The first warm days always catch us off guard. Personally, I'm always so happy that the sun's out and I can unpack my short shorts and tiny dresses that I don't give a second thought to the body that's going to be squeezed into those short shorts and tiny dresses. Until this past weekend…

I like to consider myself naturally tanned, and almost never need to go to extra lengths for that bronzed-sun-goddess look. But when a friend's mother mentioned that I might want to catch some rays this past weekend, I was mortified and forced to admit that maybe winter had been longer than I anticipated.

Given the recent situation with sunscreens manufactured in South Africa, you need to be smart about tanning.  So for those who feel my panic, we've put together our selection of self-tanners that'll get heads turning, for the right reasons.

For an all-in-one solution, we recommend Bisousoleil's Ultimate Tan Kit, R590. With a coconut scent, the easy-to-use kit consists of a spray tan (a clear formula with an even-dispensing spray pump), tan extender (with moisturising and anti-cellulite properties) and glove.

Natural Radiance Self-Tan Face by St Tropez, R380, adds a natural tint to your face. If you don't want to look as if you've come back from a weekend in the Mediterranean (not quite sure why you wouldn't) and you prefer a subtle tan, then this is great. It also has the added benefits of being a hydrating crème.

Be a little daring (and glamorous) and add some shimmer to your self-tan with ModelCo's tan Gloss Shimmering Self Tan, R190. The shimmer, however, does wash off in the shower but you'll still have a streak-free golden tan.

Xen-Tan's Dark Lotion*, R365, allows you to layer your self-tan for differing results. It's got a great almond-cherry scent to it and can be applied with your hands (no need for a glove, but make sure you wash your hands properly afterwards). It only takes three hours to develop and lasts about a week.

If you're a bit of a novice at applying self-tan and you want to make sure you haven't missed a spot, try Clarins' Delicious Self-Tanning Cream, R355. Because it's got a slight tint to it, you'll be able to see exactly where you're going (and have been) instantly. It's also got a cocoa butter scent.

Self-tanning tips

• Only apply self-tan to clean, exfoliated skin – otherwise you'll have darker patches where the self-tan soaked more into the drier or rougher areas
• When exfoliating, pay special attention to the rough areas like your elbows, knees and ankles
• Use circular motions to ensure even coverage
• Allow the self-tan to dry completely before putting on any clothes, or they'll stain
• Wear dark clothes after your self-tan has dried, just in case

* Available at leading salons

Visit Beauty South Africa for more information