YOUR COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO TANNING AND SUNCARE

Whether you're spending summer at home or abroad, staying safe in the sun is *very* important. We're here with helpful tips and tricks on self-tanning (to avoid the dreaded 'patchy' look) and the best products for prepping and protecting your skin using SPF. Keep scrolling for our in-depth guide and our top products. 

This is the most important part of the process! Follow up your usual shower routine with a thorough exfoliator – we prefer physical scrubs made with natural ingredients, but you can also use chemical exfoliants, although they aren't always sensitive skin-safe. If you’ve got some time on your hands, try dry-brushing before stepping into the shower for super-soft skin. 

Always use tanning mitts and swipe in circular motions. They'll protect your hands from staining and help to apply your tan more evenly. For darker skin tones, opt for warmer, redder shades and for lighter skin, green tan is *so* 2013 – we’re on the purple/blue wave now. Think of it like hair toner – it counteracts any orange tones in the tan, resulting in a more natural look, like you've just come back from a day at the beach.

SPF 30 or SPF 50 are non-negotiable for sun seekers. Don’t be afraid to reapply throughout the day for better protection – every two to three hours is the sweet spot, and spray sunscreens are most convenient for OTG protection. To simplify the science behind sunscreen, SPF shields you from UV rays that can seriously damage your skin (and as a bonus, it can decrease the look of hyperpigmentation!).

You know that shimmery, sunkissed skin influencers have? It's all about glow drops and illuminating serums. Find one you love and pair it with your sunscreen for a luminous effect and remember, a little goes a long way. To look like the sun is highlighting in all the right places, we recommend using a bit on your collarbone, shoulders, cupids bow and nose for that 10/10 look.