Winningbronze

Put in the prep

Preparation is essential to an even, streak-free tan. If you need to shave, do it at least 24 hours before, and 48 hours prior if you’re waxing. This will help avoid those telltale brown dots across the legs. Exfoliate the night before to create a smooth canvas. M&S Burst Bodycare Cherry Body Scrub, £8, M&S, smells divine. Fake tan clings to dry skin, so apply a little moisturiser to knees, elbows, ankles, wrists, hands and feet a couple of hours before tanning. The rest of your skin should be lotion-free.

An expert application

A tanning mitt, like Glow Face & Body Tanning Mitt, £2, Boots, will blend everything seamlessly. Prop your foot up on the bath and glide from the ankles up in sweeping motions. To colour your back, flip the tanning mitt over so the sponge side is facing up, and sweep up and down and from side to side. Your hands and feet should be the last bits you tan. Just use the excess product from your tanning mitt and lightly sweep across the hands and tops of the feet. Wait 10 minutes for the colour to dry. Dress in something loose and dark, and leave the tan on for the recommended time on the bottle before rinsing off.

Face up

It’s important to use a separate self-tan for your face. The skin here is more delicate, plus the cell turnover is quicker than on the body, which means colour fades faster, especially if you use ingredients like retinol. Apply Sienna X Gradual Organic Self-Tan Rose Mist, £19.99, shop. sienna-x.co.uk, every other day to gently bronze your face. It has good-for-skin ingredients that calm, tone and hydrate skin.

Make it last

Once you’re done and basking in your bronzed glow, focus on hydration. Moisturise every day to keep your tan looking flawless, and help the colour to fade evenly.

Estrid Everyday Body Lotion, £6.95, Boots, does the trick. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated so it holds on to the colour for longer, and keep showers or baths short and on the lukewarm side to preserve your tan.

Fresh start