The ultimate guide to applying fake tan

While getting a sun-kissed glow steadily makes its way onto our beauty agenda the perilous pitfalls that so often come with it can be seriously off-putting.

After all, who wants stained hands, orange bed sheets, white patches and to be rendered immobile for hours on end? Not us.

Luckily, self-tan has come a long way since the days of sticky creams and pungent lotions. Nowadays, there are new fool-proof tanning products that make obtaining beautifully bronzed skin easier than ever.

So where should you start?

First, you need to decide on the type of tan you want to apply. If it’s your newbie, you might want to opt for a gradual formula that will give you a more subtle and natural colour change over time.

But, if you’re feeling adventurous you get to choose from a lotion or tanning oil – which are the most hydrating to the skin – or a mousse – which is the quickest and arguably easiest to apply.

Next up is prep. Often hailed as the most important step on your journey to a full-body glow, putting in the effort before you tan means you’ll reap the rewards in the long-run.

“Exfoliate the day before your tan and only apply moisturiser to your elbows knees and ankles after you have showered,” explains James Harknett, Fake Bake’s global creative consultant.

It’s also important to “wax or shave at least 24 hours before tanning to give the skin a chance to calm down”, he says.

When it comes to application, we suggest using a tanning mitt and using a product with a guide colour that allows you to see where you are tanning. Simply work your way from bottom to top and buff any leftover product into drier areas like your hands and feet.

Don’t forget about your face either. A step which many people can be scared of, Harknett suggests mixing your tanning liquid with a moisturiser to soften the formula and minimise the chance of breakouts.

But, now that you’ve got yourself bronzed how do you keep it that way?

Most tans last for around five days but the trick to preventing it from fading is to gently exfoliate and moisturise regularly.

If you’re heading on holiday though, Harknett says there’s one thing you’re going to need to steer clear of if you want to keep your tan in tip-top shape.

“Avoid chlorinated swimming pools and hot tubs!! – They’re the worst thing for stripping off a tan. Wait till you have topped up the colour naturally using a high spf before hitting the pool.”