By Moiya Saint, International Celebrity Tanner, BeautyLab, London
Want the perfect tan for your holiday?
Leave 24 hours after waxing or shaving before going bronze. It takes this amount of time for waxed skin to settle down- rush it and you will risk your new colour looking mottled.
Before applying tan, add lotion (again oil-free) to your knuckles and wrists. This will dilute the overall colour for a more natural effect.
Believe it or not, the place where a fake tan can fade fastest is between the boobs, because it sweats off quickly. Prevent this by scrubbing the area well before tanning.
Exfoliate your skin to remove the dead layer, which helps the tan absorb and look more even. Avoid oil-based scrubs- they leave a residue which can result in a crocodile effect. Pick one with spherical beads, not grains, as the latter can change the skin such as BeautyLab London Pre-Tan Skin Polish, £18
Apply a small amount to a mitt- not to your skin-and start from the feet up, making long, sweeping movement upwards.
Use a small mitt on your face to ensure all curves and angles are covered. Be carefull around your hairline. Dry and grey hair can be porous and will soak up the colour
Fake tans are really dehydrating, so apply a light body lotion every day to stop the colour getting dull, such as BeautyLab London Hydrating Tan Extender £18. Exfoliate your skin after three days to give it extra boost.
Wear loose, dark clothing afterwards and avoid tight elastic (around your waist or ankles) that may disrupt the colours even development.