Fake tanning tips
FAKE IT, baby!
We all yearn for the perfect tan. But with safety warnings ringing in our ears, the only way to go from pale and uninteresting to bronzed goddess is to fake it. Lisa Piddington picks her favourite products for great results
Whether you are jetting off to far-flung lands or planning a summer closer to home, the one thing we all hope to bring back from our holidays is sun-kissed skin. However, none of us can ignore the warnings about the damage the sun can do and so the sensible option is to cheat your way to a golden glow.
Fake tans have certainly come a long way in the last decade. No longer associated with a tell-tale stench and a give-away orange hue, bronzing products really are a girl’s best friend. Whether you opt for top to toe tanning or you simply want to add colour to your cheeks, here’s my guide to getting the best out of your self-tan.
Get the perfect coverage by giving yourself plenty of time to moisturise, apply and, most importantly, dry off. Make sure you apply the product as evenly as possible over knees, elbows, wrists, ankles, feet and hands ... these are the real give-away areas when you’re faking it.
Work from your feet upwards to avoid smudging and when you get to your face go right into the hairline too. Wipe your hair once finished to so there’s no tell-tale staining.
You only need a small amount of lotion as a little really does go a long way. Apply two thin coats for a darker look rather than going for one thick layer.
Give the impression of sculpted limbs by using an aerosol tan for an extra layer along the sides of legs and arms to create shadow and shape.
Try not to get wet or sweat too much for at least six hours. Opt for loose fitting clothes and go without a bra to minimise streaky white marks.
For a slower build-up to a natural look, choose an everyday gradual tanner. Ideal for those on the pale side.
Bronzing powders are a great way of getting an instant glow and they’re perfect for sticking in your handbag and touching up on the go.
All products featured are available from Beyond Beauty at Harvey Nichols Birmingham.
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