Get a good hiding; Felicity Newson checks out the best ways of topping up that fading suntan

0 Comments | Liverpool Echo (Liverpool, England), June 24, 2002

THEY say the best things in life are free . . . and that includes a sun tan, if you acquire it the natural way, out in the open.

However, with flaming June failing to materialise so far and a limited number of bronzing opportunities here at home, many sun-seekers are resorting to faking it.

But just how much does it cost to keep up that gold standard if you use lotions, potions and lamps rather than the natural rays of the sun?

We investigated some of the options - and discovered that while artificial bronzers might be safer than hours spent roasting on the beach, some of the techniques can sunburn a hole in your pocket.

Sunbeds Still the most popular way of acquiring that golden glow without having to spend hours basking in the sun, the traditional beds are a relatively pain-free way of losing the winter pallor.

There are literally dozens of sun salons across Merseyside, mostly offering the latest `double strength' 160 watt sunbeds.

Price scales are generally by the minute, with fair-skinned women being advised to limit their sessions to six minutes, at least initially. If you have darker or olive toned skin and/or have acquired a good base tan, you can safely spend up to 18 minutes on the bed.

Obviously the price you pay will depend on your natural colouring, the intensity of the tan you wish to achieve, and how long you want it to last.

Sample prices are pounds 1 for six minutes (Golden Bronze, Aigburth and Walton), pounds 1 for four minutes (Hot Spots Fast Tanning Centre, Bootle).

On average, 80 minutes-worth of sun bed treatment is reckoned to be enough to give a noticeably sun-kissed look (pounds 15-20).Remember they do come with health warnings!

Sun Showers

Sun showers are the `stand-up' equivalent of the sunbed and though not so popular as beds, are probably the better bet for anyone wanting an all-over body tan, with no `white bits'!

Like the beds, most Sun showers use 160watt lamps.

Timings, prices and results are pretty comparable to sunbeds, though at some salons the showers can be slightly more expensive.

Spray-on Tan

Tropical Sunrays, Old Swan, offers a spray-on Fantasy tan, which is applied in the form of a base coat and a top coat over two consecutive days.

Manageress Karen Riozzi explains that clients are advised not to shower between the two sessions.

The resulting deep all-over tan lasts for approximately a week, but long

soaks in the bath while the `tan' is in place are not recommended!

At pounds 45 for the two applications, or pounds 25 for the base application only, which gives a light golden tan, this kind of treatment would be costly to maintain over the medium or long term, but probably worth splashing out on, for a special occasion.

DIY Fake Tan

There are many different brands and types of artificial tanning product to try at home.

From creams and gels, to mousses and sprays, they come in such a large range of textures, colours and prices that it is impossible to generalise about the overall cost of one of these tans.

But, however economical or extravagant you choose to be when you splash out on you pseudo-tan, unless you are ultra-careful, the downside of DIY is the occupational hazard of bronzed palms, tidemarks and missed bits!

And, of course, like any other bronzing method, the home tan will fade over time, so several careful re-applications will be necessary to take you through the summer.

Some examples of products and prices are: Avon Self-Tanning Lotion, pounds 6, 200ml; Ambre Solaire, No Streaks Bronzer, pounds 8.99, 125ml; Body Shop Fake It! Self-Tan Body Spray, pounds 8.50, 125ml; Boots No 7 Instant Tan Skin Shimmer, pounds 8.40, 150ml; Morrisons Self Tan Spray, pounds 2.99, 150ml.

The Real Thing

The cheapest option of all is sitting in your own back yard soaking up the rays of the sun: if it ever shines again.

However, don't forget that while sunbathing incurs no financial charge, the cost to your health may be incalculable, unless you invest in adequate sun screening with the relevant Sun Protection Factor for your skin.

CAPTION(S):

SUN BABES: A sunbed (above) can give you a great tan (right)