We all know how wonderful it is to have a natural, even tan, but getting one safely can take an age. If time is tight, then self tanning can be a great, safe alternative. Just follow these simple steps to get that just-back-from-the-Caribbean glow.
Preparation
1. Get rid of any unwanted hair 24-hours beforehand, so freshly plucked pores don’t become clogged with product and leave little dots on the skin.
2. Exfoliate the night before. Prepare a smooth base for the tan by treating your skin to a thorough all-over scrub. Avoid using an oil-based product, as this can leave traces.
3. Just before application, moisturise, paying special attention to drier areas, such as the ankles, elbows or hands.
Application
4. It’s best to apply fake tan at night to allow the colour to settle. Use a mitt or latex gloves to prevent staining the hands.
5. Start from the top of the legs, sweeping the cream downwards, before applying to the chest and torso.
6. The hardest part to reach is the back, so, if there’s no one around to help, you could use a spray formula for this area.
7. Try using a separate formula for the face, as body formulas can be dehydrating.
8. Finally, apply carefully to the hands and feet – too much will leave telltale marks.
Post-application
9. Air dry the new tan for as long as possible and wear loose clothing. Colour will develop overnight, so you can have a cool shower in the morning.
10. A quality, well-applied tan will fade evenly, but if not, stubborn patches can be removed with lemon juice.
Happy tanning!
