My early twenties have been re-titled my 'fake tan years' for obvious reasons, it was when I became fully acquainted fake tans, body lotions and the completely unnatural 'natural looking holiday skin'.

In an avoidance of gaining wrinkles from the sunbed, worryingly cancer never concerned me much, I have tried and tested plenty of different brands of sunshines in bottles such as the obvious more costly St.Tropez right through to the illuminous unfortunately far too obvious Tescos own brand for a mere £1.86.

On applying my first coat of Lavera Autobronzant Naturel, I once again am disappointed by the distinct smell of biscuits despite apparently being scented with combination of camelia, lavender and rose. However, this does seem completely unavoidable whatever brand you choose if making the decision to dive in to fake tanning and am therefore relatively forgiving on this matter.

Lavera is derived from the purest of 100% natural active ingredients including gentle organic jojoba that apparently disperses the lotion evenly and effectively over the body and face (I actually thought it was my hands that did this.) The cream comes out white from the bottle which although makes it easier to see when it is thoroughly absorbed, can also prove more of a hindrance since it is hard to know when it has then been thoroughly washed off, until orange hands later you are aware you haven't been successful. However, three vigorous hand washes later my hands appear to be a normal human hand colour and I am thinking that perhaps once was enough and maybe I have OCD?

It contains Vitamin E and green tea extract, said to nourish the skin at a deeper cellular level. I am not a scientist but the lotion is thicker than most which does therefore need more vigorous ‘rubbing in’ and so far I have not yet experienced the undesired contradicting effect of dry skin which many do seem to cause. I applied it before going to bed, and can’t deny that I did wake up twice in the night and immediately noticed the ‘biscuit’ smell despite my half conscious state which can only mean it must be rather strong. However there wasn’t any on my pyjamas or my pillow, orange stains I mean, not biscuits sadly.

It is a completely chemical and preservative free lotion which, although I am not eating it, does provide me with a self righteous feel, and after just one application I can notice more than just a healthy glow and what could be perceived as a natural looking tan. Encouraged by this ‘holiday-skin’ like colour, I applied another coat the next day. Unfortunately, my overexcitement has lead me to realise that when using Lavera, one coat will last you for up to around 4-5 days depending on your skintone.