Brilliant deep, dark tans to bronze without a sun damage risk

If you're embracing a deep, dark tan like us for this season, we have tried and tested three ultra dark tans that are really popular at the moment.

I am suddenly aware of my love affair with fake tan. I've never been fond of fake tan. I hate the application process, I hate the smell, I hate waiting for it to dry, I hate preparing to apply it. Most of all I hate streaks. However, tan has come a long way. There are some really great formulations available that are easy to apply and don't even have to old soggy cornflake smell. I am now in love with deep, dark tan.

Recently, I've tested out a few dark tanning formulas. I have managed to get an even, streak-free application with these three ultra dark tans. Okay, I have to admit I had one disaster but I was able to fix it the next day - another bonus.

Cocoa Brown Ultra Dark Tan €9.95

Of the three tans I have tried, this was the darkest. Like it is super dark. This is the one I messed up with first time around, but that was down to not giving myself enough time for a careful application. The colour is gorgeous. It gives you a deep, dark brown tan. Not a hint of orange in sight, which I love. As I said, apply carefully to ensure no streaks. Where I had streaks after my first dodgy application, I was able to reapply the tan evenly over it the next day and it evened the area out after a few hours.

He-Shi Dark Foaming Mousse €31

He-Shi do tan very well. I am quite partial to their gradual tan for keeping the Casper look off me from day to day. This one is more of an 'occasion tan' for me. The colour is a gorgeous deep bronze so it's perfect if you are going somewhere special to give you an all-over tan. The guide colour is lovely and makes it easy to see if you are getting a precise application. Best of all it's fast drying. It really is. I was able to get dressed a couple of minutes after applying. It's tough to remove so a good tan remover is needed in the shower to get rid of the last remnants of it. I put it on my face as well as my body and it was fine. Well, I had no breakouts from it anyway.

Speaking of face tans, The Skin Nerd shared her ultimate guide to tanning your face.

James Read Sleep Tan Mask Go darker €43

The James Read Sleep Tan Mask Go Darker is a more golden tone to the other two. It still gives a deep tan but it's a creamy consistency as opposed to the first two which are foaming mousse tans. It's a good bit more expensive than the others but this is full of good-for-your-skin ingredients so it's really hydrating. It's like an overnight mask for your body that leads to soft skin and a deep tan in the morning. It takes a little longer to dry but it's worth the results. It's as close to a gradual tan moisturiser as you can get but with a much darker bronzing result.

What's your preference? Deep, dark tan or a more natural glow?