| We’ve all recoiled at (fake) tan disasters – even celebrities mess up and wind up looking like expensively dressed carrots! Thing is, there’s absolutely no need to get self-tanning wrong. Not when you know what to do and have the patience to do it right. So if you don't fancy spending a fortune on getting a professional fake tan, follow these top tips for a streak-free, natural-bronzed look.* *Please always refer to application instructions provided with your purchased product. 1. Exfoliate
Because of the way they work on the skin, tanning lotions, foams, wipes etc work best on skin that's been primed by exfoliation. Ideally 24 hours before you’re ready to start faking it, get into the bath or shower and use a gentle body scrub to slough away old skin. Pay particular attention to rough, dry areas such as elbows, knees, the tops of your feet, and knuckles.
2. Moisturise
If you can, use a product that has no fragrance - some of them conflict with the self-tan ingredient. Again, pay particular attention to the drier areas mentioned above. However, if your skin is already well moisturised, the tanner is less likely to sink in and more likely to become concentrated, leaving you with darker orange patches.
3. Apply
The secret is to apply your fake tan in sections and apply it lightly. You can always add a second layer.
• Start with the lower half of your leg, working upwards from the ankle to the knee.
• Now do your thigh the same way. If you prefer, do the back of the leg in one application and the front in another. When your legs are done, do your knees and feet with the residue left on your hands or tanning glove. These more porous areas are notorious giveaways for fake tans, so use only the smallest amount.
• Next do your torso and bust, again applying the product in upward massage strokes.
• When doing your arms, avoid the elbows the same way you did the knees. At the last moment use the leftovers to brush over the elbow.
• If you can get someone else to do your back for you, do.
• Finally, apply fake tan to your face, taking care to rub it well into your hairline to avoid leaving a line there.
4. Moisturise again
When you think you're finished, reapply moisturiser to the knees, elbows and the tops of your feet – effectively ‘watering down’ the tanning product and avoiding big orange blotches!
5. Wash your hands thoroughly
Or you’ll end up with streaky palms. Such a giveaway!
6. Wait
Give yourself time to dry off before you put your (ideally loose-fitting) clothes back on. Allow at least 10 minutes, though some products take an hour - read the directions. For best results, apply fake tan before you go to bed so it has all night to develop.
Et voilà! You’re ready to show your gorgeous, healthy new look to the world. And if that world happens to be in sunny climes, be sure to protect your skin with a sunscreen of at least SPF 20. | 
