Top tips for faking a tan

When the sun comes out it can be rather depressing to expose lily white limbs and let's face it, a tan can make other imperfections a little less obvious! But with all the worries about skin cancer on the one hand and lack of sun on the other, many people prefer to fake a tan.

Faked tans need not be an orange, streaky failure with today's excellent products and a little forethought.

• Before applying – read the instructions for the product you are about to use – and follow them.
• Epilate – remove any hair from legs and any other palces you usually remove hair from. If you are using wax or an epilator do this the day before so skin is less stressed.
• Cleanse – should go without saying!
• Exfoliate – use a facial/body scrub to remove flaky skin. If you don't have a an exfoliating scrub, use cooking salt. Wet skin and rub handfuls onto your body for a fabulously invigorating feeling. Shower off.
• Moisturise – apply a moisuriser in particular paying special attention to elbows, heels and knees.
• Apply tanning lotion according to instructions. You may have to wait a few hours to see the results. If you are worried applying too muhc on an area, use a tinted prodcut so you'll see where you have been.
  
• Wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
  
• Remember – a fake tan does not protect you from UVA and UVB rays. Wear sun protection.