This do-it-all face tan serum is our new summer skincare saviour

Formulated for our facial concerns, the serum is saturated with hyaluronic acid that helps hydrate pores while also subtly plumping and reducing fine lines. This hero ingredient helps give skin a dewy glow and brighter complexion.

While it shouldn’t replace your usual SPF facial protection, the serum also reaps the benefits of pomegranate which helps protect skin against the environment and UV damage. There’s also carrot extract and hydrolysed sesame protein to soothe dry skin and provide moisture. The presence of peptide complex further smooths and softens skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, while oat lipids works to balance our skin’s natural lipids for a healthier glow.

The product’s application is simple and unlike tanning water drops, I found that there was no risk of patchiness. Upon application, every evening until I was happy with my skin’s glow, I used three pumps – one on each cheek and one on my forehead – and massaged it in with circular motions right up to my hairline. And like all tanning products, I made sure to wash my hands after use to avoid Wotsit-orange fingertips.

The lightweight formula is quick to dry, meaning you can get on with your usual skincare routine almost immediately. I followed up with moisturiser and, within just four hours, the gradual-working formula had worked its bronzing magic.

I have quite fair skin and so decided to start off with the light shade on offer, which awarded a subtly bronzed glow that was flattering enough to forgo my usual, trusty foundation. When I returned from abroad with a slight tan, I opted for the medium which helped perpetuate my post-holiday glow – while most recently, the dark shade was perfect for matching the rest of my body after some dedicated fake tanning (though I only used two pumps here, as the darker bottle results in a much deeper bronze colour).

In the past, facial tanners have tended to dry my skin out, but Bare By Vogue’s serum has done the opposite. Instead of using both a face tanner and a serum in the evening, it’s helped to streamline my skincare regime by removing a step with its multi-purpose formula.