I like a bit of suspense as much as the next woman. But there’s nothing worse than putting some serious fake tan on at night and going to bed wondering what on earth you’re going to look like in the morning. OK, there are lots of things worse, but bear with me.

The answer is, of course a gradual tan. Like body lotions with a hint of a tint, you can build them up gradually, and gauge every day whether to use it or just go for your usual, non bronzing body lotion or oil. They don’t smell as biscuity and you don’t need to faff about with gloves or mitts either. What’s not to love? Here are this year’s favourites.

First up is a sun brand that comes from nail guru Leighton Denny – called Sun-Believable (see what he did?). Sun Kiss Me are the gradual tans in the range and I am really liking mine in ‘Medium’ (£9/17) – there is no ‘Light’ but this is just perfect for pasty types like me. Sicilian lemon oil gives it a lovely fresh and zingy smell, too.

New from good old M&S is the purse-friendly Autograph TAN Gradual Tan Body Crème in Light to Medium (£7.50). It’s designed for daily use in the summer months – but I like to use this one every other day and it keeps me from looking ghostly with none of the hassle of a spray booth.

The hands-down winner when it comes to speed is Palmers Cocoa Butter Natural Bronze Gradual Tanner Spray (£7.99). This spray is so light and misty that you can do a leg in about two seconds – just a quick rub after that with a mitt or hand and you’re done. Perfect for that tricky back area and it smells like chocolate.

Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk (£10.99) is my 2015 go-to for daytime – it’s got an SPF15 so you can protect your skin at the same time as you boost your glow. The range has recently launched in Superdrug and I suggest you get your pasty hands on some ASAP.

And finally, an absolutely genius idea from Clarins: Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster (£26). It’s a dropper of self-tan concentrate that you can add to your choice of body lotion – as many drops as you like – to make your own gradual tan. How clever is that?