Tan Enhancers

By NARS

Price: £33

Stockist: Nars Cosmetics

The claim A liquid illuminating bronzer that suits all skin types.

In practice It's a little alarming the moment you put it on as the colour comes up quite dark, but you can rub the colour in easily. It smells soothingly of coconut.

The result The colour is golden, and though my skin is dark anyway it still offers up a good finishing colour. It’s good to make sure your skin is well moisturised before though to avoid any patchiness.

Tested by Emma Smith

By St Tropez

Price: £12.26

Stockist: St Tropez

The claim A blend-able cream that accents skin with a violet sheen.

In practice It’s a white cream that instantly transforms into an iridescent lilac once I begin to work it in to my skin. I apply it everywhere from my cheekbones, to my shoulder blades and shins.

The result Being naturally pale my version of a tan is less bronze and more honey. The lilac sheen is subtle enough to play up the colour I have without making look it look obvious I have something on my skin.

Tested by Suzanne Scott

By Laura Mercier

Price: £26

Stockist: John Lewis

The claim A lightweight gel bronzer that adds colour as well as hydration.

In practice The gel is really light and non-greasy - it blends in easily and I am able to apply more to build on the colour.
  
The Result It gives just enough colour to lift my already tanned skin and has a small amount of shimmer giving my skin a healthy glow. It's low commitment too - I can wash it off at the end of the day.

Tested by Lauren Barge

By Sisley

Price: £83.50

Stockist: House of Fraser

The claim Soothing and repairing after-sun with a touch of self tanner to enhance the colour of the skin.

In practice I stay in the shade on holiday, but still feel the dehydrating effects of the sun and wind on my skin, so I smother this light cream all over my skin each evening. It's instantly soothing and smells beautiful.

The Result The next morning I wake up to a different aroma – the smell of DHA (the tanning ingredient). Although I'm not keen on the scent, I'm in love with the way the product has evened my skin tone and given me a gentle tan – something I wouldn't achieve with sun exposure.

Tested by Sophie Gridley

By Model.Co

Price: £15

Stockist: Boots

The claim A 2-in-1 gel which both self-tans and instantly bronzes skin.

In practice I apply the gloss and see an instant glow, but I'm not used to a shimmer product that doubles as a fake tan, so use too much to begin with. It absorbs easily and smells like coconut, rather than the traditional ‘biscuit’ fake tan smell.

The Result Even though the lotion appears dark in the tube, it blends into a light colour. It’s quite glittery, so it is best used in the evening to enhance my natural tan, particularly on my décolletage. Despite not paying much attention to the application, the second aspect of the product – the fake tan – reveals an even and natural looking colour.

Tested by Laura Davies