Top tanning tips

1 "Before you start to bronze, you need to get your skin ready. A good scrub will take off the dead outer layers, giving you an even surface to apply the tan to," says St Tropez Skin Finishing Expert Nichola Joss. Your tan will also last longer this way and be less prone to peeling. Treat yourself to Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish, £22.50, and exfoliate on the morning of your spray tan or before you apply your tan at home.

2 "If you're going to shave, wax or epilate, make sure that you do this at least two hours before you tan," says Nichola. Moisturising both before and after you tan is essential, too, as is using the right moistursier. Lather feet, ankles, elbows and hands the day before and as soon as your tan has developed, moisturise day and night to prolong the colour. Use a light, oil-free moisturiser like Dermalogica's Body Hydrating Cream, £26 – anything too heavy will take your tan off.
 
3) "For brides opting for a spray tan, book a trial run about 10-14 days before the wedding," says Natalie Roche, MD of Xen-Tan UK. "You'll need to let your tan develop overnight before showering the next morning, so book your appointment for the end of the day. Wear loose clothing and old underwear to avoid your tan rubbing off or staining them."

4) "If your spray tan leaves you looking orange, use an exfoliator, then use an oil such as the St Tropez Tan Detox Oil," says Nichola. "This will eliminate the excess tan and help buff skin to an even and natural finish."

5) "Aftercare is essential for a lasting tan so moisturise the body daily and exfoliate every other day as this will ensure your tan fades naturally and evenly," says Nichola. "Once a week, substitute your regular moisturiser with a gradual tanning product to lightly boost your colour."