1. Dr LeWinns Instant Body Bronzer $39.90
This is a quick-drying, streak-free, pleasant smelling, golden tan cream with a subtle foil-effect finish, similar but much lighter than the glimmer left by Body Bling. My caution is that these foil effects give a good gleam at a distance, but on older skin it's more of a crinkle effect, which up close tends to highlight rather than disguise unevenness of skin tone. If you're firm of flesh, this a good colour for spring, though come high summer you may want to self-tan darker.
2. L'Oreal Glam Bronze Blonde Harmony Duo Sun Powder $37.99
As the name suggests this is colour-matched for blondes, the compact containing a mid-toned lightish powder and a deeper bronzing shade, the latter with a little glimmer. Handy for day, but the Glam Bronze Trio is a better evening pick, with pink, pale gold and bronze tones. Available also in deeper options for brunettes.
3. Du Wop Revolotion $62
This bronzing body moisturiser goes on creamy and spreads well, giving a definite golden colour, but one that does not look unnaturally dark on fair skin. It lasted longer than a number of the other lighter coloured options I tested, which, disappointingly, faded or rubbed off a few hours down the track. This then is the one I'd reach for most willingly again.
4. L'Oreal Sublime Bronze One Day Tinted Gel $24.99
Not to be confused with Sublime's DHA-containing self tanner (which I find one of the best about), this is an instant illusion that washes off. The tint has a reddish, rather than a yellow cast, so if you find other brands too yellow give it a go. The gel formula has a pleasant beachy smell and spreads easily, but it needs a bit of a scrub to remove from palms and certainly doesn't give the same oomph that Sublime self-tan provides.
5. Clinique Self Sun Face Bronzing Gel Tint $43
This licorice-coloured thick gel scared the life out of me when it came out of the tube. Only a smidgen is needed, and it does spread smoothly for a shade that beats the kind of insipid colour you get from most tinted moisturisers. Being from Clinique, it is oil-free and won't clog pores. You can wear it under foundation to even and intensify colour, or alone. If you are after a deeply bronzed look this will give it, without the burn.
6. Body Bling Moisturizing Shimmering Body Lotion $75
This promises a Hollywood glow and the clay thick mix goes on dark and dry. It takes a little working in, but didn't streak and for those who fancy an intense deep golden-brown colour this gives more than any other body bronzer I've tested. It was too dark on my fair skin, but those with medium or olive complexions will look like they've just returned from the Bahamas.
Testament to its staying power, it took a good scrub with a nail brush to remove the residue from my brown palms, whereas most of the other products I tested rinsed off easily with soap and water. In the shower, hours later, it came clean easily enough, with a light rubdown. Scott Barnes Body Bling clearly has a cult following for a reason. As well as the original formula there's a version called Platinum that gives a skin shimmer ideal for highlighting collarbone and cleavage. Get red carpet ready, but beware the risk of rub-off on designer duds.
7. Lancome Star Bronzer $77
A classy compact for those who want a matte natural bronzer, rather than the kind that has shimmer. Accordingly, this can be used all over the face to intensify your skin shade, rather than just on the areas where the sun strikes which is where sparkle is best confined to. The light-reflecting pigments in the powder mean that though it's matte, it won't look flat and you can always add illumination or blush over the top.
8. This Works Perfect Legs Miracle $120
Part skin serum, part instant glow, this runny lotion needs spreading in well and is at the lighter end of the colour spectrum. This Works makes some of the nicest oils and moisturisers around and though this is packed with skin conditioning ingredients, I didn't think much of the colour it offered. Other than a slight sheen and an evening out of skin tone, my legs looked pretty pale a few hours after application.
9. Nars Illuminator in Laguna $75
Sheer, luminous colour that will add a refreshing tan glow to skin. Nars illuminators also come in pinky-peach tones, including his famous flushed shade Orgasm, Sticking with Laguna, this mid-toned brown is also an option in Nars Bronzing Powder ($72), a winner for contouring with just the subtlest of shimmers. For a more obvious bronzing, try the Multiple stick ($98) with its cream-to-powder finish.
Stockists: Brand counters at department stores and pharmacies or as stated. Body Bling, Nars and This Works see meccacosmetica.co.nz, Du Wop from Glamorpuss cosmetics.
