If you love it - Fake It!

If you really want a great tan this summer then why not fake it; Sail 4 Cancer have some tops tips from professional Make-up Artist Sarah Birkett on how to get a great looking tan from a bottle!

Remember tanned skin is not healthy skin - it is a sign that the skin has been damaged by UV radiation. When cells are damaged by the sun melanin rushes to the surface to provide protection against the next onslaught, as you slowly build a protective tan your skin is darkening in response to damage on top of damage.

Step 1. It’s best to do a patch test on an unseen area to make sure you are happy with the colour before applying it to areas which will be visible. There is a huge shade gap between some products and depending on the tone of your skin this could be crucial in getting a convincing fake tan!

Step 2. Whilst in the shower use a granulated exfoliator to remove any surface dry or scaly skin. Make sure you concentrate on knees, elbows, ankles and the sides of your feet. Spend 30 seconds or so on any drier areas rubbing the product in a circular motion. Rinse off well.

Step 3. Once the skin is thoroughly dry apply a liberal amount of moisturizer to any areas which tend to be dry. Such areas tend to be the backs and fronts of the knees, the elbows.

Step 4. Special attention should be paid to the feet if they are to be exposed. Apply cream over the toes and in between them concentrating on the skin over the knuckles and the cuticles. The sides of the feet and ankles are prone to dryness so make sure these are well covered. This will prevent a concentration of colour on these areas.

Step 5. Smooth a little moisturizer over the armpit and bikini line area, this will stop the tan coming out too dark on areas which don’t usually get that much sun.

Step 6. You can use well fitting latex gloves to protect your hands and apply the tan to them at the end. Or you can apply plenty of moisturizer to shield your hands from too much of the tanning cream.

Step 7. Use about a 50p size amount of the tanning cream for each area and starting from the bottom working up apply the cream in largish circular movements to the lower leg and feet. Apply it confidently and thoroughly making sure you don’t miss any bits. Do the same for the thighs, buttocks, stomach and lower back.

Step 8. Work the product in the same way up the arms, chest and up your neck. You can take it on to the face, make sure you take it right up to the hairline and don’t forget your ears. If you have fair eyebrows, after you have applied the cream use a little damp cotton wool with toner on to wipe any tanning product away.

Step 9. The tricky bit is the top of the back between the shoulder blades. If you can recruit a willing boyfriend or friend then take advantage, if not then you will have to go it alone. Smooth the cream around the shoulders and up the back of the neck. Lift your arm and try to reach your spine. To get to the tricky spot take your arm over the top of your shoulder and support the uplifted elbow with your free hand, this will increase your reach and if you do this on both sides you should be able to cover the area.

Step 10. If you haven't used gloves it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap. Once they are dry apply moisturizer to the knuckles, cuticles and between the fingers. Use about the size of a 5p of cream for the hands, you can always add more if you think you need it and smooth the product over the hands. Now pour yourself a nice drink and wait in a warm but well ventilated room for 20 mins or so until the product has absorbed and your skin is not tacky to the touch. You will then have a great tan at NO risk to your skin. Please note that fake tan is NOT a substitute for sun cream and will NOT protect you from sunburn!