Perhaps it’s for a wedding, maybe it’s for a holiday, or maybe you just want a bit of a glow, so you decide to treat yourself to a fake tan. There’s no shortage of formulations to choose from, including sprays, mousses, serums and body butter, with some even promising to deliver skincare benefits, too. I asked James Read, the top name in tanning who’s given glow-ups to everyone from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Lady Gaga, for his advice on how to avoid the most common mistakes, whether it’s blotchy ankles or elbows, or, my speciality, knees that look more like Nutella swirls than the sun-kissed glow I’d been aiming for.
Here are James’s expert tips for avoiding those tan disasters at home. Less is more is the most important thing when it comes to tanning your face, says James. “You want to think of the end result as more of a glow than a tan,” he said.
“The first rule is not to apply too much product. “Secondly, make sure your skin is as hydrated as possible before applying the self-tan. “I exfoliate and use a hydrating sheet mask as I find the product is absorbed better and the finished effect will look more glowy.
” “When applying the product, try to work it in from the neck upwards as if you’re giving yourself a mini facial,” he adds. It’s also a good idea to use a sheet mask the following day, as self-tans can be drying on the skin. This will make your ‘tan’ last longer too.
James’s top tip for the face? “Avoid drinking straight fr.