The Best Fake Tans.

Everyone knows summer in England isn't exactly the best summer ever, but this year has been on record the worst summer ever, with the rain, thunderstorms and flood warning I think its fair to say everyone needs cheering up. Now, I don't know about all of you, but the one thing that really cheers me up (other then shopping) is a tan. During times like this when the sunny days are few and far between I turn to false tan to cheer me up and get me set for when Mr Sunshine does make an appearance.

For some people fake tan is a serious phobia, the idea of leaving the house streaky, orange handed and totally patchy even makes me shiver, however all that is now a with these new up to date products which are aimed at even the most disaster prone self tanner. Therefore here's my list of the best fake tans on the market (there in no particular order).

• Xen-Tan Dark Lotion, £23

A favourite of A-List celebrities, beauty editors alike and myself, this Dark Lotion gives you a rich, natural olive tan that looks great for up to 10 days. Easy to apply, it goes on evenly, smells delicious and instantly creates a gorgeous streak-free finish you'll love. Packed with rich moisturisers and premium ingredients, Dark Lotion glides onto skin and leaves it feeling nourished and silky smooth. Enriched with coconut and walnut oils, it helps you achieve a stunningly natural olive tan that's exceptionally long wearing.

• Lancaster Gradual Hydrating Bronze Lotion, £17

If dark, messy self-tanning products are the stuff of your beauty nightmares, this Gradual Hydrating Bronze Lotion from Lancaster could be the product for you. Easy to apply, this milky lotion is perfect for every day application, since it glides on smoothly and dries quickly for an even bronzed colour, also has an added SPF 6.

• Fake Bake 60 Minutes Self Tan Liquid, £24.95

Fake Bake has long been one of the top go-to brands for the best self-tanning products, and now they've formulated their fastest ever developing tanning lotion that provides you with a natural sun-kissed glow in just 60 minutes. The pioneering time-saving liquid boasts a fast-drying DHA and erythrulose complex making it perfect for last minute body prepping.

• St Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse, £33

The original, and many would argue still the best, St Tropez has maintained a loyal following. But if you're a fan of a really deep tan, you're going to love this new offering for summer: Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse. The new darker formula contains allo-melanin, which is designed to mimic the skin’s natural melanin, ensuring the most natural, deep tan for a gorgeous jet set look.

• Clinique Self Sun Body Tinted Lotion, £17

With an oil-free gel formula, Clinique's Self Sun Body Tinted Lotion has a light texture that goes onto skin seamlessly for an instant bronzed look that develops into a rich tan. Technologically-advanced polymers help hold the product onto the skin’s surface to maximise the life of the colour, while mica and caramel particles give you that just back from holiday shimmer.

• Lancome Flash Bronzer Face Gel, £23

Sometimes fake tan products can be a little harsh on the face, so the clever people at Lancome have formulated a state-of-the-art product especially for the skin in that area. This amazing self-tanner is not only fresh, but with its skin-caring gel texture applies easily, evenly and dries quickly. Develops for a deep and even natural-looking tan in just one hour; for a radiant, healthy glow in a flash!

• Garnier Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Self-Tanning Mousse, £9.33

A favourite with many magazines recently, this light, air-whipped mousse delivers an instant bronze sheen to the body without any of those pesky self-tanning streaks. The formula is tinted so you apply the right amount to every area of your skin, for a flawless result. You won't miss a spot or over apply! The colour develops over a few hours and doesn't have that telltale fake tan smell either. Overall this has no self tan smell, is easy to apply, quick drying and provides a very natural-looking tan.

• Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel, £17.50

One for even the most devout fake tan phobes, Clarins' Self Tanning Instant Gel is easy-peasy to use and gives an even, natural-looking colour. The non-oily formula is quickly absorbed by the skin meaning you can dress immediately. The colour develops in just one hour, and the gel is full of plant extract, larrea divaricata, which slows the rate at which skin cells are shed, meaning you stay bronzed for longer.

• Trilogy Self Tanning Instant Bronzing Gel, £14

Even though your tan isn't natural, the product can be, thanks to Trilogy's Self Tanning Instant Bronzing Gel with 100% natural ingredients. Fuss-free, quick-drying and easy to apply, the gel creates an instant golden shimmer to skin in need of a holiday, which develops over two to three hours for that must-have glow.

• Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant Tan Water Resistant, £6.99

A great fake tan doesn't have to break the bank. Rimmel's matte tan budget buy, which comes in a choice of two shades; light and medium, this provides a gorgeous natural looking bronzed look whilst keeping skin nourished and moisturised. This is an instant natural sun-kissed look for the face and body which is streak free, fade proof colour can withstand sudden rain, splashes and even spilled drinks. This is fantastic for an immediate flawless tan look or to enhance an existing tan, which dries instantly and wont come off on your clothes.

Whats your favourite fake tan for summer and have you have had a fake tan disaster, if so leave a comment underneath would love to hear about them!