THE HOLIDAY TAN
When the goal is to feel good in your swimwear, there’s no denying a tan helps. ‘Many of us associate tanned skin with hedonistic holidays and feeling relaxed, so having some colour instantly makes us feel happier,’ says tanning pro Michaella Bolder. Here are her tips for creating a dialled-up, longer-lasting colour, which can be maintained with a thorough routine before, during and after your break.
Use exfoliating gloves all over your body a couple of times in the week before you go on holiday, to smooth and soften the skin. And always use them on dry skin before getting into the bath or shower the night before tanning.
A gradual self-tan is your go-to for all-over colour, but if you find it dries your skin, then apply a light layer of body cream the night before you plan to tan.
Make sure you pack your gradual tan, as you will need to apply it every evening (chlorine and salt water will break it down). Depending on how deep you want your colour to be, you could also pack a tanning mousse and start using it in the middle of your trip to cheat a darker tan. Your secret weapon for an even colour on hands and feet is a dark sock. Once you’ve applied the tan, put a sock on your hand and carefully ‘buff’ the colour in. Go gently over wrists, knuckles, ankles and the tops of your feet, using small, circular motions.
If there’s air conditioning where you are staying, turn it on, as self-tan doesn’t develop as well in the heat. Sleeping in light cotton pyjamas and with minimal bedding will help, too.
When getting out of the sea, bath or pool, pat rather than rub yourself dry – rubbing with a towel has an exfoliating, tan-removing action.