Make sure you don't end up with feet like these!

• Beauty
• 11 April 2012
• by Alex Zagalsky

Despite the rain and the wind, now is the time to work on getting a golden glow, because springtime London has a habit of surprising us all with random days of sunshine. It's always wonderful when this happens, but also frustrating being the only milk bottle in a room full of mochachinos! It's not because they've been to the Caribbean and back either: they've just been busy with a bottle of magic. But before you rush to Boots for your self tan, here is a guide on how to apply your product, courtesy of St. Tropez Skin Finishing Expert, Jules Heptonstall, who is incidentally the official 'skin finisher' on the X Factor!

 1.  Ideally, skin should be prepped and exfoliated the day before applying self tan. This removes any dead skin cells and creates an even surface for the tan to be applied upon. Try to opt for an exfoliator that has a high concentration of exfoliating ingredients rather than a shower gel with exfoliating beads in. Pay special attention to hands, elbows, knees and feet as these are the driest areas on the body - and those where self tan can cling to the most. 

 2. Before you apply self tan, you will need to remove any make-up and deodorant. It's also advisable not to moisturise prior to application as this can act as a barrier to the tan - only moisturise your hands, elbows, knees and feet as these are the areas that absorb the most tan, so this will soften the application. 

 3. If you are applying with an applicator mitt - sweep the mitt over the limbs and glide the tan onto your skin. An applicator mitt is ideal for applying a self tan mousse as it ensures an even coverage. If you're using a lotion or gel based self tan - you may opt for gloves.  

4. Massage the self tan into your skin in upward circular motions. When tanning your face, mix your product with an aloe vera based moisturiser to soften the product's consistency. Apply a small amount of moisturiser to your eyebrows and hairline using a cotton bud - especially if you're blonde to ensure no colouration change on the hairs.     

5. Most wait a week before their next self tan application, this gives the tan enough time to fully fade. Using a body polish on day three to lightly remove dead skin cells will ensure an even fade. When exfoliating the night before application, pay special attention to the underarms and neckline is this is where build up can occur - for full tan removal, use St. Tropez Tan Detox (£25.53) - a luxurious bath oil that breaks down the tan and can be removed easily with the exfoliating cloth provided.

Byou's favourite products for the perfect tan

Gradual tan range, from St. Tropez, from £14.30