Carola Long: Aim for a shade that evokes a week in the South of France rather than a fry-a-thon in Barbados

Beauty Queen

Fake tan might be the most obvious way to give one's face a light summer glow, but it isn't always the most flattering. Apart from the risk of tidemarks/ moustache-like dark patches or the jaundiced look, too much can make the skin appear dull. Instead, deftly applied bronzing make-up gives the complexion not only colour but also that all-important, expensively cared-for radiance.

Subtle layering is the key to a gently tanned look. Aim for a shade that evokes a week in the South of France, occasionally venturing out from beneath a broad-brimmed hat, rather than a fry-a-thon in Barbados. However, with so many bronzing products available, it's not necessarily obvious how many to use, and in which order. Paul Herrington, head of artistry at Bobbi Brown says, "Start with a tinted moisturiser rather than foundation so that skin looks light and fresh. Then use a cheek stain such as Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge in Summer Tan (£16), which gives a pinky sunkissed look as if the colour is coming from within." Another option, on top of tinted moisturiser or bare skin, is a tinted gel such as Bobbi Brown's All Over Bronzing Gel (£19) or Dr Hauschka's Translucent Bronze Concentrate (£23.98). Warm it between the fingers, then dab, rather than wipe, across areas which would naturally catch the sun.

Next, Herrington suggests sweeping "a shimmering blusher such as Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick (£29) across the face." Then, "find a bronzing powder with a mix of pink or peach and brown tones for the most natural look, especially if you have pale skin." Guerlain's Terracotta Sheer Bronzing Powder (£29.84) comes in three shades – blonde, brunette and dark – with a mix of pinks and pale golds. Blonde is perfect for anyone who finds most bronzing powders a bit orange, as is Estée Lauder's Sunblush Illuminator (£24.47). Eyeliner should be dark bronze or brown, and opt for a tinted lip balm such as Korres Lip Butter in pomegranate (£6), which has a subtle coral colour and a rich, waxy texture. The days of swirling on heavy, rust-coloured powder and ending up with a complexion as dull as an ancient terracotta vase are well and truly over.