By Amanda Goff

The easiest way to get a smooth, tanning-salon effect at home is to use a spray tan in a can. Hold the can well away from you to ensure even coverage. The spray should feel wet on your skin but shouldn't drip. If it's too wet, hold the can farther away.

First, exfoliate before you tan. Next, use enough product to cover the area you're tanning and smooth it on with a flat hand.

Yes, exfoliating is vital. If you apply tanning lotion on top of a loose layer of dead skin cells, the tan rubs off more easily. Well-exfoliated skin means a longer-lasting tan.

At least 12 hours, and ideally 24. This allows the skin's hair follicles to close. If you apply tanning lotion too soon, it seeps into the follicles and leaves little spots of tan on your skin.

The main active ingredient in tanning products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with your skin to colour it. This essential element is what smells, but the intensity of the aroma depends on your skin type and the brand of tan you're using.

Once you've applied tanning lotion, it needs time to dry and develop its full colour. This can range from 20 minutes to overnight. You shouldn't put anything else on your skin during this period as it may affect the final result; however, once the colour has developed, you can apply moisturiser to hydrate your skin and prolong your tan. Carefully read the tanning product's instructions to see how long you should wait before moisturising.

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