Where to start
Before even approaching a tanning product it pays to get your skin ready. In the days leading up to tanning, exfoliate and moisturise regularly. The important thing is to get rid of any dead skin cells so that your skin can absorb the product evenly.
Pay closest attention to elbows, knees, ankles and hands - the danger zones - as the skin is generally drier and thicker there and can take too much colour, giving that orange look..
What to use
Because there are so many different products around, it pays to get advice before you buy one. And everyone is different - your choice could come down to what consistency you prefer, your budget or how much time you have.
We aren't all the same colour, so you may also need to experiment a bit before you find the perfect product. When trying something new, first test it somewhere that isn't going to be difficult to hide if the result isn't quite what you expected.
The magic word for self-tanning is patience. Unless you're incredibly confident about your self-tanning skills, start off with a product that takes time to build up to an even tan - a safeguard if you're worried about getting orange streaks or blotches.
Milks, creams and mousses are a good choice for beginners because they are generally easy to apply and are almost fool proof. Go for a hydrating option such as Clarins Delicious Self-Tanning Cream, which contains cocoa butter for a really rich feel.
Gels are less hydrating but are usually faster drying so you can apply them and go, without having to worry about them rubbing off on your clothes.
For those who are into even more instant gratification and have a steady hand, sprays are quicker both to apply and develop, and are better for larger areas. They can still be built up over time so don't rush. You can always add more but it's harder to fix a mistake.
A spray is not the same as an airbrush, which is more like a spray paint and will wash off in the shower (though not in the rain!). Good for if you have a tanning emergency and just can't wait. Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs is a popular option.
When it comes to the face there is little room for error so choose a gentle product like a cream and go slowly. Most brands offer specific tanners for the face as the skin there is different from that on the body.
However, if you're travelling light, some products cater to both face and body, such as Model Co Tan Airbrush in a can and Clinique Self Sun face and body with spf 15.
Applying yourself
Because creams are slower to dry, it's best to apply them in the evening before bed so you don't have to worry about colour transferring to your clothes, and so that when you wake up you can see the finished result.
Apply small amounts at a time and concentrate on working it in evenly. Use cotton balls to apply a face tanner to the backs of the hands - this should avoid the orange hand syndrome.
Always wash your hands thoroughly afterwards - some people even wash during - to avoid colour building up between fingers and around the nails.
Quick fixes
If the worst has happened and the colour is streaky, uneven or just too intense there are some things you can try.
Have a hot shower, loofah or exfoliate to remove as much colour as possible and moisturise. Other options include using lemon juice to lighten streaks or going for a swim at the pool - the chlorine is said to help colour fade.
Tanning wipes can be used to patch up uneven areas or to fix tan lines before a special occasion. Garnier has sachets for both face and body.
Tanorexia is a term used to describe people who just can't say no to tanning. Think Lindsay Lohan on a bad day or Donatella Versace on any day. Tanorexics think of themselves as unacceptably pale, no matter how much like an oompa loompa they really look.
Reader road tests
"I liked this because it wasn't too intense and went on evenly and not streaky. It also had a nice fragrance."
"It looked really natural. It dries quickly so doesn't stain your clothes. I wore a white dress the same day and it was no problem."
"I liked the colour it went and that it changed quite quickly - you could do it for that night. It's also a good price and smells delicious."
"I usually go for a professional spray tan so this was different for me. It took quite a long time to process and the result wasn't really what I was expecting,"
