Recommendations for gradual fake tan moisturiser

[suntodayplease]

I'm looking to start preparations for some spring/summer weather (one can hope!) which will inevitably involve showing the pale legs and arms which have been hidden for months! Can anyone recommend a decent gradual fake tan which is easy to apply, preferably one which is a gradual colour built up over several applications and easy to maintain. Recommendations for exfoliators would also be appreciated! Happy to spend a bit more for a good product.

I've been using the St Tropez one this week, and it's amazing! Really idiot proof. I went for the light/medium one as I am v v pale.

Dove - can't remember the name but works very well and is not particularly expenisve (£4.50 ish).

St Tropez! Light/medium one gives a hint of colour that you can build up over a few days when you are feeling a little braver. Not a hint of orange it streaks.

*or streaks, not it streaks!

St tropez everyday spray is great

I used the St Tropez Gradual Tan last year but made a mistake in buying the light/medium as it didn't show up on me. Really only suitable for very fair skin I would say. Will try out the darker one this year.

For an exfoliator I mix honey and some brown sugar or salt (sometimes a bit of both). I find it really excellent, as good as anything I've ever bought. You can also add some olive oil (or a bit of whatever oil you fancy) but don't do this if you are going to apply fake tan as the oil will form a barrier on your skin.

Another vote for St Tropez gradual tanner. Really full proof and looks natural.

When it has built up does it 'take' more on elbows/knees/wrists?

May I just ask- I have some Dove gradual tan left over from last year, would it be ok to use this year or is it more like sunscreen which I'd get new every year? anyone know?

The Kiehls grapefruit exfoliator is brilliant.

Another vote for St Tropez but I also highly rate the Estee Lauder one. Both lovely to us and build up the colour gradually.

looks like St Tropez is the one to try, thanks ladies. just looked and its 3 for 2 at boots at the moment so I'm thinking of getting the face version too.

i love the Kiehls range so will check out the exfoliator too, thanks.

I am trying the face version at the moment and I'm very pleased so far!

Scarf, check how long it lasts once opened - it is the round arrow with a number, on the back of the bottle usually. most things last a year or more.

I have used the St Tropez gradual tanner as I really rate the usual St Tropez fake tan, but I just don't see any difference with the gradual tanner (face or body and I used the light one). I have used the Dove Summer Glow which is quite good but someone recently gave me a tube of a Maybelline body gradual tanner (Dream Glow I think it is called). I put it on before we went away last week and a couple of people commented on it (in a positive way). It also doesnt smell too bad. It looks a bit cheap so I didn't hold out much hope for it but it is excellent.
For the face you cannot beat Lancome Flash Bronzer.

I'm currently having a love affair with the Natio one, the best one I've tried thus far

Idiot question I know but how can you apply properly to your back. Been awake since 4am so forgive me if I seem daft!

Scarf - I am using my Dove from last year, seems OK to me .

Aftereightsaremine - I use cling film its the way forward to self tan your back. Big sheet of it, cover in product and stretch across your back giving it a kinda rub iykwim!

fake tan via clingfilm. Just not sure that I can do it! but love the tip

Ferris any chance of a vid of you doing that?

Julia - Not a chance :o

Oh dear just tried the St Tropez Gradual Tan, and it bloody reeks .

Horrid cheap floral smell like air freshener, presumably to cover up the fake tan pong. I only put it on the back of my hands, now I can't stand to be near myself. AND I have a cold and can't smell much else, so it must be pretty strong.

So Dove and St Tropez seem to be out in front. How does the Dove one smell?

I have one called zen tan transform, it's lovely, gives a visible (but pale) result after one use, which is perfect for me as any darker and I look really strange. It also smells nice when you put it on, but you will wake up the following morning with that nasty fake tan smell.