GO FOR GLOW

WARM UP YOUR WINTER LOOK WITH THESE TIPS FOR A MORE NATURAL FAUX TAN

While we barely experience winter, those rays don’t pack the same summer punch leaving our skin looking a little milkier than usual. Beauty guru Gracie Clough, author of The

Gracie Files, says self-tan is a seasonal skin saver, although you’ll need to get your prep perfect if you want a natural result.

“Be sure to do all your waxing, shaving and exfoliating 12 to 24 hours before you apply your tan,” she tips.

“If you wax or shave directly before you apply tan, the tan may sit in your pores and create dark dots on the skin. Smooth, exfoliated skin also ensures you achieve the most even, streak-free tan possible.”

When fake tan first gained traction we were limited to one orange bottle of liquid that spluttered out of a pump nozzle. Now the options are vast, so get your colour right.

“We’ve all had self-tanning blunders at some point, but the biggest tanning faux pas is using a tan that’s unnaturally dark or orange,” Gracie says.

“Tanning brands have come a long way and now there are so many amazing brands out there that will give you a natural looking self-tan. Pick a tan base that complements your skin’s undertones.

“If you are very fair naturally, a greenbased tan can be a great option. Violet bases tend to suit those with a natural olive complexion, however, as a fair-skinned girl, I do love a good violet base as well.”

Help the formula glide on evenly by applying moisturiser to your feet, knees, elbows and hands before tanning.

“These tend to be the driest parts of our bodies, so tan can be prone to grabbing on to those areas and will become very dark without a moisturiser underneath,” Gracie says.“Always apply tan mousses, creams, and lotions with a tanning mitt to get a streak-free finish sans orange palms.”

If you are a tanning newbie, experiment with a gradual tan first.

“This will allow you to get the hang of tan application and, if things go south, it will be less noticeable,” Gracie says.

“When tanning the face, try using a tan formulated specifically for the face, so you don’t break out or end up too dark.

“Face-specific formulas are often also filled with great skincare ingredients to leave you hydrated and glowing in no time.”