Faking it: Lifestyle’s guide to being tan-tastic

All of us want to be tan-tastic all year round but, with England’s less than tropical climate, it’s impossible. But luckily for us poor English folk, we are inundated with different options that save us from looking pasty and aim to give us that gorgeous glow. However, some of these options can go terribly wrong – many of us have either ended up as a patchy state or looking like an oompa-loompa. So with all these endless problems, is there a way for us to achieve that natural-looking tan without going overboard? I went in search of the different options that are available today, as for me, perfect results are non-negotiable.

First up is the sun bed, the option that’s been around for the longest but is also the most dangerous. It’s scientifically proven that sun beds can cause cancer. Yet this doesn’t stop thousands of us British tan-seekers popping into our nearest tanning shop to catch a few rays before a busy day at work or uni: you get a tan that lasts, but takes some building-up and is not without severe health risks. I believe there are products out there than can give you fantastic results without jeopardising your health.

Whether it’s for a big night out with the girls or a family wedding, a professional spray tan is a brilliant treat to get you looking and feeling fabulous. Tanning shops and most beauty salons offer this service and now, thanks to new technology, you can use automated booths so you don’t have to get your vajazzle out to a total stranger! Good salons also offer spray tans that can be tailored to you – you can pick the intensity of the colour and sometimes even the fragrance. If this option strikes a chord with you, The Tanning Shop in Leamington is currently offering ‘Mystic HD’ spray tans at a discounted price of £14.90 and the tan can last up to 7 days.
However, you don’t have to splash the cash every time you want a tan. There are loads of fake tan sprays and mousses to use in the comfort of your own home. Obviously there’s a higher chance of it going (hideously) wrong, but I’ve included my application tips, which means you can avoid embarrassment (the ‘you’ve been tangoed’ joke gets a bit old after a while) and ensure you end up with a completely flawless result. So there’s no excuse girls (and boys!) to not get your tan on!I urge you to try St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse (200ml): its recommended retail price is £15 but you can find it online for as little as £2.

Following a self-tan regime can become a bit tedious, so for all us busy girls there’s a miracle alternative: instant tan that washes off. So for a tan in a hurry or a quick fix for pasty pins, apply instant tan and marvel at your own gorgeousness. The fact that it washes off means that you can tan only the parts of your body that are on show, saving time and letting you avoid looking like a patchy mess the next day. I recommend Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant Tan Bronzing Spray (100ml) in Bronze. It’s available from Boots for £7.99 and is non-transferable, which means you can tan and go.

Finally, for an everyday pick-me-up, use a bronzing powder. Apply evenly after foundation with a soft brush or apply it to any part of the body to get an instant glow. For extra sparkle, choose a bronzer with a shimmery base tone or with added glitter. I recommend Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder – which comes in 5 available shades for a whole range of complexions. From John Lewis, and it’s worth every penny

**Self-tanning Tips:**

1. Make sure skin is clean, exfoliated and most importantly moisturised before applying fake tan. Take extra time to moisturise elbows, knees and ankles as this is where the tanning disasters are most evident!
2. Always use a tanning mitt to ensure even coverage, no streaks and no stained hands. Wash and look after them and they’ll last for ages! I used the Solait Self Tan Mitt which is available for £3 from Superdrug.
3. Apply the fake tan in circular motions and keep rubbing until there are no visible streaks or lines and the colour looks even.
4. Always apply the fake tan the night before the event so there’s still time to correct and rescue the situation. Don’t forget to the golden rule of self-tanning: do not bath/shower until at least 8 hours have passed since the application.