Return to the bronze age today

Boost your skin confidence for summer. Lisa Haynes reveals how to get a convincing glow with the help of a self-tan today.

WHY wait ’til the end of your holiday for a tan? Self-tans are now so convincing you can fast-forward the process and sport an all-over glow before you’ve even packed your suitcase.

Professional tans are 2014’s number one pre-holiday treatment, professional booth or bathroom DIY, a self-tan can make you look instantly more contoured and toned for bikini season. And with the new express formulations on the market, you can be buff and bronzed in 60 minutes flat.

Feel like a sun-kissed goddess whatever the weather with our self-tan guide.

WAY TO GLOW: The exact colour of your self-tan is individual to you, because the ingredients react with the skin’s amino acids. If you’re overwhelmed by shades and formulations, let your skin tone dictate.

“Tanning brands come in one shade or more,” says tanning expert James Harknett.

“And the strength is determined by the percentage of DHA [tanning agent] in them.

“Garnier Ambre Solaire led the trend by having three strengths. If you’re a nervous first-time tanner, it’s a good idea to start with their light spray — naturally olive tones can brave the darker shades.”

While a professional spray tan results in an even, streak-free finish, if you’re tanning at home, Harknett recommends using a bronzing mousse for ease.

PREP AND PRIME: The key to a convincing glow is primed, well-moisturised skin, so nourish your skin in the days leading up to your tan to avoid patchiness.

If you’re undergoing a holiday prep overhaul, wax or shave at least 24 hours before self-tanning, to allow the pores time to close.

Harknett says: “My best prep advice is to ensure the skin is clear of all other products, including deodorant. Remove any old self-tan – use wipes around the neck and on the chest. Exfoliate well with something that isn’t too harsh on the skin.”

Right before you apply your tan, avoid moisturising all over and apply sparingly on dry areas, like ankles, knees, elbows, hands and feet.

If you’re fair-haired, James suggests using Vaseline on the brows and hairline to avoid discolouration.

TIME TO TAN: Post-tan orange hands shouldn’t be a part of your glow plan if you apply like a professional.

“The best way to apply a tanning mousse is by using a foam mitt,” says Harknett.

“I use the James Read tanning mitt, which should do all the work for you and spread the mousse evenly across the skin for a streak-free finish.

“For a lotion, I recommend wearing a tight, latex glove, which helps avoid the tan ’wrinkling’ on the skin.

“If you favour a spray, mist your product in the bathroom in front of the mirror and stand on a dark towel – but don’t forget to use wipes on your soles once tanned.”

Self-tan tends to cling to dryer parts of the body, so take extra care with those. Try custom blending your tan by mixing with a plain moisturiser for a natural finish.

PROLONG YOUR BRONZE: Keep those ’have you been on holiday?’ questions coming by maintaining your tan to the max. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.

“It’s crucial to nourish your skin with moisturiser to lock in the colour and stop dehydration,” says Harknett.

“A patchy break-up on the skin may occur if the tan isn’t regularly moisturised.”

Give your tan a fighting chance by avoiding soaks in the tub and taking cooler showers instead, patting the skin dry afterwards.

Harknett estimates that a professional spray tan or self-tan at home should last for around a week, like a tan from holiday, although olive skins can often keep their tan for 10 days or more.

“If you feel like you’re fading, a self-tan can be topped up with a gradual tan,” he advises.

STUFF WE LIKE

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Tan Glow 75ml, €13.59

Skimpy dresses and shorts are part of the fun of summer. But what if you’ve got thread veins or skin imperfections? Sally Hasen’s solution couldn’t be simpler. More make-up than fake tan, it gives an instant cover and a healthy glow. It dries quickly so there’s no need to worry about streaks and, even better, it lasts until you wash it off.

Lancaster Sun Trip to Copacabana Self-Tanning Melting Delight, €33 (Debenhams)

Go all mediterranean with this divine product. It delivers an instant tan for those in search of the post-holiday golden glow. It’ll also leave your skin feeling butter soft.

Lancôme Flash Bronzer Self-Tanning Face Gel, €20.30 (Debenhams)

This fast-absorbing gel dissolves into the face, giving a perfect even tan. The addition of vitamin E leaves skin satin soft. It takes a few hours for the colour to fully develop but the results are worth the wait.

Garnier Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Natural Dry Body Mist in Light, €16.39 (Boots)

Take the hard work out of tanning with this spray mist which can reach even the most difficult body parts, like the back of the legs or shoulders. One of the best-selling self-tan brands on the market, it comes with extract of apricot and vitamin E – just what your parched skin needs. Takes an hour to develop.

St Moriz Instant Self-Tanning Lotion in Medium, €5.99 (Boots)

The team behind this formula promise impressive results for less-than-prefect legs. Spray it on, blend it in with a hand mitt, and get ready to hit the streets. It’s cost-sensitive price means you really can’t go wrong.

Dream Dots, €15 for pack of 24

This reviewer is the sensitive type and wary of putting anything new on her irritable skin. Dream Dots were perfectly fine though, no flare ups and no nasty reactions. The brainchild of Wicklow woman Donna Ledwidge, these are a class-IIA medical device. I found them simple to use, applying before bed, as directed. I peeled off the dot and popped it on the spot (it looks almost invisible once applied). It promised to target the pore at the core, and indeed, the spot was very much diminished the next morning. Not disappeared, mind you, but the redness and swelling was reduced. Impressive.

* www.dreamdotsforspots.com