Top Tips for Tanning

Brendan Robertson, WATC’s Beauty & Hair editor provides you with his professional advice on how to revive your post holiday skin & hair.

We all love the sun but unfortunately the sun doesn’t love us back. Even though there are many alternatives to a real tan a lot of women still insist on exposing themselves to the damaging rays of our nearest and dearest star. Here’s some great products to help you revive your skin and hair and extend your summer glow, long after the flip flops have gone.

Elemis Exotic Frangipani Manoi Moisture Melt (£29) is a fabulous all round rescue remedy. Touted as “the ultimate thirst quencher for dry and dehydrated skin” it sure lives up to its promise. After warming the beautifully packaged glass bottle in warm water the contents soften into a deliciously fragrant oil that can be applied to just about anywhere. It makes a great hot oil treatment for hair, an overnight hand and feet treatment (gloves and socks not included) or just smooth all over wet skin after bathing. It can even be used as a massage or bath oil, truly versatile!

Unlike many self tanners for the face Chanel Soleil Identite (22.50) doesn’t forget to be a moisturiser also. In fact with it’s tomato, White Lilly and copper pearl extracts it promises to make skin more radiant and luminous, more relaxed and smooth and has the added benefit of providing an SPF of 8. The gradual tan is natural and even and comes in either Golden or Bronze to suit your skin tone.

Bobbi Brown Sunless Tanning Gel For Face And Body (£16) comes in a non-greasy, oil free gel. With it’s easy to apply formula and super fast, 1 hour developing time this is definitely one of the best self-tanners on the market.

Dior bronze Self-Tanning Spray Natural Glow (£24.50) mimics the airbrush tan technique used in salons. Definitely my favourite way to apply fake tan, it makes streaks and missed patches a thing of the past. Using the new Bronze Perfect pH Complex and moisturising agents you are guaranteed a “luminous, lasting tan”. It can even be applied 3 hours later for a deeper result.

The secret to prolonging any tan, even a fake one, is keeping the skin well moisturised. Dior Body Extreme Balm (£30) uses groundbreaking “Aquaporin” technology which helps increase the circulation of water within the epidermis. As a result skin is plumped up with water loving molecules leaving the skin beautifully soothed and moisturised. With a delicate fragrance and a rich, but light, texture you really feel you are applying something quite special to your skin.

If you want a quick fix to bronze up a fading or patchy tan then look no further than Bobbi Browns All Over Bronzing Gel SPF 15 (£19). This unique gel-based formula glides on to create a natural looking bronze glow which once applied, is waterproof and won’t transfer to clothing.

Just because summer has fled south once more doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect your face from the suns damaging UVA rays. Dermalogica Solar Defence Booster SPF 30 (£25.50) is a great little product to have in your bag. It can be applied directly to the skin for an SPF of 30 or mixed with your moisturiser or foundation for an SPF of 17.

The tan in a can has come a long way since the days of orange streaky skin so if you do choose one of the great fake tan products out there then here’s a few tips for a flawless application.

• Exfoliate and moisturise well for a few days previous.
• On the day have a warm bath then exfoliate again.
• Rinse under the shower to remove any dead skin and soap.
• When you are applying rub the product in large circular motions until it is absorbed. The biggest mistake is not rubbing it in evenly.
• When you have finished applying then wash your hands thoroughly paying particular attention to the palms and in between fingers, or you’ll end up with what my friend calls “Monkey Hands”!
• Dry your hands on a towel and give the palms a good rub, then the elbows and knees to take off any excess.
• Finally, rub the back of your hands on your belly or anywhere that is not yet dry. This will apply some of the tan and give an even, blended look. As most of you know the hands are the hardest to fake!

Remember even though we think there is nothing better than a real tan the health benefits and feel good factor are far outweighed by the dangers. If you don’t feel confident with a self tanner book in to a salon and have it sprayed for you!

If you have a specific Beauty or Hair question for Brendan, email him direct on [email protected]