Female First give you the top expert tips on how to fake a perfect tan. Follow this step by step guide for gorgeous glowing skin this Christmas.....

Before you do anything:

Shop around and be cheeky. You want a tanning product that suits your skin tone, and wont irritate you, right? So go into beauty shops, and try loads of testers on your skin. Your arm is the best place for this -use small amounts too if you don’t want your arm to look like your wearing an orange/brown patchwork sleeve. You should also wait 24 hours for the best results. When you have decided the right one for you, it’s time to get started.

Preparation

The best results from fake tan will come after you have prepared right. This can be a lengthy task, but who’s complaining about a little extra ‘me time’?

1) Soak in a warm bath to soften your skin.
2) Invest in a decent exfoliator (preferably with sea salt) and using a pair of exfoliating mesh bath gloves, work a little amount in to the skin in circular motions, going a bit harder on knees and elbows or the dryer areas of your skin.
3) Shave. This is important after you have exfoliated as the skin at the root of your hairs will be smoother, making it less likely for you to get a ‘shavers rash’ – Only shave places like your legs, under arms and pubic area, don’t go trying to be completely hair free by taking a razor to your face and arms.
4) Once your body is dry get a clean, dry towel - a slightly stiff one is better, and rub it over your entire body in circular motions, this will get rid of any left over dry skin. Make sure you don’t over do it, you will look like you’ve been attacked with an electric sander.
5) The last thing to do before actually applying your tan is to moisturise – every inch of your body! Do this at least 20 minutes before you tan as it will create a good base but won’t make the application slide.

Application

1) Starting with your feet, and suitably wearing a tanning mitt (you can get these for less than a pound), work the tan into your skin, again in circular motions. Areas like feet, hands, knees and elbows will only need a 5p piece size blob of tan.
2) It is best to start with your feet, do your hands last as your stomach wont get lines where you’ve bent over to get to your feet. 3) When doing your hands avoid your palms, use a tiny amount on a makeup sponge and go over the back of the hands lightly. 4) To stop staining your nails apply some Vaseline to them, this will prevent the tan from soaking in. 5) For best results don’t tan your face, it’s a lot less risky if you leave your face natural and use a bronzing powder when doing your make-up.

Afterwards

1) Use a small nail brush or wipe to carefully wash in between your fingers – this is the most common place for an orange coloured stain.
2) If you can, don’t put any clothing on for half an hour now – sit somewhere to relax with an old towel wrapped around you.
3) If you really can’t possibly manage to waste half an hour of your time, just wear pyjamas or loose clothing with no socks etc. This might rub a line of your tan off where the elastic has been – not a sexy Christmas look!
4) You are better doing your tan before you go to bed, just remember to put old towels down to save staining your bed linen.
5) Wait until the following day to shower, this will take the initial vibrant colour away.

Keeping yourself glowing

1) You will need to reapply your tan every 3-4 days if you want a bronzing glow throughout the festive season.
2) Don’t worry about exfoliating – do it gently and 1-2 times weekly to stop your tan looking dull.
3) Also you can shave but try and keep it to a minimum and do it the least often you can. Shaving can take away a thin layer of the skin – so it could leave you pastey again.

Say goodbye to streaks

If you are unfortunate enough to have still ended up with the odd streak don’t worry – use a tiny amount of nail varnish remover on some cotton wool and dab the area.

If you need to reapply tan to this area you are best moisturising and doing the whole limb again. So if it’s a streak on your calf, redo the whole bottom half of your leg – from the knee down.

Good luck!

Heather Cowley- Female First