Best prep for fake tan: Products to get you ready for a perfect glow

When it comes to faking a two week break in the Maldives, preparation is key.

This is something that I can whole heartedly attest to as, while I am writing these very words, I am staring at my patchy hands with telltale signs that my tan is of the bottle variety.

You can probably picture it. There’s that off-brown hue deposited between my fingers, streaks up my arm and far too much colour that’s gathered at my wrist, which is all to say that I did not do a very successful job in my attempt to transform my sun-parched pale winter skin into a healthy fresh-from-the-beach glow.

So in an attempt to finesse the tanning process, I’ve consulted an expert: Jules von Hep is the founder at Isle of Paradise. What he doesn’t know about tanning is frankly not worth knowing.

Before applying your first spritz, swipe or drop of fake tan, von Hep advises to “Shave or wax at least 24 hours prior to application and ensure skin is exfoliated with a dry brush, scrub or acid. Exfoliating means the skin will have an even surface, so the final result will be even and, more importantly, it will fade evenly like a natural tan would.”

You want a blank canvas so he adds to “remove any make up and deodorant prior to application but don’t use a cleansing oil to remove make up as this will act as a barrier to the tan’s penetration. For best results apply your tan an hour after showering so skin is hydrated.”

The latter point is key for not only an even tan but one that is long lasting. One big tip? Focus on the joints. “Dry areas such as hands, cuticles, elbows, knees, feet, heels and any areas with psoriasis or eczema will absorb self-tan more than the other areas”, the tanning expert explains. “Therefore adding an aloe vera based moisturiser will act as a blending agent – helping the tan not to go too dark in these areas and blend the colour in with the rest of your application. If you suffer with dry skin on your face, apply a hyaluronic serum before you tan, it will help the tan look more natural after it’s developed.”

Much in the same way as you would prep and prime before makeup application, there are also primers for tanning and the benefits of these will become immediately apparent during your next faux glow session. Von Hep stresses this saying that you should “spray this liberally and allow to absorb into your skin while you apply moisturiser to your hands, elbows, knees and feet (including the heels) – if you are fair haired, apply some to your hairline and eyebrows. Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream is great for dry areas.”

So for a realistic tan, make the following products part of your fake-it-til-you-make-it routine.