Ever had a fabulous spray tan only to have it peel on you a week later? This is a classic case of ‘faux tan leprosy’ and my ultimate nightmare! So what is the solution?
As simple and boring as it sounds, it’s all about the basics. Careful preparation, application and maintenance will pay off.
Of course a quality formulation helps but for best results, see the tips from the experts at St Tropez below along with our product recommendations.

Tip 1: Prepare: Ensure that you wax or shave at least 24 hours before your tan for perfectly sleek results.

Tip 2. Exfoliate: Treat yourself to an all-over polish and apply plenty of moisturiser the night before to get your skin as silky as possible.

If you’re a tanning junkie, make sure you exfoliate regularly to avoid build up as several layers of tan can result in an uneven result.

Try: St Tropez Body Polisher for a deep clean, $33.95, 1800 358 999, or Aviva Labs Exfoliant- with Vitamin A and fine-grained pecan shells for a milder formula, $24, 1300 363 144.

If you already have fading self-tanner on, ModelCo’s Tan Remover Exfoliating Body Scrub will remove nasty patches and streaks, $25, 02 8354 6700.

Tip 3. Applicate: Make sure you don’t rub in your gradual or self tan as rubbing may make the finish uneven.

Gentle smoothing is all you need, then let the product do its work. When tan is applied, wear loose, dark clothing and avoid shoes and tight-fitting underwear.
•Hint: Do not swim, shower or exercise for at least 3 hours.

Try to avoid washing your hands for as long as possible in the development time – a minimum of 2 hours.

Tip 4. Intensify. For a deeper tan, re-apply a gradual or self tan a couple of times a week.

Try: St Tropez Tan Intensifier infused with Mediterranean oils and antioxidants, or Napoleon Perdis Whipped Dream Tan Enhancer,$40, 1800 814 572 for an instant golden glow.

Not only does it help to maintain and enhance your faux tan, but it contains skin loving olive oil, almond oil and shea butter for ultimate moisture.

Tip 5. Maintain. Ensuring your tan is perfectly gorgeous for as long as possible by moisturising daily, and smoothing skin with an exfoliator every 2 to 3 days. Moisturising will reduce the rate at which your skin sheds and keep your tan looking better for longer.

Try: St. Tropez Body Moisturiser, $24.95, or for a naturally hydrating yet oil-free Greek product, there’s Korres Yoghurt Cream, $52.95, 1800 705 800, www.kitcosmetics.com.au

The organic Greek yoghurt, olive oil concentrate and macadamia nuts intensively moisturises dehydrated skin. Apivita’s Body Milk with Vanilla & White Chocolate is also good and one of my all time faves- it just melts into the skin and smells divine!