Golden wonders

BEAUTY:Thankfully the days of terracotta tans are behind us, and it's now possible to achieve naturallooking results on even the palest of complexions

* Estée Lauder

Daywear Sheer Tint Release

(€37.50). At first glance this cream is a worrying shade of violet, but once it makes contact with skin, it adapts, to give a radiant, healthy glow. The technology allows the antioxidant ingredients to be recycled during the day for ongoing protection and nourishment. With all this going on, and an SPF of 15, you’d expect a heavier cream, but it’s all delivered in an ultra-light fluid that smells reassuringly expensive.

* I'm a little wary of self-tanners for the face as you have to live with any mistakes until it wears off. Brown paper bag anyone? A tinted self-tanner is a different matter, as it allows you to see exactly where you're applying product, so there will be no nasty shocks when the colour develops later. Clarinsis an expert in this field – the lightweight mousse texture of its Instant Smooth self-tanner(€25), boosts your complexion while adding a subtle hint of colour for that just back from holidays look. The secret? Micro-pearls that lodge in wrinkles and act like tiny sponges to swell and plump skin, softening any imperfections. You can intensify the colour with regular applications.

* If you can't quite abandon foundation, just take it down a peg or two with Clinique's Moisture Surgetinted moisturiser SPF 15 (€28). All-day hydration and a hint of colour with just enough coverage for a dewy, natural look. Unlike most tinted moisturisers, this comes in six shades and the intense moisturising properties will keep skin fresh all day.

POWDER PERFECTORS

Bobbi Brown bronzers boast a great selection of shades in a silky smooth powder. The shade Natural has a hint of warmth, which is perfect for light complexions (€32). I also recommend the BB bronzing brush (€54), which has the exact shape for perfect application. Yes, it’s pricey, but worth it.

My other pick for pale complexions is Almost Bronzer by Clinique (€32) – a sheer bronzing duo with the benefit of SPF 15.

SAVERimmel Natural Bronzer is a great budget option with a realistic finish (€7.25).

SPLURGESculpt, illuminate or tan with the versatile Soleil Tan de Chanel (€49), a palette with four shades to wear singly or combined with the built-in brush. Available in rose or coral colourways.

You never know when a pearl of beauty wisdom will come along, in this instance in the lift at work going up to the fourth floor, where I met Lesley and commented on her even tan. I had to hold the door as she went into detail about . . . Sally Hanson’s Airbrush Legs (€13.95) and well, I’ll hand over to Lesley: “My favourite tan by far. It’s like foundation for the skin. It comes in four colours. Medium is the perfect colour for me; your choice obviously depending on skin tone (Dark is very dark but good for the legs for a night out – too dark for top-half).

“The beauty of this product is the instant effect you get, without a fake-tan smell. Also, unlike the majority of other instant-tans, this one does not streak if exposed to rain or water – a rare quality in a spray-on instant tan. It is best used with a tanning mitt as it is easier to spray on to a mitt and apply, rather than direct on to skin.

“One negative point: The spray tops can be hit and miss, with some functioning better than others.”

Thankfully the days of terracotta tans are behind us, and it’s now possible to achieve natural-

looking results on even the palest of complexions