Fake Tan Perfection - Your Guide to Being a Bronzed Bikini Beauty

By: SummerFisher

Forget tanning beds or endless days on the beach. The perfect faux tan is within reach. Want gorgeous, honey-hued skin minus the UV factor? Here's what you need to know.

Firstly choose a gradual tanner that has a light formula. This will enable you to get a good application technique and keep blotches to a minimum. In the days following application don't forget to use a gradual tan moisturiser to keep your tan looking it's best for longer.

Preparation is the key to perfection

A little extra work will go a long way to giving you an even and glowing look. Exfoliation is vial as dead dkin cells tend to attract fake tan creating a blotchy look. Try The Body Collection Fabulous Fake Pre Tan Body Scrub. Forgot to buy exfoliator? No problem, grab a wash cloth and some body wash and mix in some sea salt if you have any to create a silky smooth surface.

Pay special attention to knees, feet and elbows and if necessary rub some extra moisturiser into these spots to prevent a concentration of fake tan. To prolong your tan be certain to moisturise daily as dry flaky skin leads to a tan that fades super fast.

Self-tanners can stain hair, making it appear darker, so if you prefer the even hair free look, it's best to shave, wax or epilate before self-tanning. If you wax or epilate, it's best to do this the day before applying fake tan, to allow time for the skin to settle down.

Different Types of Tan

There are 7 types of tanners here's the best of each:

Tinted - L'oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Gel Tinted & Shimmering
Natural - Aviva Sunless tanning Gel with Skin Rejuvenation System
Body Cream - St Tropez Ultimate Tan Intensifier
Gradual - Cliniqu Self Sun Touch of Bronze Moisturising Body Lotion
Spray Garnier Ambre Solaire Express Bronzer Self Tanning Spray
Mousse - Neutrogena Sun Fresh Sunless Foam
Wipes - Swisspers Body Self Tan Wipes

Face Facts

Let's face it, a glowing sun kissed complexion is the icing on the cake in the faux tan world, so lets look at how to best take advantage of self tanners for the face.

A great product to include in your tanning regime is the new Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Tanning Moisturiser for face, $9.95. The combination of cocoa butter, vitamin E and SPF 15 will keep you looking super hot without the damage caused by harsh UV rays.