It's that time of year again, when the summer sun is but a distant memory for most of us and we have the sickly white hue to prove it. You have your office Christmas party to attend and a February hot spot getaway with your friends planned. What's a girl to do?

Option #1: High-tail it to the nearest tanning bed and soak up some UV. Try not to worry about that pesky little skin cancer thing, and remember to move around so you tan in the folds of your armpits and knees. No one wants to admire your zebra stripes.

Option #2: Brave the beach crowds and stun them with the unforgiving glare of your porcelain-perfect skin when you go on that getaway. Convince yourself each time you unwind your sarong that you aren't embarrassed.

Option #3: Get yourself some sunless tanner and save a little face. Hey, that was easy!

But first read up on the choices before you spend your Christmas bonus in one fell swoop. A June '07 Consumer Reports study compared home sunless tanning options, with surprising results. The cheapest products in the study were the big winners with L'Oréal Sublime Glow Natural Moisturizer coming out on top. Compare that $10 price tag with your average $30-per-visit spray treatment at the local tanning salon.

Or Option #4: Go on a ski holiday instead! Stay tuned: we'll ask around for some ideas on how to banish that lovely raccoon-patterned windburn for ya. No promises though.