Whether you love a gradual tan, a long-lasting glow, or an instant faux fix, there’s one golden rule to abide by for all, however. ‘Exfoliation’ says Amanda Harrington, Self-Tan Expert and Founder of award-winning brand, Amanda Harrington London. ‘Be sure to exfoliate at least 12-24 hours before tan; you need a smooth blank canvas; otherwise, tan clings onto dry patches – your skin needs to be at its optimum.’ The Amanda Harrington Body Mousse should be used as part of the brand's three-step sun-free self-tanning program. After applying the Body Primer, smooth the mousse on to the entire body, working in sections. Use the gloves provided to achieve a smoother level of coverage with less product. Finally, blend with a body brush and allow to dry for 10 minutes before dressing. Key Benefits Build an illuminated yet subtle glow to the body with the Amanda Harrington Perfect Body Ultimate Gradual Tan, a versatile tanning primer that works to create a hydrated look and extend an existing tan. With all tans, apply two coats to the body and one to the face. Starting at the ankles and working your way up means that tan will be dry enough to apply a second coat after a couple of minutes; just start again at the ankles for the second layer," Jules told us.

The idea is that even if you can get the shade of your tan right, it won’t look natural if it doesn’t take your undertones into account. For example, if the tan you use is very warm, but your coloring is very cool, it can look very clearly false – and it’ll be especially obvious on paler complexions. Sculpted by Aimee and Bare by Vogue are two homegrown brands taking a skin-loving approach. Sculpted’s bestselling Bronze Base Face Tan is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E, giving the skin a customisable, delicate glow while hydrating and nourishing. Every product in Vogue Williams eponymous range is enriched with a host of organic botanicals to promote healthy, hydrated skin. The age-defying, hydrating and perfecting Gradual Tan primer is newly formulated with intelligent active ingredients to boost skin health and radiance, and low-level tanning agents to build and extend the life of your sunless tan. Use alone to build a natural-looking sun kissed glow, or as part of Amanda Harrington's Definitive 3 Step Tanning Method as a primer; Perfect Face forms the first essential step to building a smooth tan-ready base, so that your tan lasts longer, looks polished and fades beautifully. Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid plump and firm the skin, while Pollustop protects against skin-damaging free radicals and skin stressors. The DetailsThe Ultimate Gradual Tan can be used either alone to build up a natural-looking tan, or as the first step of Amada Harrington’s Definitive 3 Step Tanning Method, acting as the catalyst for a long-lasting, sun-kissed glow. Key Benefits Enriched with time-released gradual tanning agents and tan-extending ingredients for fool-proof application and a streak-free finish, this self-tanner can be applied both morning and evening to promote a natural-looking and lasting tan. Key Benefits When looking for the best fake tan, consider your personal preferences, and the occasion you’re preparing for. Need a glow fast, but want to wash it off later? No problem. Want the results to be long-lasting? Covered. Still prefer an easy-does-it, gradual option? Here’s a tanning lotion so gentle, you’ll barely feel it on your skin. (There are also options for “tactical tanning” – the practice of only bronzing the areas you plan to expose.) How long does fake tan last on skin?

Over 80 testers helped us to assess seven brands of facial tanners. They evaluated the ease of application, the final tanning effect, whether it's patchy or streaky, and the scent. In the lab, we used a VISIA machine to test the tan's overall coverage. Put in the prep: "Paler skins can really catch the tan in dry areas," says Harrington, "so scrub and moisturize pre-tanning application. I always apply a balm or moisturizer on hands, elbows, knees, and feet to avoid the tan catching, even if I am using a gradual tan." And if the worst happens and you forget your barrier cream, read our beauty editor's guide to how to get fake tan off hands. Straight before application, Jules notes that it’s important to wash off deodorant and remove makeup, however he warns against using cleansing oils to remove makeup as it will act as a barrier to the tan’s penetration to the skin. How do you choose the right fake tan?

Ingredients in Amanda Harrington Perfect Face Ultimate Gradual Tan

I’d suggest applying a full tan in the early evening whilst you have some natural light and then wearing lightweight and loose clothing or pyjamas so that your skin can still breathe. The following morning, if you want to deepen your tan even more, add a light layer of a spray in place or alongside your makeup and see it slowly develop through the day," Amanda said. Why does fake tan go scaly? Our testers liked that this three-piece self-tanning kit felt premium – they thought the brush was a luxurious alternative to a tanning mitt and the storage bag looked chic. Meanwhile, the tan looked natural and developed subtly, lasting for up to three days. 81% said it wasn't streaky or patchy, too. The mist works best when sprayed onto the brush and applied like a bronzer, rather than spraying it directly onto the skin. Its light and fresh scent scored a four out of five. We liked