Choosing the right tan for you
There's more to the application of fake tan than rubbing a blob of brown cream up your arm and praying for a golden glow. You have to decide what type of tan you require before you can get started on the application process. Here is a handy guide to all the fake tan you desire.
Tan in an instant - Everyone's gotta love a bit of the good old instant tan! It literally does what it says on the tin (or bottle) and gives you an instant healthy glow. Instant tan is best for those times when you're in a mega rush and just haven't got the time to apply a gradual tan. It is best applied with a tanning mitt or gloves, or if you haven't got any of these lying around, an old sock will do the trick! Avoid applying instant tan with your hands where possible as it doesn't achieve the same kind of even coverage that you would get with a mitt and it can turn your hands an oompa-loompa shade of orange if you put too much on, especially between your fingers. The good thing about instant tan is that it generally comes off in the shower with some nice soapy water, so this would be a good way for tanning virgins to get the ball rolling and get some practice in as you can easily rectify any mistakes if you need to. Instant tan usually comes in a matte or shimmer finish and some are waterproof to prevent streaks in the typically grey English weather.
Two birds, one tan - Moisturising and tanning go together perfectly, so for some the idea of a moisturiser that builds up your tan is ingenious. Gradual tan moisturiser is the best option for when you have quite a bit of time to achieve your sun-kissed look as it can take about a week before you get a full noticeable effect. If you apply the moisturiser everyday eventually you should achieve soft, hydrated skin and a nice natural looking tan. Similarly to instant tan, gradual moisturiser is best applied with a mitt for even coverage and to protect your hands from unsightly staining and most are available in various shades to best match your skin tone. It is sometimes best to apply a little bit of general moisturiser with the gradual tan around the knees and elbows as it will help the tan go on more evenly.
Lotion is the potion - Fake tanning lotions are probably the most renowned and popular with in the general public. Upon initial application the lotion can look really dark, but don't panic! It's supposed to look like you've rubbed yourself down with coffee when you first put it on and it'll be fine when you rinse it off. You do need a bit of time on your hands if you're going to go for the lotion approach as it can take 4-8 hours for the lotion to develop once you've put it on. Sometimes it's better to apply it before bed and rinse it off the next morning but if you're going to do this make sure you protect your sheets and wear old clothes as the tan can stain fabric. These lotions come in a variety of finishes and some even have skin firming properties to give you that extra edge of pampering and help to diminish cellulite. This form of tan can last up to a fortnight even if you bathe everyday so it can be more cost effective than other ways of tanning, especially if you moisturise regularly. Just make sure you assign yourself a 'tan night' to give yourself enough time to achieve a full beach bronzed body.
Spray away - There are two ways you can achieve a healthy looking tan with a spray gun. When you visit a salon spray tanning is usually relatively cheap but can also be performed at home. Word of warning though guys, if you're going to spray away at home, make sure you do it in a well ventilated area as inhaling sunless tan is not recommended or very pleasant. Like other ways of tanning, make sure you protect any fabric surrounding you as the tan can stain clothes and carpets. If your doing a D.I.Y spray tan you need to spend a certain degree of time on it as precision is key. Make sure you hold that gun at least 30cm from the target to get an even fake tan.
Magic mousse - Fake tanning mousse has grown as a product more and more over recent times. Like other sunless tan products it is best when applied with a tanning mitt in a circular motion. Usually the mousse gives an instant shade of bronze but continues to develop into more of a Hollywood glow. Some mousses require you to shower off the instant colour after 4-6 hours to reveal a terrific tan underneath.
This may sound like a lot to take in, but in reality fake tanning is so much easier than it seems. There are so many ways that you can be a bronzed babe without baking under the intense rays of some UV tubes. Hopefully this handy guide will help you to decide which fake tan is best for you.
Word of warning: Do not attempt a Ross!