The tan commandments: How to fake a summer glow

With summer fast approaching, these essential tips and tricks will help you nail your fake tan routine – orange skin, be gone!

Read on for the ten rules to follow to achieve that summer glow safely.

1. Thou shalt not sunbathe.

There’s no faster way to premature ageing, dry crêpey skin and potential skin cancer than purposefully submitting to the sun’s rays. Instead, commit to a faux glow.

2. Thou shalt not wax or shave the same day as you tan.

It’s best done 24 hours prior.

3. Thou shalt exfoliate.

Make sure you do this step thoroughly to create the perfect canvas.

4. Thou shalt pick your potion mindfully.

A gradual tan for the novice, a foam for quick application, a milk or cream for a deep tan, a tinted lotion so you can see if you’ve missed a bit and a mist for hard to reach places. And a water or gel for your face that won’t dehydrate delicate facial skin.

5. Thou shalt dab a lightweight moisturiser on hands, elbows, knees and ankles to stop potentially dry areas from catching colour.

6. Thou shalt use a tanning mitt to apply.

To reach your back, slip it over a spatula and secure with a hairtie. Remember to scrub hands afterwards regardless!

7. Thou shalt be thorough.

Don’t worry if you go over the same area twice – the tan will only be patchy if you miss a bit, not if you double up.

8. Thou shalt not rush.

Wait for skin to dry before dressing (or, pro tip, dust on baby powder to speed up the drying time) and avoid showering for four to eight hours. Wear loose clothing and sleepwear to avoid rubbing off tan while processing.

9. Thou shalt not panic if you get a few patchy bits.

A bit of lemon juice on a flannel for the body, and toner on the face, can help tidy any mistakes.

10. Thou shalt apply oil-free body moisturiser to keep tan and skin in great shape over the following days. Once you notice your tan fading over the next week or so, you can repeat the process by starting at the exfoliating step again.