But we are not so keen on walking around flashing our white skin.
If you missed basking in the heatwave because you were tied to your desk, faking the bronzed beach look has never been easier.
Forget the dated 70s super-glow and think noughties natural. Max Factor's make-up artist Caroline Barnes says: "Summer 09 is all about embracing a gentle, subtle glow that waves goodbye to decades of rich, bronzed celebrities. Even Victoria Beckham has gone au naturel recently."
Freshen up your bronzing beauty with our make-up pointers from beauty expert Alison Young, who says shun the sun and fake a golden glow.

How do I achieve this season's look?
The golden goddess look is best achieved on an understated complexion so don't go overboard with the bronzing brush and never apply a bronzer more than two shades darker than your natural tone.
"Use self-tan first to give yourself a light bronzed base and then highlight eyelids and cheeks with a subtle hint of gold," Alison recommends. "Always use a clear lip gloss on lips instead of colour for a more sophisticated look."
TRY: Max Factor Natural Minerals Bronzer in Sun Powder, £11.99 or MAC Lustre Drops in Bronze Hero, £13.21.

Should I use a different tan for face and body?
It's possible to find a product that multi-tasks on both face and body but if you're a fake-tan addict, it's worth investing in two different products.
"The actual tanning ingredient is the same for both but it's the carrying agent that's different," Alison explains.
"A face tanner is a lighter formulation and will generally have more anti-ageing ingredients while a body tanner will be much thicker and more moisturising.
"If you're looking for a product suitable for both face and body, opt for a serum-based product."
TRY: Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Golden Perfection Self-Tanning Spray for Body, £20 or The Body Shop Sheer Sun Gel for face and body, £10.75.

How do I avoid a high-shine effect?
Do you get a dewy complexion from the heat? Shimmery bronzers will only add to your shiny face woes.
"Some face bronzers do have too much shimmer in them, which can give a shiny appearance," says Alison. "The trick is to use one of the modern bronzers that have hydrating properties and a matt finish for a natural-looking colour.
"Always apply bronzer in bright light which will show up the sheen to make sure you don't overdo it."
TRY: Smashbox Bronze Lights Skin Perfecting Bronzer, £16.75 or Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder, £18.50
What's the best fake tan for pale skin?
Don't go overboard on the tea-stain style tanners if you're ghostly pale. It will only lead to streaking disasters. Alison recommends a gradual tanner for pale skin. "They are essentially a moisturiser with a hint of self tan which builds up with daily use," she says. "Alternatively if you would like a self tan lotion, opt for one that comes in several shades to ensure you get the perfect colour match."
TRY: Nivea Sunkissed Skin Firming Gradual Tan Body Lotion in Fair to Medium, £6.15 or Piz Buin Self Tanning Lotion + Colour Dial, £17.99

I'm confused by different types of bronzers
The shelves are stacked with a variety of bronzing applications from gels to shimmer sticks but achieving a good base colour is most important for pulling off your golden glow.
Alison says: "I'd recommend using a shimmer with a variation of shades – you can blend them together for a subtle sheen on your forehead, nose and cheeks or you can use each colour separately as individual eyeshadows."
TRY: Autograph Sunglow Bronzing Powder 6-shade compact, £12 or Studio Warm Bronzer 4-shade compact, £3.50

Best way to apply bronzer?
Avoid the two-tone look with your face and body by giving your skin the all-over glow treatment. Try using a metallic cream to highlight legs and decolletage.
"The secret to avoiding a bronzed face and pale neck is to gently self tan your neck and not your face," Alison recommends.