Fake Tanning Prep in 3 Steps

Posted: Thursday 15 December 2011 09:33am

With all this cloud around you could be forgiven for thinking we were heading into winter.

According to the (front page) news here in Sydney town, this is the coldest start to summer in 50 odd years. The strange thing about this weather is that it is sure to turn around faster than you can say, ‘oh dang, my arms/chest/legs are way too pasty to wear anything but a muumuu this weekend.’

It is not too late to fake a just-returned-from-Bali-and-yes-it-was-delightful glow, but before you dive into the fake tan aisle make sure your skin is the picture of preparedness. Get your body ready for tanning with these three steps.

SMOOTH OPERATOR
First things first, we have to get those legs smooth as. Start with hair removal because a clean slate means there is nowhere for clumps of tan to hide (so you will avoid that unsightly polka-dot look on your legs.) The bonus is that your legs will feel soft and silky. At home hair removal is made super easy with razors or roll-on wax but if you want to say goodbye to your hair for good then give laser hair removal a go.

Time savers: Nair Salon Divine Milk and Honey Roll On Wax, $17.99, 1800 22 099. Gillette Venus ProSkin Moisture Rich razor, $13.99, 1800 148 022.

Gone for good: Soprano In-Motion Pain-Free Laser Hair Removal, half leg from $300, 1300 668 140.

SLOUGH OFF
Your whole body needs a good exfoliation. Sloughing off that skin will leave it ready to absorb the moisturiser you’re going to give it (see step 3). Use a loofah a few times a week in an upwards, circular motion to remove the build-up of skin and reduce ingrown hairs. Run yourself a nice bath (or shower) and get to work.

Do it yourself: St Tropez Tan Optimiser Body Polisher, 33.95, sttropez.com.au. The Body Shop Mango Body Scrub, $27.95, 1800 065 232.

Have a pro do it: Yanko Body Polish at The Darling Spa, $110 for 45 minutes, 1800 800 830. Scrub + Glow by Endota Spa, from $110, endotadayspa.com.au.

BECOME A MOISTURISER MONSTER
The final step to get your body fake tan ready this summer is to moisturise. No doubt you have a range of body moisturisers in the bathroom cupboard, so for this step make sure you’re using a rich, thick cream that will douse your skin with hydration. Your skin should be damp, not dry when you apply your product. Start from the ankles and work your way up, pay special attention to areas that are renowned for being dry like your heels, knees and elbows.

Hip pocket friendly nourishment: Palmer’s Shea Butter Formula Body Lotion, $9.99, 1300 191 918. Dove Intensive Nourishment Body Lotion, $8.39, 1800 061 027.

Intensive investment: Prevage Body Total Transforming Anti-Aging Moisturiser, $200, 1800 015 500. La Prarie Skin Caviar Luxe Body Cream, $570, 1800 251 010.

Your say: How do you prepare your skin for summer? Do you like to have a faux glow or do your rock your porcelain skin all summer long? Do you prefer to shave, wax or laser?

by Jessica Swavley

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