We all know that the Great British Summer is usually a bust… but this year?
With endless rain and a definite chill in the air, there was no chance of a healthy glow, so a bottle of fake tanner comes to the rescue.
There is no shortage of formulas to choose from, including sprays, mousses, serums, and body butters—some even promising to deliver skincare benefits.
I asked James Read, the biggest name in tanning who has given glow to everyone from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Lady Gaga, for his advice on how to avoid the most common mistakes, whether it’s stained ankles or elbows or, my speciality, knees that look more like Nutella swirls than the bronzed glow you’d been aiming for.
Here are James’ expert tips for avoiding tanning disasters at home.
Less is more when it comes to tanning your face, says tanning expert James Read.
The exaggerated face
“Less is more,” says James, “is the most important thing when it comes to tanning your face. “The end result should be more of a ‘glow’ than a ‘tan.'”
‘The first rule is not to apply too much product. Secondly, make sure your skin is as moisturised as possible before applying self-tanner.
‘I exfoliate and use a hydrating mask because I find the product absorbs better and the final effect is more luminous.’
When applying the product, try to spread it from your neck up as if you were giving yourself a mini facial, she adds. It’s also a good idea to use a mask the next day, as self-tanners can dry out the skin.
This will also make your tan last longer. James’ top tip for the face? “Avoid drinking straight from a glass after applying self-tanner – use a straw to avoid white marks or an uneven tan around the mouth.”
The hairline gap
Many people (especially blondes like me, pictured below) are afraid of applying tanning product too close to their hairline. To avoid this, James advises, apply a little moisturiser to a cotton bud and blend the tanning product up to your hairline once you’ve finished applying the product to your face.
Lucia Ferrari says blondes like her are careful not to apply bronzing product too close to the hairline.
Revealing hands
For hands, James recommends using less product than you think you need.
After moisturizing and applying self-tanner to your arms, the easiest way to give your hands a realistic “tan” is to run the backs of your hands along your forearms to absorb any excess product.
This is usually enough for hands, rather than applying a separate product. You can also use a self-tanner spray for your hands, which can also work well.
And remember to wash only your palms afterwards: use a dark, damp, soapy flannel!
A poorly applied tan can quickly become patchy.
Doubtful knees
To prevent tanning product from settling into lines and looking too dark, James says, “Exfoliate and moisturize. Moisturize knees and elbows and anywhere where the skin is really dry.”
A thorough exfoliation and body moisturizing session before applying tanner can also help prevent those characteristic white diamond shapes that develop on the inside of your elbows and arms after a couple of days as the “tan” begins to fade and become patchy.
“If you have an elbow or knee problem once the color forms,” James suggests, “cut a lemon in half and apply it to the area. The color should fade after 15 minutes.”
Spotted ankles
When it comes to feet, heels and ankles are particularly difficult to tan and should be covered with plenty of moisturiser beforehand to prevent the product from settling into the crevices.
Patches of dry skin on your toes can also make your tan look patchy and uneven. “You can apply a little cuticle oil around your toes for an extra boost of moisture before tanning,” says James.
‘Using a tanning mitt is also helpful for your feet and will give you a more realistic overall tan. The mitt tans more than using just your hands, so the end result will be better.’
Easy to use self-tanners
Best for the face
James Read Self Glow Dusk to Dawn Overnight Facial Treatment, £44, Espacionk.com:It evens out skin tone and makes you look like you had a weekend off.
The best for the body
St Tropez Classic Self Tanning Mousse, from £21, boots.com:A good all-rounder for most skin tones, and the St Tropez applicator mitt, which costs £6, is easy to use too.
Infallible instant spray
By Terry Tea to Tan Face and Body Spray, from £22, byterry.com:An instant pop of colour, so it’s not strictly a self-tanner, but any imperfections can be instantly removed. It’s fabulous for the legs and has a very realistic colour. It lasts a long time too.