Having a tan is my number one beauty hack, I have no qualms walking around with a bare face so long as I have a bit of a glow. That being said at 25, I have suddenly become paranoid at the first signs of ageing and have a heightened awareness of the effects of the sun on my skin. After a stern warning from my dermatologist I decided to take a different approach to my face this summer. While on holiday, I wore the La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Extreme Face Fluid SPF50 all over my face each day and kept a hat on while sunbathing. Although my face did tan it didn't go anywhere near the colour of my body so I decided to experiment with a few facial tanners to see if I could help this.

I think it's important I point out that I am not a huge fan of fake tan. I never wear it on my body and am extra cautious about putting it on my face. I don't like the idea of clogging my skin with fake tan while I sleep at night and the thought of it coming off in scales terrifies me. I did my research and read reviews on several products, tried a few others and have settled on these two. The He-She Facial Tanning Gel is my go to when I want a quick and intense tan. It has quite a thick consistency and a green undertone which I like as I think it provides the most authentic looking colour. I like to apply it after I have moisturised my face using a duo fibre brush. I find I can apply this in the morning and wash it off a few hours later and it's already developed which is a bonus for me. Personally, I don't like sleeping in it as it feels quite heavy on the face and perhaps a little sticky but for those who are used to tanning at night I'm sure that wouldn't bother you. It wears off naturally and can be built up over days to get a darker payoff however I generally find one coat is fine for me. I bought this in the UK so I'm not sure what I paid for it exactly but He-She is available online and from Boots!

The next product is a recent discovery for me. The Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster is marketed as a "made to measure" self tan and needless to say, I am obsessed. It is a clear liquid that comes in a little dropper bottle perfect for popping in your bag and taking away with you. The idea is that you mix 2-3 drops in with your own skin care when you want to add a little colour to your face. I love this idea as it means I'm not putting any additional creams or lotions on to my face that run the risk of congesting my skin. I have mixed this with both my daily moisturiser and my night oil and both work equally well. I find myself looking at my face and wondering whether I've picked up a tan from being outside or if it's the product that's given me that colour. It's that natural looking! You can decide how dark you want to go simply by adding fewer or more drops which is a refreshing alternative to having to layer applications of a tanning gel or lotion. It is available from all Clarins counters and retails for about €23. Seriously worth a try in my book!

To sum it up I would recomend the He-Shi tanning gel to anyone who wants to achieve an instant and deeper colour, and the Clarins drops to anyone who wants a more natural, daily approach. Both are fantastic products, it just depends what you're in the mood for! Let me know what your favourite facial tanners are and if there are any you think I should try!