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The 10 Best gradual tans

Avoid the TOWIE sheen and transport yourself to Caribbean beaches with  this smooth selection of creams

Kate Rose Morris
Tuesday 21 May 2013 17:22 BST

1. The Face and Body Gradual Tan

The makers of the world’s most luxurious moisturisers have turned their skilled hands to tanning. It may cost nearly as much as a plane ticket to somewhere sunny, but the results from this product are about as far away as something out of TOWIE as you can get.

£65, Crème de la Mer, 0870 034 2566

2. Radiance Plus Golden Glow body lotion

Clarins’ first self-tan product sold six months’ stock in two weeks, and this product deserves the same reaction. Not only is the tan element virtually mistake-proof, long-lasting and radiant, the formula is also packed with vitamins that go to work on skin’s firmness, elasticity and tone, as well as ultra-deep moisturisers.

£29.50, clarins.co.uk

3. Instant Bronzing Gel

Fans of natural skin care have often decried the fact that the only self-tan options were anything but. Trilogy is one of the first to offer a 100 per cent natural product, its tinted formula develops to a softly shimmering finish over two to three hours, leaving your body tanned and chemical-free.

£17.50, Trilogy gorgeousshop.co.uk

4. Ultra Sheer

Vita Liberata’s Ultra Sheer is a great one for those with an attack of the self-tan nerves. The light tint ensures even coverage, and the colour develops over the next four to six hours.

£15, Vita Liberata, boots.com

5. Sublime Bronze Summer Glow lotion

A great way to tan while still saving some money for your holiday. The Hydralium in L’Oréal’s lotion ensures your skin stays moisturised for a full 24 hours, prolonging the colour and keeping it in tip-top condition.

£7.49, L’Oréal, 0800 030 4032

6. Gradual Tan Everyday Mousse

St Tropez is still one of the best when it comes to sunless tanning, and this new offering delivers a hint, rather than a full hit, of colour. The mousse texture glides onto the skin, and contains Aloe Vera to keep your tan fully moisturised.

£30.64, St Tropez, asos.com

7. Self-Sun Body tinted lotion

Clinique is a safe pair of hands. Not only does it contain polymers to give the colour extra “cling” to your skin, it is tinted, so you can spot any unevenness in your application before it’s too late.

£17, Clinique, available nationwide

8. Soleil Suisse Gradual Tanning Lotion Face Body

Why take two bottles to the bathroom when you could just take one? La Prairie’s lotion may be at the higher end of the price bracket, but the formula is so lightweight and grease-free it can double up for use on the face as well as the body.

£62, La Prairie, houseoffraser.co.uk

9. Gradual Tan for body

James Read is the hottest name in tanning right now, and has refined his formulae on an enviable list of celebrities, ensuring they are streak-free on the red carpet. This product comes in two shade options, so you can tailor your tan, and is free from any funny fragrance or stickiness.

£24.50, James Read, jamesreadtan.com

10. Bronze Goddess Golden Perfection self-tanning milk

As its name would suggest, everything about Estée Lauder’s Bronze Goddess range says “class”, from the silky-smooth feel to the golden glow it creates. While you’re waiting the recommended hour for the tan to develop, the coconutty fragrance transports you to Barbadian beaches.

£23, Estée Lauder, 0870 034 2566

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