Going For Gold

May 11 2008 Craig Alexander Wilson

Beauty Spot

It's tan time again, girls - one of my favourite topics. The trend is for a golden glow rather than day-glo orange - think Heroes star Hayden Panettiere, below, not Donatella Versace. Here are my favourite tanners.

You only want to go a couple of shades darker than your natural skin colour. One coat of St Tropez's Ultimate Tan Rapide Face should be enough to lift your complexion with a sunkissed look. Priced £18 from www.st-tropez.co.uk, this is my top facial tanner.

Matis Reponse Soleil Self-Tanning Spray has the strongest smell of all the products I tested this week. So even though the colour it gives is even and deep, I was very concious of the scent. Digestive biscuit anyone? Priced £13.10 from www.matisbeauty.co.uk

Make Believe's Self-Tan Lotion is an exotic blend of jojoba oil and shea butter that softens the skin as it tans. A lovely golden colour develops in just two to four hours and this also gives skin a healthy sheen. £30 from Boots and John Lewis.

Bobbi Brown's Sunless Tanning Gel is for the face and body and is a cool, lightweight option that gives a natural looking colour. It dries quickly and is oil-free, making it perfect for the delicate skin on the face. Priced £16 from Bobbi Brown at John Lewis and Frasers.

I favour tanning gels rather than lotions as they tend to dry quicker. A favourite is Biotherm's Self-Tanning Face Gel, which gives a nice, natural result. The fair skin option is perfect for those who are normally porcelain-like. It's also really hydrating on the skin. £15 from Biotherm at Frasers.

Sisley's Soleil Sans Soleil Self-Tanning Spray has a wonderful aromatherapy-type scent. This ultra-fine mist gives even coverage and the colour after one application was delicate. A light yet creamy feel, it's luxurious on the skin. Sadly, it costs £45 and given the rate I go through tanners I'd have to remortgage to keep me going. From Frasers and John Lewis.

More delicate than a self-tan, Clinique's Self-Sun Touch Of Bronze Moisturising Body Lotion is ideal for all skin types. This really rich cream has a hint of self-tan through it and gives a good colour. Ideal for a daily dose of sun. It's £15 from Clinique counters at Boots and department stores.

CRAIG'S TOP TANNER

The stars are all raving about Uber products and now I'm hooked on their Sassy Celebrity Tan. You really can't go wrong with this fabulous spray. It's the only tan without a tint guide that gives great streak-free results. The smell is pleasant and gives the colour I crave. When it fades it doesn't go patchy either. It costs £20, call 08452 608 020 to order. Uber will be at the Scottish Beauty Show today at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh at stand F16.

Craig is proprietor of WILSON AND WILSON Hair and Beauty in Prestwick