Ask The Expert
Faking It
Baking your skin in the sun is now considered about as sensible as popping yourself into a nice hot oven. Fortunately, fake tan products have improved hugely over the last ten years and it's now easier than ever to get that great sun-kissed look.
Hi Debbie,
Which is the best fake tan and what's the best way to apply it? I've seen so many bad fake tans and orange hands and ankles that I'm a bit put off, but I don't want to go in the sun. Thanks.
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Hi there,
There is no doubt that the time of the 'fake tan' has officially arrived. A few years back, that obviously orange glow was considered a bit naff, the preserve of fading nightclub singers and middle aged tv presenters. However, over the years, it has become far more acceptable, especially with celebs like Posh and la Hurley showing off their year-round tans. Now, of course, the rest of us want to get in on the act.
How far you want to go rather depends on how much of your body you are hoping to expose. If you are about to go on holiday and don't want to hit the beach looking like a slab of uncooked pastry, then I'd advise having a professional all over tan the first time around. It's not cheap (around £35) but you'll get a good even tan which should last for about 5 days - certainly enough time to get your 'real tan' started.
There are many different products on offer, but let's start with perhaps the most famous: the St. Tropez. Favoured by celebs from A to Z, St Tropez is popular because the cream reacts with the melanin in each individual's skin, meaning you go a natural kind of brown, as opposed to simply being coloured by a dye.
Before the product can be applied, your skin must be exfoliated to get rid of flaky patches, and dry areas like knees and elbows moisturised. Then, stripped of all clothing except for a ridiculous, but practical, pair of paper knickers, the tanning process begins. Time-wise, you should allow around an hour and a half, including a small waiting time for the colour to set. The colour won't finally be fast for 48 hours, so it's best to wear old, loose clothing to the appointment and for a day or so afterwards. Sheets may also get a bit discoloured that night, but rest assured, it does wash out.
Which is the best fake tan and what's the best way to apply it? I've seen so many bad fake tans and orange hands and ankles that I'm a bit put off, but I don't want to go in the sun. Thanks.
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Hi there,
There is no doubt that the time of the 'fake tan' has officially arrived. A few years back, that obviously orange glow was considered a bit naff, the preserve of fading nightclub singers and middle aged tv presenters. However, over the years, it has become far more acceptable, especially with celebs like Posh and la Hurley showing off their year-round tans. Now, of course, the rest of us want to get in on the act.
How far you want to go rather depends on how much of your body you are hoping to expose. If you are about to go on holiday and don't want to hit the beach looking like a slab of uncooked pastry, then I'd advise having a professional all over tan the first time around. It's not cheap (around £35) but you'll get a good even tan which should last for about 5 days - certainly enough time to get your 'real tan' started.
There are many different products on offer, but let's start with perhaps the most famous: the St. Tropez. Favoured by celebs from A to Z, St Tropez is popular because the cream reacts with the melanin in each individual's skin, meaning you go a natural kind of brown, as opposed to simply being coloured by a dye.
Before the product can be applied, your skin must be exfoliated to get rid of flaky patches, and dry areas like knees and elbows moisturised. Then, stripped of all clothing except for a ridiculous, but practical, pair of paper knickers, the tanning process begins. Time-wise, you should allow around an hour and a half, including a small waiting time for the colour to set. The colour won't finally be fast for 48 hours, so it's best to wear old, loose clothing to the appointment and for a day or so afterwards. Sheets may also get a bit discoloured that night, but rest assured, it does wash out.
