IF your pasty pins are feeling camera shy after winter, but fake tan feels too extreme, could gradual tan be the easiest way to add a subtle glow?
Alex Lloyd asked four mums to try budget versions for two weeks – on one leg only – and compared the results.
Tested by writer Emma Lazenby, 46, from Brighton, East Sussex
I WAS a total fake tan newbie when I embarked on this test, put off by horror stories of people turning their legs orange.
Gradual tan seemed a good starting point, although I opted for the Deep Sun-Kissed Glow version to get more bang for my buck. Garnier also has a Light one.
I applied it before bed after exfoliating and could see the change within one day.
I was impressed – although not so much with my orange hands. I quickly learned to give them a thorough wash after slathering it on.
Luckily it didn’t come off on the bed sheets and dried on my legs quickly.
The lotion felt really rich, like a good moisturiser, and the smell was pleasant.
However, the colour was so rich, I had to reduce my daily applications towards the end, because the colour was too dark for me.
At no point did it get streaky or patchy, though.
I’m definitely a convert – especially as I’ve had a few compliments.
I’d use this again in the darker shade, but apply less frequently.
And I think the lighter one would be better for naturally paler skin tones, or anyone who wants to apply it daily as part of their moisturising routine.
SCORE: 9/10
Tested by writer Alison Perry, 46, from Bromley, Kent
Nivea Body Lotion Firming + Bronze, £5.99
I’M NATURALLY quite pale, but as there’s a history of skin cancer in my family, I try not to expose my legs to the sun too much.
If I’m going on holiday, I’ll slather on fake tan instead – usually whatever I can buy on offer.
This Nivea gradual tan has a nice smell and went on really easily, although the texture was runnier than I expected.
It wasn’t very moisturising, however. I expected my tanned leg to feel softer than the pale one, but the skin texture was pretty much the same.
It took a couple of days before I noticed any change in colour, so you have to persist.
I kept asking my kids if they could see a change and their reply at the start was a non-committal “a little”.
If you stick with it, the glow is a nice, delicate colour – ideal if you are a bit nervous about using these products.
It stayed put, too, and didn’t seem patchy, but it didn’t really take to my feet.
I’m not sure if that’s because I wore socks on chilly days and that rubbed it off.
I’d definitely use it again, but switch to another product if I needed a richer tan colour.
SCORE: 6/10
Tested by writer Sheryl Plant, 41, from Chelmsford, Essex
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Natural Bronze Gradual Tanner, £4.65
AS A pale redhead, I’m not a sunbather. And my only run-in with fake tan as a teen ended up with streaky orange legs.
More than 25 years later, I approached this test with trepidation, fully expecting to have to hide under trousers for a fortnight.
But I was pleasantly surprised by this gradual tanner.
I’ve used Palmer’s products before and was happy to find this had the same cocoa butter fragrance.
The texture was thick, but felt light on my skin as I applied it to exfoliated legs after my morning shower. It did take a minute or so to sink in though.
I liked the bottle’s pump dispenser, as it reduced mess and wastage. I had plenty left once the fortnight finished.
Within a couple of days of use, I could see a colour emerging, which felt very natural and didn’t scream ‘fake’.
Two weeks of consistent use made it a little too dark for me and there were a couple of streaky patches.
But I’d definitely use it again, applying every other day or so to reduce the intensity of the shade.
I’m a convert and certainly felt more confident putting on shorts or a short summer skirt.
SCORE: 7/10
Tested by writer Helen Wright, 43, from Essex
Dove Visible Glow Medium to Dark Self-Tan Lotion, £3.50 (was £7)
NOW I’m in my forties, I care less about what people think about my legs in shorts.
But if I’m going out for the night, I prefer a bit of colour to feel more dressed up.
A gradual tan is perfect for me as it’s low maintenance. I didn’t even bother with skin prep – I just showered and slapped it on.
This product comes in two shades, and I went for the darker option as I felt it would compliment my skin tone better.
It was the right choice, as the colour was similar to my natural tan, with no hints of orange or yellow.
The cream is lovely, just like a Dove body lotion.
While it has a slight fake tan whiff, you can also smell the nice tropical fragrance.
My skin felt really well moisturised after using it and it wasn’t sticky. But I waited ten minutes before putting clothes on.
The colour was impressive, too, like using full-strength fake tan without the streaks and faff. It developed within three hours or so.
I think the tan also makes my left leg seem slimmer and more toned.
But the strength meant applying daily was too much. I’m continuing to use it, but every other day instead.
It’s excellent value and a little goes a long way – I can’t fault it.
SCORE: 10/10
PREPARATION is key with fake tans – and gradual tans.
To avoid “strawberry leg” dark spots, shave and exfoliate with an oil-free scrub 24 hours before your first application.
It will stop the tan collecting in your hair follicles, and get rid of dry spots on knees, heels and elbows to stop them darkening more.
After the prep, gradual tanners are far more low-maintenance than mousses or sprays. You can apply them with bare hands – rather than needing a mitt or a glove – but wash them after to avoid orange palms. And they won’t stain your bedsheets.
Gradual tans are often formulated with hydrating ingredients used in body lotions and creams, that slow down the colour change so you can manage it over time.
The moisturising formulas also help prevent “tiger bread” striping as your tan breaks down.
Because the colour is built up in layers, it’s less likely to transfer on to clothes, or disappear after swimming.
And you can reapply every few days, for weeks, before stripping it off with fake tan remover if you choose. So they are brilliant for summer holidays.
Whether you’re a tan newbie, as pale as a ghost (like me) or time poor, they’re completely foolproof.
