It sure feels like summer is in full swing with the weather starting now well into double digits. Spring as said farewell, but some of us are still looking pasty. With this in mind, we are turning our attention to summer skincare, and looking forward to introducing a natural looking tan. While it’s tricky to get a real tan with busy lifestyles and all too often a hit and miss British summer, it is possible to fake a natural looking tan, which is far better for our skin too. Here are our top tips to fake a tan this spring…

1. Exfoliate

The first step towards creating a natural looking tan that doesn’t become patchy is to prep the skin. While if you select a great tanning product it should glide across the skin and be streak free, if you have dry patches of skin the tan will cling to this causing a patchy result. To avoid this, before you apply your fake tan exfoliate your skin.

2. Perfect Product

When it comes to selecting your fake tan product, it is important to choose something that will suit your needs and deliver the results you desire. While some of us may be happy to opt to use a gradual tan to be applied like a moisturiser every day, others may want a quick fix that only needs to be applied once or twice a week for a tan that lasts all week round.

If you’re looking for a low maintenance tan that you will only need to apply a few times a week, try the St Tropez Self Tanning Bronzing Lotion, for a long lasting natural looking tan. If a gradual tan is better suited to your needs, try the new  NKD SKN Natural Gradual Tan Lotion, or for a fuss free approach try the in-shower tanning lotion from St Tropez.

3. Finishing Touches

When you apply your fake tan it’s important to use a mitt to avoid a build-up on your hands, but it can be tricky to know what to do to lightly tan your hands without leaving dark lines and white gaps in between your fingers. When you have finished applying your tan, take the mitt off and wash your hands. If some tan has seeped through the mitt this can be completely removed by using a little baking soda and water and rubbing the hands together. Once you have removed any excess tan from your hands use the mitt to lightly wipe over the front of your hands, which will add just the right amount of tan so that your hands are the same shade as the rest of your body.

Ready to create a natural looking tan ready for summer? Browse our tanning range now here.