Your 2008 tan plan

I have a regime that will ensure you arrive on the beach feeling confident, tan safely and keep your color glowing long after you get home…

Before you go

• Take Imedeen tan optimizer, for a month before your holiday. It contains lycopene and vitamins proven to reduce sun sensitivity. Or wear Jeanne Piaubert anti-aging tanning activator patches every night to boost your ability to tan.
• Use a lotion with a low level of self-tan to ease the fear of that first ‘stripping off’ moment – you’ll also be less tempted to go for the burn on day one. Try NO7 protect&perfect anti-ageing pre-holiday body treatment, with added antioxidants.
• Stock up on suncream.

On holiday

• Avoid the midday sun. We’ve heart it all before, but some people still insist on lying on a lounger at 1pm, even though the sun is really fierce between 12-3 pm. Do you really think red-raw blisters are going to enhance your tan?
• Don’t forget your hot spots. The nose, ears and lips are prime targets for sunburn. Carry a sun stick like Soltan Extreme face&lip protection SPF 25 and apply throughout the day.
• Wear a hat. In fact, we think you should keep your face out of the sun totally and use bronzer instead. You’ll still enjoy the warmth of the sun on your body without ageing your face five years.
• Use aftersun. It will rehydrate skin and help prevent peeling. Many will enhance your tan, too -try Tesco soleil beauty tan accelerating aftersun lotion. If you’re burnt, Savlon aftersun foam spray, is super-cooling.

When you come back

• Prolong your tan by using an aftersun with low levels of fake tan- it’ll hydrate more than regular gradual tanners. We love Clarins after sun moisturizer self tanning and Ambre solaire hydrating tan maintainer.