Anyone got any suggestions? I'm a complete novice with fake tan--(I had a few disasters many years ago and haven't dare touch it since!) I'm naturally very pale and it doesn't really suit me to be bronzed anyway, but I really would like to have tanned legs, just to be able to go bare-legged in Summer. So I'm just looking for a product suitable for legs, something that goes on easily and looks reasonably natural, without ending up with streaks or funny-looking feet.

Also, any tips on how to prepare before applying the tan? Many thanks if anyone can help.

Would you prefer a wash off one (it might help with experimenting) or one that gradually fades?

Ideally a gradually-fading one...but only if it's reasonably disaster-proof!

I use St Tropez gradual tanning body lotion, I bought it for approx £14, it had a "Star Buy" award from some magazine and thought I'd give it a go for when I had to attend a wedding.

I've used many fake tanning products before but this gives a lovely, natural looking tan, depending on your natural skin colouring, to be honest if you are pale with freckles, blue undertones and don't tan naturally I'd steer clear of any St Tropez products as I find they only suit skin with golden/yellow undertones which tan easily in the sun anyway.

This St Tropez works gradually, as it is advertised as a body lotion, it gives a nice healthy colour after 1-2 uses depending on what depth of tan you like. You may even like to go darker.

I exfoliate first using a mit, concentrating on my knees, elbows and areas round the feet. Dry yourself well and only moisterise the knees, elbows and feet, apply the fake tan in circular motion otherwise it will leave streaks and wash hands well.

The Dove one is really good and, if you buy the fair skinned one, it just gives a hint of colour. It builds up gradually too so you can get to the shade you want then just reapply every 2 or 3 days.

Many thanks for those suggestions. I'll give them a try!

Having long sworn against it - I caved in & tried some last year, due to the complete absence of sun!

After a disastrous run in with Decleor spray (avoid), I used Guinot lotion & I have to say it was bloody marvelous.

I'd be mortified if anyone knew I was wearing fake stuff, so I went for only a pale tan, but it came out looking totally natural.

for a gradually fading one, i love loreal sublime bronze, i find it goes on quite well on my legs, when it usually hard to get the colour to come up evenly.
for nights out i swear by sally hanson airbrush legs, its amazing! its instant and will give u total coverage, brilliant if u have any bruises or anything, but it is a wash off

Piz buin mousse is great, drys in 5 minutes and does not smell, takes about an hour to develop the colour,

Easy to use

Clarins Spray Auto-Bronzant is pricey but excellent. Can also recommend Johnson's Holiday Skin, a moisturiser with a tanning agent in it. In a couple of days you have a light natural looking colour.

Johnsons Holiday skin I use. It's really good and subtle so you can build it up over days instead of that awful orange knee and heel thing going on

I bought the St Trpoez self tanner for my face and it made me look orange.. However I have recently bought L'Oreal's Sublime Bronze and I must say I really like it. It's not heavy and goes on easy, you can also build up the colour if you wish.

If you get a spray one be careful !
I tried one last week and sprayed it standing up - of course all the spray that didn't attach to my legs 'fell' onto my feet and they were then a good 3 - 4 shades darker than my legs !

Doh !!!