total game changer.

Gradual Tan In Shower Lotion, £14.50; sttropeztan.co.uk

TAN-LUXE

Best for… Bespoke Tanning

An innovation in at-home tanning, add these golden drops to any body moisturiser to create tailor-made self-tan. Forget about the old, familiar biscuit scent, this luxurious elixir smells like raspberry seed oil, which also smooths and softens skin.

The Body, £42; cultbeauty.co.uk

Dr Dennis Gross

Best for… Face

Containing acids to gently exfoliate, these pre-soaked pads create a flawlessly smooth base for tan then impart perfectly even, streak-free colour. A doddle to use, they offer pretty much-unrivalled radiance and are sure to have you hooked in no time.

Alpha Beta Glow Pads, £27.50; cultbeauty.co.uk

Fake Bake

Best for… Wash Off Bronzing

No time to tan? This lotion gives you instant sun-kissed radiance and can be washed off with soap and water. It’s perfect if you’re running late or getting ready in a hurry.

Bronzer Instant Tan Lotion, £10; fakebake.co.uk

Vita Liberata

Best for… Speed

Living up to its name, this foolproof fake tan takes only minutes to bestow brilliant bronze. You simply sweep it on, leave it for ten minutes, then shower it off. It also features vitamin C and peptides to plump and moisturise.

Ten Minute Tan, £29.95; cultbeauty.co.uk