By Andrea McVeigh

Eek - if there's one thing a Norn Iron-based fashionista dreads the thought of, it's having to expose our pasty white legs to the world.

It's just about time to ditch the tights and brave bare legs - but we don't plan to parade our so-white-they-give-off-glare pins to the world unadorned. And we're not planning on baking in the sun either - we're faking it!

We're using the all-natural Sun Sensitiv Self-Tanning Lotion (£11.70) from vegan-friendly company Lavera.

It was the first 100 per cent, all natural self tan lotion on the market worldwide, and meets strict guidelines for Certified Natural Cosmetics.

So how does it work?

Free from synthetic ingredients, it features organic jojoba and aloe vera and promises an even, natural-looking skin-friendly tan.

The two active sugar-based ingredients DHA (dihydroxyacetone - from fermented, sustainably-sourced palm oil) and erythrulose (a sugar derivative) react with amino acids in the skin's upper layers.

This reaction leads to the production of melanoides to give an even and natural looking tan.

Skin soothing calendula and lavender essences, plant-based glycerine, jojoba oil and rose flowers provide intensive moisturising care, while green tea extract and vitamin C act as natural antioxidants leaving skin nourished and soft.

Since it's eco-friendly, Green Living was keen to give it a go, and can happily report that it works a treat - on legs, faces, arms and tummies(since midriff tops are back in style this season, we're going for all-over colour!).

Unlike a lot of self-tanning products this doesn't come with a host of nasty chemicals, so it's suitable for all skin types.

And it takes just 4-5 hours for a tan to develop gradually, which then lasts for up to a week.

So whether you're looking for a pre or post holiday top-up or a year-round quick fix - glow for it girl!

You can buy Lavera products online www.lavera.co.uk or from local health food and beauty shops, including Essence at the Health Store, Main Street, Newcastle and Frankskinscense, High Street, Bangor.