Until 2014, I was a fake tan novice and had experienced the good, the bad and the downright ugly, but that was until I found what worked for me after reading numerous blogs and magazines trying to find the perfect techniques and products.
I thought I would make it super simple with a three step routine..
First of all, exfoliate!
I always use a good exfoliator, like this one from 'White To Brown' - I exfoliate in the shower and always do it in circular motions using just my hands - some people like to use a mitt or an exfoliating brush but for me, my hands do the trick. Pay particular attention to areas such as your elbows, ankles and knees to make sure you don't get any rough patches. As for hair removal - I always do it the day before tanning and exfoliating.
2 - Use a good tan and technique.
For me the original Fake Bake is still up there with some of the best in the tanning industry and I always get a good, even, biscuit smelling free tan. In terms of technique I use the gloves and start with my legs - I work the tan in strokes up the front of my legs and blend from there. Try smoothing in the product rather than vigorously rubbing it in. When you reach your feet, take whatever product is left on your gloves and swipe it down the foot.
A small amount does go a long way with this and it does 'sink in' quite quickly, so be careful not to apply more if it looks pale.
I next work on my back and stomach using the same technique as the legs - I start with a small amount and work it in using gentle motions. I try to get my sister to help me with my back and I always wait for it to dry before moving onto arms.
My arms are always hardest for me. Being curvy means that my arms are quite large and they do touch my sides when I am tanning so I try to do one arm at a time working from the shoulders down to the elbow on each arm before working on the lower arms down to the hands.
I always take a really small amount of product before rubbing it between my hands and working it into my face.
I wait a maximum of ten minutes before getting dressed again just to be sure there's no product transfer.
Step 3 - Moisturize
Once I have rinsed off the tan, I like to use a deep moisturizer like this one from St Tropez all over my body to ensure my tan lasts for as long as possible without it going dry or flaking off. This product smells like Shea Butter with a zesty twist, which might sound completely bizarre but for some reason, it works and I love it. It's really rich and does everything it's supposed to - I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
So there you have the Fake Tanning 101 - you're set to have beautiful bronzed skin in no time AND without sun damage to your skin which is super important.
You can get all of these products at a discounted price at justmylook.co.uk
