Skip the sunburn, banish strap marks and avoid premature ageing this summer with the ultimate shortcut to bronzed, sun-kissed skin – faking it.

The safest way to undergo a bronze transformation is by swapping the sun lounger for self-tan.

Whether you’re aiming for a light glow or dark bronze, the self-tan market has it nailed with solutions that will keep everyone guessing.

Get your glow just right by carrying out a patch test first to see if it suits your skin tone. The same self-tan can look completely different on two people, as it reacts to acids in the upper layers of your skin.

Mousse, lotion or gel, whatever solution you prefer, avoid orange hand after-effects.

“Use a tanning mitt when applying your tan,” recommends James Read, leading tanning expert.

“Work down in stages so that you don’t miss bits. When tanning your hands and feet, use excess product from the arms and then work it down over and on to the hands, do the same with the legs on to the feet.”

A bronzing spray is the easiest method for tanning hard-to-reach areas quickly. Instant formulas are ideal for a quick-fix night out glow but leave-on self-tans develop a deeper, longer lasting colour.

“Leave your tan on for five hours for a weekend away look, seven to eight hours for a week away look, or sleep with the tan on for a fortnight away vibe,” says James Read.

The aim of the self-tan game is to ensure your face and body seamlessly match up in colour.

“Don’t over-tan the face,” warns James Harknett, Sienna X’s celebrity tanning expert. “Use a tanning lotion with a colour guide and blend with your day moisturiser, half and half, for a more subtle finish.”

Preparation is all-important. James Harknett suggests: “Always ensure you have a clear, smooth base for your tan to cling to – avoid using any oil-based products the day before your tan and gently exfoliate to create even skin tone.”

Self-tan products have a tendency to dry out the skin. To make your glow last longer, apply a hydrating mask to the face and neck area and leave on for three to four hours to seal in the colour.

Once you have your base tan, intensify your glow with sun-kissed accents using a bronzer for a shimmering look.