Faking it: Everything we know about fake tan – and the 5 products everyone needs

Golden and glowing.

Most of us agree we feel far better with a tan, but we all know just how harmful sitting in the sun can be. Premature skin ageing, sun spots, not to mention the risk of skin cancer, covering up with loose clothing and plenty of SPF is the best way to keep our skin safe this summer. However – that, as we know, won't leave you with golden, glowing limbs – so we need to fake it. The good news? Fake tans today have come a long way – and we no longer all have to reach for the same bottle – you know, the ones that leave some of us orange, some of us streaky and some of us looking like we fell asleep on a beach in the Bahamas and got a whopper of a sunburn. No, these days, we have options, and there is a tanning formula out there to suit everyone, designed for different skin tones and different uses or application methods. It really becomes about finding the best fake tan for you – and your skin and complexion – and personal preferences. Need a colour fast, but ready to remove it later? Want something to give your face some colour? Looking for a really deep, dark shade? Or is your skin pale so you are looking for a tan that will just yield a golden glow rather than a full-on tan? We got you.

Make your tan last

Before applying tan, shower and make sure to exfoliate and moisturise your skin well. Then let it sink in properly –preferably the night before – before applying your tan. Make sure you remove perfume, and don't moisturise with overly scented body creams or lotions either – and skip the deodorant, all of which can affect your tan. For areas of your skin that are dry, such as knees, elbows, feet etc, apply a thin layer of moisturiser before your start tanning, to avoid these areas coming out darker than the rest of your skin. Once you have applied your tan, it is important to take care of your skin right to make your tan last. Keep it moisturised with the right products, a rich body cream is great, but avoid oil-based products as they break down the tanning molecule, DHA, faster. Stick to showers, as baths will fade your tan quicker, and don't rub your skin dry, rather just pat it gently to avoid rubbing and causing your tan to streak and look patchy.

5 tanning products everyone needs to know about

1. Best Fake Tan for Face: Tan Luxe Super Glow Trust me – if you buy yourself ONE new product this month, make this it. This face tan serum is so good, I have completely stopped wearing foundation – and my skin has never looked more glowing and healthy. Tan Luxe Super Glow is the world's first hyaluronic, superfood self-tan serum. Like – think your best skin day EVER, bottled. And this is it. Super Glow combines both a high-weight hyaluronic acid and extremely low molecular weight Sodium Hyaluronate to achieve hydration binding across multiple layers of the skin. And this enables multi-level, lasting hydration & minimises trans-epidermal water loss, resulting in a dewier, plumper look & feel to skin. Oh, and did I mention it contains DHA derived from exclusive organic rape seed oil grown in France- plus seven antioxidant-rich superfoods? This wonder serum will yield a gradual sun-kissed glow, and believe me, you will be hooked for life.

€46, Boots.ie 2. Best Dark Fake Tan: Bare by Vogue Self Tan Lotion Ultra Dark If you like your limbs a dark, golden hue, this tan is for you. Bare by Vogue Self Tan Lotion Ultra Dark is enriched with super peptides which help to smooth, plump, firm and improve skins elasticity, all whilst creating a flawless ready-to-wear deep colour. I love knowing that the formula is enriched with things like Goji Berry, Oatmeal, Chamomile, Pomegranate and Grapefruit – all natural ingredients which help to promote natural skin health and the ultimate glow! €27, Barebyvogue.com 3. Best Fake Tan for Light Skin: Bondi Sands Self Tan Foam Light/Medium If your skin is really pale or you just prefer a more subtle tan, you cannot go wrong with the Self Tan Foam in 'Light/Medium' by cult tanning brand, Bondi Sands. This unique lightweight formula is easy to apply, dries in seconds and provides a rich, natural, flawless looking tan. It is also enriched with aloe vera and coconut, meaning your skin will feel nourished and moisturised all day. €21.99, Boots.ie 4. Best Natural Fake Tan: The Organic Pharmacy Self Tan The Organic Pharmacy Self Tan is a vegan and organic self-tan that has been developed using a unique DHA. Derived from sugar beet, rather than manufactured synthetically, the DHA in The Organic Pharmacy’s Self Tan is an Ecocert approved organic ingredient and is free of parabens and synthetic dyes. It contains shea butter, aloe, jojoba, vitamin E and coconut to condition, care for and protect skin, and I love the gentle scent – it literally smells like no other tan I have ever tried.  If you are looking for a year-round glow that’s natural and organic, I really cannot recommend this one enough. €52, The Clean Beauty Edit 5. Best Gradual Fake Tan: Bellamianta Self Tanning Gradual Moisturiser For those who like a more subtle tan, or if you are really pale and want to avoid that orange tint, a gradual tan is your best bet. This amazing gradual tanner from Bellamianta leaves your skin looking naturally golden, without any orange. As well as that, Bellamianta's gradual tan boasts a unique formuala to fill in uneven texture and fine lines, creating smooth and flawless coverage and is intensely hydrating to create a protective barrier, protecting your tan without clogging pores. €19.99, Bellamianta.com