When the sun shines in Britain (usually for about two weeks of the year!) most of us are caught unawares and totally unprepared to bear our toes, let alone our legs. At woman&home we always prefer to fake a golden glow and avoid the harmful UVA and UVB rays – and we think we’ve happened upon the ultimate last-minute tanners when you need a hit of colour before an evening out or special event. An instant fake tan, wash off fake tan or even camouflaging leg make-up will give you summer-ready skin immediately.
He-Shi Rapid 1 Hour Liquid Tan does exactly what it says on the bottle, giving skin natural-looking colour in no time. The liquid formula can be applied for one hour for a lighter tan and then washed off, or left for two to three hours for a deeper, just-back-from-holiday shade. And don’t think the shorter tan time means your colour won’t last; with this clever instant fake tan beauty buy, your bronzed appearance will still last up to seven days.
After exfoliating and using a moisturiser to act as a barrier on elbows, knees, ankles, fingers and feet, use a tanning mitt and apply the liquid in circular movements, starting on your lower leg and sweeping up the body (use any excess liquid to tan your feet but avoid applying more liquid to toes and feet).
He-Shi’s speedy tanning time isn’t the only benefit – a near odourless scent means you’ll avoid the tell-tale biscuit smell most fake tans are renowned for, plus this tanner includes natural DHA (the active ingredient in many fake tans which has been linked to everything from asthma to cancer).
So, if a last-minute invite sends you in to a spiral of panic at the thought of having to reveal pale flesh, then know this: in just one hour you can fake a golden glow and walk out with confidence!
For an A-list-worthy look, invest in the Utan Shimmer Tan Wash Off - LA Instant Glamour. A deep bronze flecked with gold, there's no need to worry about dry or dull-looking legs with this shimmering instant tanner.
Airbrush your legs for perfect skin every day with the St. Moriz Instant Leg Tanning Spray. A great choice if orange palms are a worry, this easy-to-use spray will mean the colour stays strictly on your pins.
St. Tropez is one of the most popular brands of fake tan for a reason. The St. Tropez Instant Tan Wash Off Face and Body Lotion will glide on easily for a fool-proof and instant tan that lasts for 24 hours.
The ultimate leg-fixer for those who don't necessarily want to add colour. The Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup will conceal veins, bruises and blemishes for perfect-looking legs, all day.
A sweet-smelling wash-off gel tanner, the Sienna X Instant Bronzing Gel is transfer-resistant, so you can wear spring's pastel and white hues without fear of unsightly marks.
Rimmel creates some of the best beauty products on the high street - and the Sunshimmer Instant Tan Medium Matte is no exception. We love the no-sheen effect, which gives a natural finish to your skin.
Care for your skin, at the same time as creating a luminous glow, with the Caudalie Divine Legs. A light and moisturising lotion, this tinted tanner with give super-soft skin to summer legs.
A tanning first, the Cocoa Brown Night & Day Instant Wash-Off Tan makes light work of tanning for busy women. Apply in the evening for a deep, dark tan straight away and wash off the next morning to leave a light glow, perfect for early spring mornings.
Cover imperfections and an uneven skintone with the Fake Bake Shimmer Medium Instant Tan Wash-Off Lotion. A great tanner for all, which is easy to apply and wash off.
Care for your mature skin at the same time as creating an immediate and natural-looking tan with the Vita Liberata Luxury Instant & Lasting Tinted Tan Mousse. Discovering mousse fake tans is something of a revelation: So easy to apply and so hard to get wrong, this is the easiest way fake an instant summer glow.