Faking It

Pale isn't always 'interesting' and with Summer looming upon us it is time to get sun-kissed. Fake tanning using lotions and creams is a healthier alternative to sun beds, so here's our top ten tips to help you avoid looking tango-ed this Summer.

1. Before you take the plunge make sure you shower and thoroughly exfoliate and shave to ensure a smooth base to apply the tan onto. Rough skin = blotchy tan. Not a good look!
2. Make sure you choose a room with natural lighting and a mirror, this will help you see how your tan will really look.
3. It is crucial that you pick the right shade of tan to match your skin tone. Fake tans come in a range of shades, so don't be fooled that one shade suits all and be honest with yourself when choosing the colour, you want to look golden-brown not orange.
4. Moisturise lightly before applying the tan and wait until the moisturiser is fully absorbed by the skin. This technique will help the tan spread evenly and hydrate your skin in the process.
5. Apply 'barrier' cream to your hands and feet.Vaseline will do the trick and help avoid 'fake-tan-hand' (the biggest give away that your tan is out of a bottle). If you do not have a barrier cream, use rubber gloves. Gloves provide a smooth application and protect your hands from any ugly stains. Gloves are occasionally supplied with your chosen product or can be purchased at any Chemist.
6. Apply tan to desired area of skin in circular movements, starting at the bottom of your body and working your way up.
7. Using the right amount of tan to achieve a sun-kissed look takes practice. Not too much and not too little, you don't want to end up looking jaundice.
8. After application make sure you wash your hands (paying particular attention to the bits in between the fingers). Do not apply clothing or get into to bed for at least an hour, you want to see the fruits of your labour on your skin-not your bed sheets.
9. Do not shower/sweat until at least 8-12 hours after application.
10. If you find there is excess tan in areas, simply blot away with a cotton pad. If you find you have missed a spot, then add tan using a cotton bud or tanning wipe.

The first fake tanning product was put on the market in the fifties and has since become a house-hold product. Due to consumers becoming aware of skin cancer in the last ten years and the desire to keep up with golden brown celebrities, fake tanning has risen in popularity and is now a multi-billion pound industry. Fake tan covers a multitude of sins from the likes of cellulite to acne. Fake tan creates a healthy glow to the skin and can make you look slimmer. Leading beauty brands such as St. Tropez, Fake Bake, Dove and Garnier make a wide range of fake tan products.

There are many different types of fake tan available on the high street at affordable prices, here are some that you may like to experiment with:

• Foams - Dries quickly which therefore needs a quick application.
• Tinted Moisturisers - Smooth appliance, keeps skin hydrated, less orange in colour, hard to see where its being applied as colour disperses gradually.
• Sprays - Easy to use but easy to streak or miss areas.
• Professional Spray Tans - Quick, easy and all over, recommended trial spray before worn to occasion.

Whatever form of fake tan you decide to use, spend time perfecting your look and wear it with confidence. Happy tanning!

You may also be interested in Sun Beds, Sunless Tanning . If you can't be bothered with the hassle of tanning yourself why not try visiting a Salon and have your Spray Tan or Tanning with lotions applied for you?