Self-tanning: Your fail-safe guide

Celebrity beauty experts emma Kotch and James Harknett give us their tips for a streak-free summer…

Fake tan is a quick and safe F way to give your body a healthy glow, but the fear of tell-tale streaks or tangerine-stained palms can often put us off. Thankfully, the days of dodgy orange shades, whiffy biscuit-like smells and slowdrying formulas are behind us. With top tips from the experts, here’s how to get an allover faux glow without any drama.

GET PREPPED

Emma explains: “Make sure skin is smooth by shaving or waxing the day before and buff away dry skin with an exfoliating scrub. Only apply moisturiser to small dry areas like elbows and knees, but avoid applying any perfume or make-up before tanning as it can cause streaking.”

APPLY WITH A MITT

James tells us: “Using a formula with a tinted guide colour is less likely to give you streaks as you can see where you’ve missed. Using a mitt helps keep distribution even, and I’d recommend sweeping it on in a circular motion to avoid harsh lines. A mist applicator is a good option if you can’t reach your back.”

FOCUS ON THE TRICKY BITS

Emma says: “When it comes to doing hands and feet, just use what’s left on the mitt to avoid overloading. Put your hand in to a claw shape with fingers apart and lightly brush over the back of hands and knuckles. When tanning your face, use a product designed specifically for that area. If it’s a lotion-based glow, apply it before bed, ensuring you rub it right to the edges of your face.”

KEEP IT GOING

James adds: “Most tans dry fast, but you can speed up the process by going over with a hair-dryer on cool. For the days after, avoid showering under really hot water and pat yourself dry. Moisturising daily will help keep your glow for longer. If you do miss any bits, go over with instant wash-off tan. It’ll act like make-up to disguise any white patches.”