Faking it...

Whether the sun has decided to show its face or the rain has set in, it is still technically the height of summer, so it’s time to bare some skin.

Unfortunately, when most of your body has been hidden away over the winter under several layers, your poor skin might need some perking up, and getting it in tip top condition takes some preparation.

The first step is exfoliation and for this look no further than The Body Shop, which does a brilliant range of body scrubs (from £5) in delicious varieties, from papaya to wild cherry - bound to get dull skin glowing. Alternately, grab their body brush, at £5.48, get into that shower and give your skin a thorough rub down.

For the face, their Vitamin E cream exfoliator is great for adding an extra dose of goodness and their Coconut or Shea body butters at £9.76 will smooth even the roughest of elbows and knees – preventing those tell-tale orange patches.

Once prepped and ready you can begin your mission to find the perfect product to perk up pasty limbs, and Boots is a great first-stop.

Their St. Tropez range seems to have trebled since last year, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.   Whichever way you prefer to apply yours – there are mousses, lotions and sprays aplenty. 

I love the St. Tropez Whipped Bronzing Mousse at £30 and Everyday Face Moisturiser, on offer at £8.67.  For fashionistas on a budget, Nivea Sunkissed Skin body lotion, at £5.98, is also a real winner - giving a subtle glow and escaping that give-away ‘fake-tan’ aroma.

For premium products, Debenhams and House of Fraser stock Clinique, whose Self Sun range features tinted face and body lotions from £15, and Clarins, whose beautifully named products like delicious self tanning cream at £19.11 and liquid bronze self tanner at £15.19 are a must-try.

If you are just after a touch of colour to bring a glow to your cheeks, Superdrug’s range of Rimmel bronzing powders in matte and shimmer start at just £4.89, and their L’Oreal Sublime Dry Mist for the face - £7.82 can be sprayed on for an instant glow.
 
So, once you are armed with your perfect self-tanning arsenal, all that’s left to do is get out there and show off your new-found bronzed beauty!

Until next time,

Chloe
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Published on: July 27, 2009

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