WHO wouldn't want to be a bronzed beauty this summer? But, as we know, being a tan fan could have negative knock-on effects for your health.

Only last week new research published in The Lancet suggested we spend far too much time stripping off and sunning ourselves – relying too heavily on sunscreens for protection against skin cancer. Instead, the researchers suggested suntan lotion should be a 'last line of defence' and urged people to cover up with thick fabrics such as denim and stay out of the sun.

With that in mind, self-tanning looks set to become even more popular as the safer option to bring a healthy glow to your skin in the confines of your own bathroom. If the thought of faking it fills you with dread – and memories of streaky orange disasters – worry not, as advances in technology have brought about ever-more natural-looking alternatives.

Take a look at our top tips…
 
TAKE YOUR TIME

AS predicted here in Style a few years ago, Johnson's Holiday Skin (from £6.99 at Boots) revolutionised the way we self-tan, proving a hit for its virtually foolproof application and gradual colour. We have to admit to hitting our bottle of it already this year.

However, since its launch, plenty of other gradual tanners have hit the shelves. The perfect introduction to faking it for the faint at heart. Use every day or a few times a week, depending on how much colour you want. Olay have just launched the new Everynight Sunshine, £8.49, which builds up a sun-kissed glow while you sleep within a week, while Shiseido has the new Daily Bronze Moisturising Emulsion, £24.50.

Palmer Cutler Saving Face, £19.99 (01795 581 151) isn't new, but is a hero product in the range, as it's great on even the fairest English roses. St Tropez's new offering is Everyday, £12.95 (0115 983 6363), a hydrating body moisturiser that also firms skin and minimises the cellulite effect.

Other amazing gradual tanners for the body include Biotherm Summer Source Body, £15, Estee Lauder Body Performance Golden Naturally Radiant Moisturiser, £21, and Elemis Total Glow Self-Tanning Cream, £12.

TOP TIP:

Even gradual tan builds up on dry areas so take care with elbows and knees.

QUICK FIX

IF you are looking for speedier results for that special occasion, there are tons of tans to try. Here's our pick of the best new arrivals:

Spray tans are easier to use and give an even coverage – Dior Bronze Sun Powder Spray, £29, works well on all faces. For bronzed bods, look to Dior Bronze Self-Tanning Natural Glow for the body, £24, Bliss A Tan For All Seasons, £26, and California Tan Airbrush Spray with Flawless Tint, £19.99 at Superdrug.

Others worth a look include Xen-Tan Lotion, £25.95 (0870 850 5626), and Fakeover Cool Crackle Self Tanner Instant Bronze, £8.99 at Tesco, while California Tan Leg Perfector, £19.99, gives legs a warm hue while fighting off cellulite and slowing down hair growth.

PS – Keep an eye out in Style this summer as we test out the best salon tans…