The first glimmers of Spring sunshine have turned our thoughts to the perfect tan.

But the tricky question is how to achieve that sun-kissed look before the summer.

The sunbed has always seemed an easier and more reliable alternative for that year-round golden glow but growing concerns about possible links with skin cancer have forced many people to think again about how to get that sun toasted look.

And many people are concerned over the damage the sun can cause to the skin but they still want healthy-looking bronzed skin.

A fake tan is the ideal answer. Over the years fake tanning lotions have suffered from a bad reputation. Most women associate them with streaky legs or orange faces - or both.

Fortunately companies have realised the demand for self-tanning creams and have improved their products dramatically.

So the message is don't be afraid to fake it this year.

At the value-for-money end of the market comes Superdrug's Solait self-tanning range which is guaranteed to get you glowing in no time.

The Solait Self Tanning Lotion for face and body (200ml, £7.99) gives a realistic tan which lasts between 3 to 4 days. For an instant skin boost which washes off in the bath or shower opt for Superdrug's Solait Instant Bronzing Cream for face and body in light or medium shades (100ml, £2.99).

Another reasonably priced but reliable product is the Leichner Bronzelle range.

For an all-over glow try the Bronzelle instant tanning legs and body lotion (£2.49), an easy to apply, quick drying lotion which glides over the skin to give a natural bronzed look.

If you want a darker tan, use finger tips or a cotton pad to smooth over the skin - wait for the first coat to dry, then apply another.

The Bronzelle instant tanning legs and body lotion (£2.49) is ideal for blending over tell-tale strap marks and bikini lines and also washes off at the end of the day.

There is a Bronzelle instant tanning gel for the face (£2.49) which can also be rinsed off with soap and water.

At the more expensive end of the market comes Lancome with its Flash Bronzer instant dry self-tanning spritz (£15) which sold out immediately when it went on sale last year.

Lancome is about to launch two new products in the same range - the Flash Bronzer self-tanning leg gel (£15) and the Flash Bronzer sun-filled face gel (£15). Like the spritz both are designed to be easy to apply.

Clarins self-tanning products have a reputation for being reliable and for giving a nice, natural colour.

The range includes the self-tanning face cream in medium or dark (£12.50) and self-tanning milk, gel or spray (all £13.50) for the body. The colour develops within one hour and lasts between 4-5 days.

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