The guide helped me apply evenly so I knew where I was putting the product. The guide is a dark brown color. Over 170 testers helped us assess 13 brands of instant self-tanners. They evaluated the ease of application, the final tanning effect, whether it's patchy or streaky, and the scent. In the lab, we then use a digieye machine to take photos of self-tanned parts of the body to analyse the tan's coverage over a week. Grape: encourages natural collagen production and rebalances skin depigmentation for a brighter, more youthful appearance.

Organic Papaya: enriched with antioxidant properties that actively slow down cellular damage and accelerate wound healing. Over 170 beauty testers helped us assess 13 new brands of instant self-tanners, which brings the total number of brands we’ve tested to 22. Testers looked at the ease of application, whether there was any patchiness or streakiness in the finish, and - crucially - the scent. The day after application the drier parts of my body were badly stained by the guide– even after a shower. And it was VERY difficult to get these areas evened out. The after smell on this one is virtually non-existent, especially after you shower the next morning. It’s a few minutes of the day that’s just for you. It’s feeling confident enough to step out of the shadows, free to be your best, brightest self. Free to be you.

Will you be claiming the VAT back?

There’s a reason why self tan is often called a holiday in a bottle. After all, a good self tanner can have the effect of a week spent relaxing in the sun. In just a matter of hours your skin will be bronzed and glowing, leaving you looking instantly healthy and rested. What’s even better, is that by opting for a self tan over baking in the sun you’ll protect your skin from potential sun damage, helping to maintain plumper, more youthful looking skin. Win, win! I was so disappointed in this color, and I even read online that some extremely pale girls saw no color at all. This is why I had to rank Vita Liberata Phenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse so low, the color was so bad.

We weren’t as impressed with the Vita Liberata Tinted Self Tan Mousse as we were with some of their self tanners. The directions say to apply 3 times, with 24 hours between applications. So what they’re really saying is this is a gradual self tanner. But no gradual tanner lasts 2-3 weeks. Spray tans don’t even last that long!We deserved better. We wanted a natural, sun-kissed tan, without the sun. A subtle, holiday glow without the streaks, smell and unnatural shade. And we wanted natural ingredients, a simple application process and a range of products to suit every skin type. Organic Aloe Vera: gently soothes and heals skin damaging by UV rays, while enhancing its elasticity, moisture and overall healthy appearance.

I really don’t know where they’re getting that. This one definitely has a smell and it’s not pleasant. We may not be able to go on holiday this summer, but you can still achieve a sun-kissed complexion with the help of a little fake tan. Faking it also helps eliminate damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause premature skin ageing (fine lines and wrinkles) as well as skin cancer. Organic Witch Hazel: with powerful anti-bacterial properties, it comforts skin inflammations and promotes healing of conditions including eczema and psoriasis. Organic Pomegranate: this strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory not only boosts skin health, but benefits both cardiovascular and immune systems. After about two days, it started to fade pretty badly and I noticed a lot of splotchiness and streaks.Glyceryl Stearate: prolongs water loss from the skin to intensify natural hydration, leaving skin smooth and soft to the touch. Organic Liquorice: derived from root extracts this antioxidant works to restore the skin’s equilibrium, alleviate irritations and reverse the appearance of age spots. On one side was the risk of sun beds and lasting sun damage. And on the other, the fuss of traditional fake tans. Orange, streaky and with a funny smell, they weren’t fooling anyone. Organic Cucumber: cools, soothes and heals skin to renew moisture levels, reduce wrinkles and restore a brightened glow. Hyaluronic Acid: this nutritive super-ingredient replenishes skin and fights signs of ageing to deliver a brighter, intensively hydrated and naturally-plump texture.