There is something about a golden glow that makes us feel good. Is it a skin dysmorphic disorder to think that tan equates to looking healthier, slimmer and making skin-revealing summer fashion just look hotter? As the sun is not our friend - cancer and its contribution to ageing are just two reasons why it should remain in the enemy camp. We thank the beauty gods for giving us instant tanification in a bottle! But, just because we have tan on tap it comes with its own warnings - streaking, blotching or becoming a tanorexic are all good reasons why you must tread carefully and BB is here to show you how to achieve tan perfection!

First up a little 101 on how self tanners work

• Most self tanners contain an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). It is a colourless sugar that interacts with the dead cells on the surface of the skin. As the sugar interacts with the dead skin cells, oohla your tan develops as a colour change occurs.
• Some people can be allergic to DHA and develop a rash-like reaction to it. So, for first time self tanners, do a small test on an area of the skin first to make sure there is no reaction.
• A few days before applying your self tan, begin a body buff up session.
• Make sure your legs are waxed/shaved - clear of hair.
• Exfoliate your skin religiously every day. Use a body scrub with a sponge and apply to all areas of the body. You can opt for a loofah but may find it a bit to rough on more sensitive areas of the skin.
• Use a body moisturiser after exfoliating, paying particular attention to rough areas like elbows and knees. This will make the surface of the skin smooth to ensure an even, flawless application.

Tan Time

• Wash and exfoliate all over the body. Do not use a loofah on tan day as it can be too harsh and cause streaking.
• To apply the tan evenly, invest in a small sponge paint roller from a hardware store. This will allow you to roll the tan evenly onto your body.
• Never spray a spray self tan directly onto your body as it is difficult if not near impossible to get an even application. If using a spray self tan, spray onto the roller and then apply to skin.
• Another great tip is to get a Wet One and let it dry. Hang it over your shower rail and spray the self tan onto the dry Wet One and then smooth all over your body. You can use this same method with tanning mousse, gels or creams. Keep applying self tan to the towel as it dries out.
• Get someone to help you apply to your back.
• Use less self tanning product on the rough areas of skin such as elbows and knees as these areas will tan more quickly.
• Five minutes after finishing your all over application, apply a little moisturiser to those rough areas to lighten the effect.
• Make sure you rinse your hands every 5 minutes to avoid orange hand syndrome.
• If you can, stay nude for at least an hour to let the tanner settle, or wrap yourself in a light bath robe.
• If you feel sticky after self tan application you can use a powder puff to apply baby powder over the body to get rid of the feeling of ickiness.
• Apply moisturiser to your tan every day.
• Your tan should last 5 days usually. Go through exactly the same process when you are about to reapply.
• Be sure to wear a SPF30 sunscreen every day as most self tanners do not have sun protection.