From oompa loompas to arms stripier than a zebra, everybody has the memories (and the photos) of their previous tanning mistakes. What can we say, the choice of tanning products was limited back in the day.
However, fast-forward several years and we’re now faced with a greater selection of tanning products and tools to make sure those fluorescent orange ghosts of bronzing experiences past can finally be laid to rest. So which of today's types of tans is perfect for you? From mousses to lotions to spray tans, it can be an overwhelming process, so we asked celebrity tanning expert and founder of Isle of Paradise tan range Jules Von Hep (who counts the likes of Sienna Miller, Millie Mackintosh and Poppy Delevingne as loyal clients), for his top tanning tips for applying and mastering the perfect tan for any skin tone.
“Prep really is so important when it comes to tanning and an area of beauty care that really gets overlooked,” says Jules. “This can result in streaks and uneven fading in colour. Put in the effort before your tan and you’ll reap the rewards during your self-tan's lifecycle.”
Don't forget it's as much about your formula as your application, too - read our guide on fake tan for sensitive skin if you're prone to reactions.
Here are his ten fake tan tips for making sure you glow from head to toe, whether it’s the middle of summer or the middle of winter. And if it goes wrong first time? We've got you covered - click here to read how to fix all manner of fake tan problems.
As soon as the first vaguely sunny day hits the UK we're all about getting that tan and proving long term that summer did actually occur.
Most of the time, we're happy to hit the bottle (of fake tan) and opt for a faux glow in place of spending hours baking in the sun, but when you're by the pool in Bali, there's not much better than reading a good book and working on your tan.
The downside? Sun can be seriously damaging for your skin. Not to mention sunburn, strap marks and peeling limbs for weeks, making the effort of getting a tan not exactly worth the commitment.
We caught up with the skincare pros to find out the best way to get a tan safely, how to avoid the dreaded post-tan peel and exactly how often you need to apply SPF to get that even all-over glow.
But first things first, what makes your skin tan and what are the risks?