1. Take your time
bronzer,body,fake tan,challenge body
Young woman applying fake tan
By Anna Smith So... you\'ve shaved, scrubbed and moisturised; it\'s time to tan. Follow our simple steps for a golden, streak-free summer.
We\'ve all seen the results of a hurried fake tan application, so the first thing to do is take it slowly. "Don\'t rush the tan - preparation and practice is everything!" says Charlotte Nial, Founder of Cranwell House. "If you\'re a first timer, do a patch test to check you like the colour." Choose your timing carefully, says Hilary Andrews, co-founder of Beauty Expert. "It\'s best to apply in the morning so you don\'t get tanning cream on the bed sheets."
2. Get the right shade
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Fake Bake Lipo Bronze Self Tan and Virgin Vie Skin Radiance
Opt for a shade that suits your colour. Fair skins should start with a light tan like Lavera\'s organic self-tanning lotion (£11.70,
lavera.co.uk). Fake Bake Lipo Bronze Self tan (£20,
beautyexpert.co.uk) is a little darker, and also claims to help promote firmer, more toned skin - bonus! Marks And Spencer do a good, affordable range including Sun Formula Self Tan Body Spray (£7.50,
marksandspencer.com), and Virgin Vie\'s Skin Radiance is great for the face (£15,
virginvieathome.com).
3.Cover every inch
bronzer,body,fake tan,challenge body
Young woman applying fake tan
"Use plenty of tanning lotion or spray and make sure you rub it well into areas between your toes and fingers," advises Hilary Andrews. "Don\'t forget the sides of the body and under the arms and the back of the wrists. Work methodically down the body and massage lightly into the skin." Even if you\'re just focusing on your face or legs, this is advice worth heeding.
4. Even colour
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Woman with tanned legs
Once you\'ve massaged in the lotion, make sure you haven\'t got any excess on the knees and ankles - you know, the bits that always go darker. We find a tiny bit of water can dilute the tan in these areas. Avoid orange eyebrows by carefully running a slightly damp cotton wool bud over them. Dry them immediately so the water doesn\'t drip and spoil your tan.
5. Scrub your hands
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Woman washing her hands
As soon as you\'re done, wash your hands very thoroughly. "Scrub your palms - tan can tend to settle in this area," advises Charlotte Nial. Also focus on the areas around fingernails and in between fingers.
Wait for the tan to dry before you get dressed - rush it and you could blow the whole operation.
6. Protect your colour
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Woman with tanned skin
Depending on the product, your tan should develop in a few hours. To darken it, reapply every day or so. "Don\'t have any beauty treatments such as waxing or pedicures a week after the tan," warns Charlotte Nial. "These treatments will cause the tan to fade and could irritate the skin."
7. Get glowing
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Virgin Vie Walkign on Sunshine and Pin Perfection
If you\'d prefer an instant glow, Virgin Vie have a varied range including Walking On Sunshine Body Lotion (£9) and Pin Perfection spray-on tights (£11.50, both
virginvieathome.com). When spraying, make sure you are well away from anything that could get caught in the crossfire (towels, clothing, boyfriends etc).
8. Self protection
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OlayEveryday sunshine for face and body
Don\'t forget to protect your skin from real rays, whether you\'re hitting the beach, park or street. Complete Everyday Sunshine from Olay gives SPF 15 protection as well as self-tanning (£5.99 for Body and £7.49 for Face,
boots.com). Top it off with Max Factor\'s brand new Natural Minerals Bronzer (£12.99,
boots.com) and you\'re good to glow!
