Not a massive fan of faking it in general, I will admit that sometimes I do need a little bit of bronze. I’d bought a new top with quite short sleeves, and not being a fan of my upper arms in general – bingo wings, anyone? – I decided I needed a bit of help.

Out came Murad Firming Bronzer, €44.25. It’s an immediate skin tint that also promises a toning effect, plus it’s got sun protection – SPF15 – too. A pearlised liquid, one to two small pumps was enough for each arm. Fluid and really easy to blend, it gives a realistic shot of colour that doesn’t look ridiculous along with the rest of pale, pale me. I lashed a bit on my chest too, just to take the bare look off it.

No smell and instant results make this brilliant for last minute self-tanning. And the firming effect? Well, my skin did look better – but I’m not too sure how much firmer it was. Suffice to say, I was happy to go out, confident that my upper arms looked quite considerably better than they usually do. And as it washes off with soap and hot water too, it’s so handy. This one’s a keeper, gals.

Murad have recently launched an Irish website (bravo, that’s what we like to see!) and if you sign up for the newsletter, you can be in with a chance to win €350 worth of products – not too shabby, eh? I couldn’t locate the bronzer on the site, but you can buy in-salon – there are now loads of stockists here, including Oceana in Malahide, Therapie on Molesworth Street, Carter Beauty in Dun Laoghaire, and Urbana on Wicklow Street. Alternatively, call 0044 207 380 1677 for one near you.