How to bronze safely

Jean Paul Mist-On Tan: This quick spray-on salon bronzing treatment is a favourite with Hollywood celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston. The tan is applied in a misting booth, allowed to dry for 30 seconds, then towelbuffed. The entire process takes no more than seven minutes. From £30 per treatment. Call 0800 783 0056 for salons.

Fantasy Tan: Offers one of the most even salon tans around. It's applied with an airbrush in two coats over two consecutive days, with weekly top-ups advised. Each application takes around 15 minutes. From £35 for a base tan. Call 01707 643031 for salons.

Clinique Self-Sun Body Quick Bronze: Comes in two different formulas, Fair and Deep, depending on just how dark you want to go. The tinted gel gives an instant shimmery glow, while the self-tanning agent develops within an hour. £12; call 01730 232566 for stockists.

Lancome Flash Bronzer Body Spritz SPF15: Has sun protection built in, so you can spray it on and sit in the sun while it develops over an hour. £16.50 from department stores.

TanTowel: These wipes come in two sizes, one for face and one for body, and contain a tanning agent that develops within three hours. £1.49 from Boots and chemists nationwide.

St Tropez: Still a firm favourite among fakers. The tinted lotion means you can see exactly where you're putting it, and accessories like the towelling mitt make it even easier to be a bronzed beauty. From £17, in department stores nationwide.