Bronze Age

Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Fake tan is a wonderful thing. It can make you appear slimmer without having to diet. But don't be tempted to overdo it and develop an unhealthy obsession with the stuff. Two words: Donatella Versace.

Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning

$48 for 125ml

This flash, new self-tanning milk for the face and decolletage is applied like a toner - a few drops on a cotton pad. For anyone worried about home applications, this is a foolproof way to subtle colour. No fear here of turning orange. What's more, the jasmine and violet fragrance is a welcome relief from the old-fashioned smell of fake tanners.

From selected department stores, pharmacies and beauty therapists.

Lancome Flash Bronzer Airbrush

$55 for 125ml

The full name is Multi-Angle Self Tanning Body Spray All-Over Even Glow - a mouthful, but fans of spray-tanning booths won't mind in the least. This is the DIY version complete with a multi-angle airbrush ultra-fine spray that means you can get to just about any part of your body without help. Still find getting to the back challenging.

From selected department stores and pharmacies.

Clinique Self-sun Radiant Bronze Face and Body Tinted Self-tanner SPF15

$44 for 125ml

This is an all-rounder for face and body, with a welcome SPF15 and it gives an instant bronze before developing the longer-lasting colour. And, because you see the result immediately, it's mistake-proof - any missed areas are blatantly obvious.

From selected department stores and pharmacies.

Garnier Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Self-tan Wipe

$1.99 for 5.6ml sachet

Self-tan wipes aren't new, but selling them in single-use sachets is. What a fabulous idea. Now you can grab a wipe on the way to work if you're looking a bit pasty, wipe it over the face and an hour later be looking so much more golden. These should be standard issue for any handbag or any holiday as they take no room in the suitcase.

From selected pharmacies, variety and department stores and supermarkets.

Nivea Sun Touch Self Tan Spray

$14.39 for 125ml

This spray-on self-tanner can be used upside down, making application easy. Plus it's got vitamin E and macadamia oil to help moisturise as you turn a natural shade of gold. Not a bad fragrance either.

From selected supermarkets and pharmacies.

Get the look

* All the fancy sprays, wipes and milks aren't going to be streak-free and even without some human intervention. Do small patches at a time, rubbing in as you go and remember that a tan on the legs doesn't stop at the ankle. Everyone knows tans are artificial these days, but that's no excuse for spot tanning.