The following is an extract from a chapter on self-tan products from Beauty Scoop: The indispensable guide to the best beauty products on the market by Julia Carling and Kate Shapland

Guerlain Teint Doré £15 for 125ml
Every time Guerlain think about discontinuing this product there is an outcry - which is why it has been around since the Second World War. There is reason why: it is a simple water-resistant formula - a liquid tint - which works extremely well. Kerry (39) was a little hesitant at first about using it, she thought it looked as if it would stain her skin (and clothes) and she would not be able to get it off if she made a mistake. 'I wasn't sure how to apply it as it's very runny,' she said. 'But I followed the instructions and it was easy. Such a nice colour, it looked like I'd had a weekend in the south of France. I love it.' Our tip: the best way to apply this product is to soak a cottonwool ball with it and stroke it lightly over your face. The science bit: in a class of its own, this skin tint feels like water and has a high pigment content, so gives skin some realistic colour even when used sparingly. Best applied on a cottonwool square and stroked lightly over your face.

Becca Translucent Bronzing Gel £25 for 50ml
Our testers gave this a high rating for two main reasons: it blends incredibly well into skin and its pump dispenser is practical and easy to use. Emma (34) was new to this cult make-up brand, developed by Australian make-up artist Rebecca Morrice-Adams, but was one of the testers who gave it 10/10: 'The colour is very natural, first class,' she said. 'It's a bit off-putting initially because it's very dark, but it soon blends into your skin. I looked so healthy I didn't bother with any other make-up.' Our tip: the best way to apply it is to pat it onto your forehead, cheeks and chin and blend it in with quick, feathery strokes. The science bit: a really creamy gel which smoothes over skin like silk but feels cool and gives very sheer, even results. Best applied by patting it onto your forehead, chin and cheeks and blending it in with quick, feathery strokes.

Sex Symbol Aerotan £15.45 for 150ml
A temporary tan in a spray-on can - how easy can it get? 'Bloody marvellous,' wrote Hannah (31). This tan did the rounds with our testers and although all were dubious about trying it, most could not believe how good it was. It literally provides spray-on colour and can be used to enhance an existing tan, and give pale skin an instant colour or deepen darker-toned skin. 'I really loved this product. It's fun, easy to use and it turned me a great colour. I used it on my face and body,' says Jackie (49). Our tip: the best way to apply this product is to put it into the palms of your hands first, then smooth it over your face. The science bit: the original 'tan in a can', this self-tan projects a fine and even spray onto skin (it is best applied from the palms of your hands rather than directly onto your body); it gives skin a flattering sheen and has the best scent of all self-tans - yummy coconut!