It’s easy to stand your ground about the beauty of a pale, English rose complexion when it’s freezing cold and most of your body is covered up. But it’s summer (allegedly). And limbs are on show…
Limbs which, sadly, do not look that lovely when they are the same colour as baby rice. Every goosebump is more visible, broken veins stand out, cellulite looks worse… Tanned skin, although I’m loathe to admit it, makes you feel slimmer, healthier and more fabulous. And thankfully, there are now some fakes around designed especially for pasty-faces, so you don’t go from Nicola Roberts to Katie Price overnight. You just get a kind of “Oooh, you look well” glow – and feel better about exposing yourself on the beach. Perfect.
Gradual tanners work well for me. Famous Dave’s Gradual 10 (£17.99) from famousdave.co.uk is my new favourite – it is very gradual (some so-called graduals turn you to Tango overnight) so you have real control over building the colour. Subtle and moisturising: great for rainy summers like this one.
Abi O Soft Sun Self Tan for English Roses (£26) at John Lewis is one of the new breed of fakes for pale types. Really impressed with this: it’s a (slightly strange) khaki-coloured gel-cream that is easily absorbed on both body and face and leaves a streak free glow. Not a faff in any way.
UTan from Michelle Mone of Ultimo bra fame is more of a glove job. The idea with this new range is that you get a long lasting colour, as well as a bit of firming up. I tried the Self-Tan Lotion in Marbella Gold (£28.50) from ultimo.co.uk and was impressed by the colour, although it’s as deep as I would want to go. Ideal for holidays.
Another favourite for my ghostly complexion is Elemis Total Glow Self Tanning Cream (£22.50) at www.timetospa.co.uk which scores points for being as easy to apply as a body lotion and does not smell like biscuits. Or chicken. Whichever you think it is.
A quick purse-friendly one to finish off with: No More White Bits Instant Mousse (£3.99) from Superdrug– my favourite for an emergency leg revealing situation, as it has a tint, but also develops over a few hours. You shall go to the ball. (Or maybe just wear a skirt to the barbecue…)
