IT’S official, that post-holiday feeling can wear off in as little as seven days.
Dutch researcher Jessica de Bloom warned this week the feel-good benefits of a vacation disappear quickly, and unfortunately that tan you worked so hard on may fade just as fast.
With recent research from Superdrug indicating 71% of British women feel more confident with a golden glow, it’s time to encourage an everlasting tan.
But, fear not, you can go from pale and pasty to post-holiday glow without so much as stepping on a plane. The faux glow is safer, quicker and more dramatic than its sunny sister alternative.
Just as well, considering deep, rich-coloured skin, à la Farrah Fawcett, is on trend this summer.
“Whatever the season, the dark ’retro tan’ always looks good,” says tanning expert James Read.
“There are tricks to achieve this look, but it’s all about making the skin look glistening, golden and hot. Lotion products are making a comeback as they are the best formula to deliver that darker look.”
Get glowing with our expert guide.
PREP PERFECT
Dry, dehydrated skin is your self-tan enemy. If you want your look to have staying power, sloughing off dead skin cells is all important.
“Exfoliate – this prepares a smooth base for your tan,” advises Sun-Believable tanning guru James Harknett. “A gentle scrub is sufficient to remove dead skin cells and give a good foundation for a tan to cling to.”
Plan your tanning session and stay one step ahead with your hair removal. Wax 48 hours or shave 24 hours before tanning to avoid product entering open pores on your legs, which can resemble telltale spots.
Moisturiser is both your friend and foe when it comes to tan prep, according to Harknett.
“Don’t use a moisturiser all over your body before tanning as it works as a barrier against the dihydroxyacetone or DHA, the tanning agent that reacts with the proteins on our skin,” he says.
“But do apply an oil-free moisturiser sparingly to the feet, elbows, cuticles, hands and back of heels, only. Apply a small amount of moisturiser to the base of your palm, using a semi-circular motion. This allows the tan line to naturally fade, so nobody knows you’re faking it.”
TAN TACTICS
Know your limits when it comes to your faux glow. Work with your natural complexion to achieve a flurry of “have you been away?” compliments, rather than self-tan inquisitions.
“From my experience, you should only ever aim to go two shades darker than your current natural skin tone,” advises Athena Skouvakis, celebrity make-up artist and advisor to Piz Buin.
“Opting for darker shades, unfortunately, won’t give you the sleek sun-kissed look that we all adore.”
If a tan’s a top priority for you, dedicate time to being a bronzing beauty, rather than piling it on as you’re flying out of the door: a recipe for a streaky disaster.
Skouvakis says: “A key self-tanning rule is to make sure you don’t rush the application – never mind how much you want to get out and party!
“To avoid messy streaks or an uneven shade, you really must take the time to do it properly. Also, remember that less is more and you should always be able to build the colour up.”
MAINTAIN MODE
Keep your fake tan glowing for as long as possible with regular self-tan maintenance. Nobody wants to walk around showing off streaks, patches or premature fading.
“For an even tan, you need to keep skin sleek, smooth and well hydrated,” says Nichola Joss, St Tropez skin finishing expert.
Moisturise twice daily to maintain the longevity of your tan, and help your tan fade naturally.
Despite the misconception that exfoliation will “shed” a tan, the action of lifting dead cells will keep your colour looking fresh.
“Tanning products absorb into several layers of skin – the surface build-up of dead cells is what can make you look dull and orangey,” Joss explains.
“Gently exfoliate every two or three days; you’ll still have a tan coming through, but it’s radiant.”
Amp up the volume of your tan for evenings out with a glossy sheen, using a shimmer oil on areas that you want to highlight, like shoulders, collarbone, arms and legs.
