Douvall's Argan Bronzing Oil

Tan on the wane...? Exfoliation helps keep it bright.  But as well as scrub-a-dub-dubbing, we're rather taken with this oil, which adds a silky veil of argan-enriched bronzitude to post-summer skin.  (There we go:  that ingredient again...)

Douvall's Argan Bronzing Oil is especially good on fading forearms, we've found.  (Though do give it a few minutes to sink in if you're wearing white or getting back into bed, because unlike some instant tans, it doesn't 'set' immediately - 'cos it's an oil, duh...)

But the combination's lovely and super-realistic:  oil and mineral make-up pigments, effectively delivering the sun-kisssed glow.  Might be too much faff for a whole body, but exposed shins or forearms that are becoming a bit pastier than you'd like?  Perfect.

The small dropper bottle's probably all you need at this time of year, for tan top-ups, but there's a bigger version, too, for holidays (or when summer swings round again).  If you want to try-before-you-buy, it's at Urban Retreat at Harrods, which is always worth a beauty-mooch.

Douvall's is an organic, ethically-produced range from Alicia Douvall, a vegan, world-travelling mother, actress and model, who - like us - first stumbled upon argan's powers while in Morocco.  But despite the fact it's the ingredient du jour, we're huge fans of argan - and pleased to find this innovative way to apply it.

Because we're really, really not ready for the sun to set on summer, just yet.

UK readers find Douvall's Argan Bronzing Oil at www.beautique.com/£14 for 15 ml - buy here