By Belinda Morris

So, your two weeks of stand-up paddleboarding in Cornwall have given you the posture your mum always wanted you to have, a washboard stomach and glutes to die for, but sadly you have not come home with a tan. Hey ho – something has to give. But, it would make those toned limbs look even lovelier… and everyone else has got one!

So fake it. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: could look too obvious, could cost too much, it’s messy, smelly and altogether a faff. Which is why I have another suggestion – a gradual tanner. In particular St Tropez’s recently launched Gradual Tan in Shower Lotion (£14.50). It’s a clever idea and while not aimed at men specifically, it certainly appeals to anyone who finds the idea of tanning booths scary and sees DIY jobs as an art form.

It’s simplicity itself to use. 1) Wash in the shower. 2) Turn off shower and apply the Gradual Tan on to your wet skin – it’s very creamy so this is easy 3) Wait three minutes (I suggest having a shave, cleaning your teeth, de-gunging the plug-hole… all useful stuff) 4) Back in the shower and rinse off. Ta-dah! You wont look instantly berry-brown – it’s recommended that you do this for three successive mornings and by day three you’ll look lightly sun-kissed. Obviously you can carry-on for a deeper tan. No streaks and it moisturizes your skin into the bargain. Job done.

Available from branches of Boots.