‘What’s new?’ I hear you asking as out of nowhere in particular I decide to write an article reviewing a St. Tropez spray tan.

We’ve all known for years that St. Tropez is fabulous, we also know how expensive it is, and for that matter, we certainly remember the subtle yet embarrassing smell of something like biscuits which we walk around with until we are allowed to shower a good twelve hours later.

‘So actually,’ I reply, ‘there is something new, and it was very much worth my finding out about it to spread to word to you lovely people!’

I discovered this wonderfully affordable treat six months ago when Sian was doing the odd shift at the St. Tropez booth – she’s now running the show, and from what I can make out she’s working like a crazy woman  turning Londoners into bronzed beach gods and goddesses – great! Let’s face it, with the lack of sun, we can do with all the help we can get.

Sian happily chats you through about seven minutes of spray-tanning, during which time she  moisturises the dry bits, flawlessly sprays your entire body twice over, cleans nails and blends hands and wrists. There is not one streak on the guide colour and the next day reveals an equally even colour underneath. The tan is…perfect.

But there’s more! St. Tropez has re-branded this year, a project which has involved some serious work on the odour – it’s not scent free, but it’s much closer than it was.

The spray costs £20, but in return, with every visit you receive a £20 voucher redeemable on St. Tropez products in store. The vouchers can be accumulated which means that two visits will get you well on the way to buying a months worth of home-tanning paraphernalia. There are lots of new products in the St Tropez range which are enough to get me more than just a little bit excited!

This truly is a bargain treat which will leave you feeling a million dollars, and all in the time it takes you to eat your lunch.

I say treat, but of course what you don’t have are the beautiful surroundings and someone to offer you a refreshing drink on the way out. Instead, you strip down in the side room of the less-preferred Oxford Street chain. Sian does however manage to make you feel as though you’ve just been to your friend’s for a cuppa which is much more pleasant than some of the slightly awkward naked experiences other beauty salons create.

Contrary to popular advice, I would suggest that you get your tan on the same day as the event you are wearing it for (if there is one). St. Tropez is a wonderful tan but it doesn’t last long. However, one of the benefits of the £20 voucher is that you could buy a tan optimizer – this sumptuous cream will top up your tan (real or fake) and provides loads of moisture for velvety smooth pins.

Booking is by telephone only. Call Sian on: 02074957445