ABOUT FACE:When the sun is not an option, here's how to get the perfect tan, writes Phyl Clarke
AS I WRITE this, the grey overcast sky heralds the start of another bloody miserable summer's day in Ireland. Excuse my language, but the twin subjects of the weather and the "R" word are casting a shadow on my usual bright and breezy attitude to life.
Whether the weather is ever going to allow us to bare anything, I believe in being prepared. Self-tanning is now a year-round must. In the winter, having golden pins just cheers you up and in the summer, you're meant to be able to show them off. If you're jetting off, arriving with a tan is de rigueur nowadays.
Some suggestions follow to get the body beautiful so you're ready when Mr Sunny decides to visit us. And if he doesn't arrive, then you have even more reason to pamper yourself. Just remember, if you're in a hurry, gels and mousse tanning products dry faster than the cream varieties.
Any fake tan will appreciate exfoliated skin. Try Viva Liberta Silken Body Polish, which removes dead skin cells and smoothes skin (€18.50 from Debenhams and Boots). Clinique's Sparkle Skin is a refreshingly effective skin polisher, which will prime skin for tanning (€20.50).
A couple of years ago, Johnson's created a trend with its brilliant Holiday Skin lotion, a gradual tanning cream built into a daily body moisturiser. Many other brands now have their own version, but for colour, ease of use and just terrific value, it's really hard to beat. New to the range is a version for fair skins, which has a very subtle tint (€7.09). Dove's Summer Glow is also excellent value at €10.95 - a lovely texture and realistic colour. Both are widely available.
L'Occitane looked to Brazil for its new range, which uses local chestnut Castanha do Para to give a satin touch to the skin and a progressive tan. The packaging has a happy South American vibe and it smells great (€22.95).
Staying south of the border, cult brand Rodial is a celebrity favourite, and its Brazilian Tan Light is just the thing to cheer you up, whatever the weather. The divine coconut and bergamot scent justifies the hefty price tag
(€66, available from Harvey Nichols, Dublin).
If you're more a peach/lily of the valley/ jasmine kind of gal, Clarins Delicious Self-Tanning Gel has a fabulous melting texture, using natural caramel and cocoa to tint the skin and give a sun-kissed glow (€34).
I used Clinique's Self Tan Touch of Bronze as a daily moisturiser on holidays recently and fooled everyone that I had built my fabulously natural colour up on the beach. Far better than a real tan for €23. Lancôme's Shimmering Flash Bronzer Gel dries fairly quickly if you're in a hurry and leaves a radiant, sensual shimmer to the skin. Great for night-time glowing (€27).
I've tried all the St Tropez formulations and I plump for the Whipped Bronzing Mousse, (€37.50). It's lighter in colour, I find the mousse formula easier to apply, and it's easy to build up colour daily until you're happy.
To finish off and add that extra "something", strategically placed powder bronzer can even up any bits you've missed or gives a glow to ankles and feet if you get a chance to wear sandals this year. Also great for topping up is good old Rimmel Sun Shimmer (€12.99), which I have been using since I don't care to remember. Available in different shades, it will leave you with enough change to head off to the sun. Happy holidays.