Total Guide to Self Tanning

There's no doubt that having a tan makes you feel happier, sexier and healthier. However, nowadays baking in the sun is becoming increasingly unpopular as more and more women realise the sun's UV rays can have a detrimental effect on their skin.

We asked beauty expert and owner of The Royal Beautique; Kelly Wilson to give us a few hints and tips for achieving the perfect summer glow at home:

Always go for a quality, professional self-tan product such as Fake Bake, St.Tropez or Sienna X.

The most important thing to remember before self-tanning is to keep your skin in good condition, the best way to do this is by exfoliating & moisturising every time you have a bath or shower.  Patchy, dry skin will not respond to a healthy summer glow.

To start your tanning, apply moisturiser to particular areas that are prone to being dry, such as wrists, elbows, knees, feet & ankles.  

Always use gloves as orange-tinted palms & grubby fingernails are an obvious sign you’ve been cheating. After you have finished application use cotton wool pads to apply a small amount to the back of the hand.

For hard to reach areas such as your back, St.Tropez have brought out a “back spatula” to make application a lot easier.

Application around the face can be a bit tricky & a good tip is to apply a small amount of vaseline along your brows & hairline, also, if you have any particular dry patches or scars, apply vaseline to these as well.

If you have applied to much product then use a gentle buffing mitt to smooth it out.

While the tan is developing it is best to wear loose dark clothes to optimise your tan potential.

If you find the thought of going straight for the self-tan, try a gradual daily tan that builds colour slowly. The best one on the market is Daily Tan Sport by Fake Bake at £14.50, it is a beautiful natural looking tan and application is easy.