Fake tan masterclass

Make streaky, tangerine tans a thing of the past with our pro guide to the perfect fake tan, courtesy of Nichola Joss, fake tan guru to the stars.

The A-lister's self-tan secret, bronzing expert Nichola Joss knows all there is to know about getting a non-streaky fake tan result, having worked her tanning magic on everyone from Elizabeth Hurley to Anna Friel. Here, she shows you how to master the perfect fake tan in four simple steps.

1) Exfoliate and moisturise

Fake tan clings to patches of dry skin, so it's crucial to exfoliate first, paying attention to the knees, elbows, toes, décolletage, ankles, wrists, hands and neck. Afterwards, apply a light application of body moisturiser all over (if you can, do this step the night before and use a rich body moisturiser for even better results). Next, very lightly moisturise again over dry areas like knees and elbows.

2) Begin application

Wearing latex gloves (try St. Tropez Latex Application Gloves), work the tanning product into your palms (a colour-guided product is easier to use) and start to apply, working from the outer points of your body inward.

Avoiding the feet and ankles, begin at the bottom of your legs and sweep up the calves, avoiding the knees, to the thighs and bottom, then to the tummy, breasts, sides of the body and lower back, massaging the product in so it's evenly distributed. Next, work from the wrists (avoiding the hands) up to the shoulder blades.

3) Dilute with moisturiser for tricky areas

Dilute the remaining product by mixing with moisturiser and apply to your feet, knees, wrists, underarm, neck and décolleté, with a large sweeping motion. On your face, sweep the tan-and-moisturiser mix over the cheekbones, forehead, chin, and down the nose, then work from the middle of the face outwards, down the neck and out to the ears.

Remove gloves and sweep the backs of your hands against your thighs to collect product residue.

4) Prevent staining

Finally, wrap a baby wipe around your index finger and wipe over your nails, inside every toe space, over the soles of your feet, inside ears, nose, belly button and eyebrows, where product can collect. For a professional-style result, use a towelling cloth like St. Tropez White Body Mitt to gently buff over your body – this will remove excess residue and ensure you can get dressed quicker, whilst helping you achieve an even result.

Your fake tan kit:

Body scrub: Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Scrub

View product

Moisturiser: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Deep Moisture Body Lotion

View product

Gloves: St Tropez Latex Gloves

View product

Self tan: St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

View product

Towelling cloth: St Tropez White Body Mitt

View product

Gradual tan option: No7 Naturally Sunkissed Gradual Body Tan

View product

Read more like this:
Beauty blog
Find your perfect fake tan
Back to basics: How to exfoliate your body

Related categories:
Beauty Uncovered
Bronzing & fake tan
Body moisturisers