I f you have no interest in makeup but occasionally feel you might need it, try a gel bronzer. I barely consider bronzing gel to be makeup at all. Makeup requires thoughtful colour selection, brushes and some aptitude for application.
Bronzing gel needs none of that, so it’s the fastest, easiest way for someone of any gender to bring sunny, natural-looking colour to a dull, indoorsy or peaky complexion. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.
Learn more. The gel can be applied with fingers like face cream (although if you’d prefer to buff it on with a fat, fluffy brush, be my guest) and instantly adds a golden-brown tint. It’s almost clear, so won’t cake or go ashy, and at the end of the day it washes off, so has none of the commitment of self-tan.
Men love it. The Isle of Paradise range from veteran Strictly Come Dancing tanner Jules Von Hep is all about making tanning easy, and a bronzing gel was overdue. The new Sunny Liquid Sunny Serum (£15.
95) is more sophisticated than it needs to be. Skincare wonder ingredient niacinamide is there to soothe. The combination of squalane and glycerin moisturises without greasiness and makes it suitable for all skin types.
The light, silky serum glides over a moisturised face, or – if even that feels like too much hassle – it can be pumped into your usual face cream and mixed together in one step. The same is true of e l f ’s Bronzing Drops (£12).