How to apply fake tan - professional hints and tips

More Hollywood Boulevard than Desperate Scousewives, Rebecca Cawthra's professional approach to self-tanning products and techniques means you can now studiously avoid the perils of orange knees and ankles.

View more of our beauty hints and tips: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL327F122E83B46708


Preparation:
• Exfoliation and moisturisation -- to get rid of dead skin cells and leave a smooth surface. Do this the night before.
• The drier and cleaner the skin the better

Types of tan:
• Instant fake tan - has a "guide colour" so you can see where you have applied the product. It lasts for up to a week...
• Sunshimmer lotion like Rimmel -- great for a night our and washes off.
• Gradual Tanner like Dove - Apply the cream just like a moisturiser every day or every other day to gradually build up the colour. Exfoliate regularly to remove old tan.
• The Co-operative Pharmacy web site has plenty of fake tan options
• Choose skin tone that compliments your natural colouring, otherwise it can look too artificial.

The basics - application:
• Basics are the same for each product
• Use a mitt/glove to apply the tanning in circular motions.
• Careful not to stain carpet or clothing
• Pay special attention to the knees, ankles and sides of your feet as they tend to be rougher.
• If you do make a use lemon juice mixed with salt to remove.
• Always apply 2 layers leaving at least an hour between applications -- this makes for a deeper tan that fades more evenly.
• Exfoliate between weekly applications.

As you get more confident you can try more adventurous, darker tones or maybe an all-over Sun Shimmer where you can highlight different parts of the body such as the collarbone, your shoulders or the front of your shins to sculpt and accentuate the shapes and create a really flattering look.