Time for a tan

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A roundup of the best fake tans on the market. Whichever one you use be sure to exfoliate first to ensure a streak-free finish.

St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse 120ml, RRP $85.

Yes, it's here at last. No more listening to friends bragging about their St Tropez tans. For some time I thought they meant sunbathing on the rocky shore on that part of the Mediterranean, but turns out they meant a spray-on.

Spray a handful into your palm and slide it onto the body part you want to turn into the golden-goddess bit. It glides on easily and, best of all, dries instantly.

It has no smell, does not dry the skin, and fades gently. I recommend using the body polish exfoliant ($40) carefully, and the body moisturiser from the same range ($35), lavishly.

It may be an eyebrow-raising price if you like to fake tan and like a soft cocoa-coloured gleaming skin, but this is a good one. It doesn't take much to build up colour. For stockists, phone 0800 883 434.

Dr Lewinn's Sunless Self Tanning Lotion 150ml (tube), $37.90.

A fairly liquid cream that is best applied by rubbing in with circular movements, it is not the fastest fake tanner, but it did not take too long to produce a soft shade of golden brown.

The ingredients include aloe-vera leaf and VitB, so there is minimal drying. It goes on streak free and has a faint fake-tan smell it dissipates in a short while.

The first time of use it is vital to rub away dead skin, so use the matching exfoliator Liquid Loofah ($37.90). Easiest when used in the shower.

There is a recommendation that the self-tanning lotion can be mixed with a moisturiser and used to top up colour. I will be trying that tip in winter. In the meantime, I like the finish and colour of this summery tanner. For stockists' details, phone 0508 375 394.

Vani-T Bronzing Custard Gradual Tanning Moisturiser 200ml, $45.85.

This is a body moisturiser in disguise, "with a hint of active tanning ingredients to gradually build a healthy- looking glow".

This is a spot-on description, because it does take a few applications to get a glow, but during those days, my skin benefited from the moisturiser.

I now use it to top up the gentle fake tan, as well as a general (excellent) body moisturiser. Its name, Bronzing Custard, suits.

It really is soft and creamy. It has a faint sweet-floral fragrance.

Available from Nicola Quinn Beauty & Day Spa, Merivale, phone 355 6400.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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