Summer is passing (not that it made much of an appearance in the first place) and our tans are slowly fading. In the hope that there will be a few last days of sunshine before we have to wrap up, pasty limbs need not be offensive due to a number of smart fake tans avaliable on the market. Look more Una Healy (who favours Xen-Tan) than Only Way is Essex with iFashion’s top 5 tans for all budgets and a handy step by step application guide.

1. Exfoliate! The golden rule of tan application.

2. Use a mitt to apply the product, not latex gloves.

3. Rub aqueous cream on feet, ankles, knees, elbows and palms-to stop the tan sticking to dry areas of skin

4. Glide the mitt lightly over the areas listed above, using tan leftover on the mitt.

5. Use a towel to gently buff any areas that have picked up too much colour/ are uneven. Allow to air dry for 5-10 minutes before getting dressed.

Best Mousse Tan

The Sen-Tan Mousse Intense provides a long-lasting olive colour and is, we found, easier to apply than regular lotions. Best to use a mit of course but if you are looking for an easy to apply option with not such a strong smell – this one’s for you! Available HERE for £23.99

Best Self Tan Moisturiser

http://www.boots.com/en/Palmers-Cocoa-Butter-Formula-Natural-Bronze-Body-Lotion-250ml_1189257/

Use a moisturiser with a hint of self tanner if you only want a light tan/are unsure of application. The Palmers Coco butter Natural Bronze has a great smell and gradually builds intensity to give a subtle glow. Only £5.35 from Boots.

Best Dark Tan

http://www.boots.com/en/St-Tropez-Self-Tan-Bronzing-Mousse-240ml_5482/

One of the oldest and still the best on the beauty market, The St Tropez range gives a dark, streak free tan that can be built up through daily applications and further maintained once a week. The modern mouse formula is easy to spread and quick drying. At £30.64 for the bigger 240ml bottle, it’s not cheap but the results are worth it!

Best Face Tan

http://www.boots.com/en/Soltan-Beautiful-Bronze-Self-Tan-Face-Cream-40ml_1207010/

A super moisturising formula, enriched with vitamin E and grape seed, the Soltan Beautiful Bronze face cream is great for giving facial skin a healthy glow. Can mix with normal moisturiser for a lighter result, or apply daily to maintain color. £6.99 from Boots.

Best Instant Tan

http://www.boots.com/en/Sunshimmer-by-Rimmel-Tan-Make-up-Medium-Matte_8876/

For an instant glow, look no further than the Rimmel sunshimmer range. Easy to apply, this formula washes off, making it the perfect option if you are in a rush and need to give your limbs a bit of colour. At £5.99, it is incredibly cheap also!

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