12 days of Christmas: Day 10

Summer is all about getting your tan on! Well forget spending hours in the sun, because I have tried and tested the latest faux tans out there for you.

For those who think what is all the fuss about tans - a tan instantly makes you look a lot healthier (unless you choose a yellow based tan, and well in that case you could look like you have come down with a nasty case of jaundice), has a slimming effect, and makes you feel more confident in your clothes.

Say goodbye to your pale, Casper the Ghost days, as I help you find the right tan for you this summer.

Before we move onto the different types of tan, in order to have an optimal tan you must make sure you have a tanning routine.
So here's my pre-tan routine:
1 week before getting a tan, start exfoliating every day in the shower (making sure to concentrate on the areas the tan catches on the most - ankles, elbows and knees). Once you come out of the shower, moisturise your body. The day prior to having your spray tan, it is recommended that you shave your legs (shaving on the day leads to a tanning disaster...trust me on this one). On the day of the tan, do not moisturise yourself after the shower. Also, as hard as this is, do not use any deodorant, body spray or perfume on your body on the day of getting your tan (once you have your tan, that is when you can use deodorant).
When going for a spray tan, wear loose, dark clothing (too tight, and the tan will stick to your clothes, too light and the tan could stain your clothing). Ensure that all your hair is back, and no make-up or jewellery on. I would also recommend some really easy slip on shoes to wear for after your tan (anything strappy will leave marks on your feet), and that goes for bras - no bras after your tan.
Post-tan routine:
For a long lasting tan, use a moisturiser after every shower. I would also recommend using a tan extender.
Removing your tan:
Use an exfoliator and exfoliator glove whilst showering. Ensuring that you scrub every area of your body that has tan. This will remove your tan. It make take a few goes to get all the tan off, but the majority will be able to be removed during your initial exfoliation.Tanning accessories
Exfoliator
Exfoliating glove
Moisturiser
Tan extender
Tanning glove (greatest invention of all time - forget the rubber gloves or the bare hands ladies!)

Gradual/buildable tan

The most hyped-up tan of 2013 - JBronze. I have categorised this under gradual/buildable as you will need well and truly more than a one-layer application to see a change of colour in your skin (so start tanning a few days before the event!). In the JBronze range, I would definitely stick to the cream rather than the spray; and I would also opt for the 'Dark' colour - if you can hardly see a colour change with one layer of dark, then there is no chance that the 'Medium' will make any difference. A good thing about this product is that you can easily see where you are applying the tan, to ensure there are no streaks. This product can be purchased from the JBronze online store, Priceline and most chemists, for $29.95.
Note: this tan is quite sticky (so best to use it at night), it has a shimmer finish, and has a very floral scent.


Wash-off tan

Ideal for ladies that have a function, and want to go to the office the next day not looking bronzed, this Model Co. tan lasts until you wash it off. Quick to put on, and even quicker to take off, this bottle of magic will cost you $28. With a caramel smell, and no stickyness you are ready to head out the door in no time. But beware, being caught in the rain, having any element of liquid spilt on you - will cause the tan to mark. Another tip, if you are wearing white, or leaning on a white tablecloth - just don't, this tan transfers very easily!

But, there can only be one tan on the top of my Christmas list this 12 days of Christmas, this tan is instant, smells like cocoa-butter, and will withstand the test of time...I'm talking about Model Co. Tan Airbush in a Can.

I have been using this baby for the past 7 years, and have never turned back. I like to do 2 layers of this tan (as I like a darker spray). The best thing about this product is that it dries fast, is not sticky, and if used with the tanning glove, will give you a streak-free tan.
This product can be purchased from the Model Co. website, or from Priceline and David Jones.
I would highly recommend that every girl looking for a perfect tan, give Model Co. a try! 
At first I was slightly offended that my friend bought me a fake-tan for my birthday - what was she trying to tell me?? But now I can't thank her enough for getting me onboard the Model Co. tan from such a young age.

Not only do Model. Co have amazing tanning products, they also have a great range of beauty products (that are tried and tested by me), but I'll save that for another post.

So rememeber, when you think tan, think Model Co. Let me know your thoughts on Instagram @jspstyling. And happy tanning!