Ten new ways to tan

Tanning is no longer about simply slapping on some SPF. With the latest crop of foolproof-fakers and science-savvy sun creams, getting a glow is easier (and healthier) than ever!

1. Trim while you tan
Don't panic, we're not talking about stomach crunching while sipping a Sea Breeze. A kinder, more relaxing way of tackling bumpy bits is by using one of the new contouring sun creams. Try Pout's Sexy Sunwear Firming Shimmer Sunscreen SPF20, (£18) that tones while you tan. Or invest in a bottle of Lancaster Celluli-Burner Tan Booster SPF15, (£19.50). This miracle-worker works skin in three ways: fights fat with firming and flab-draining ingredients; protects skin from burning; and special tan boosters deepens your colour by over 70%!

2. Work your melanin
Kick-start your colour by using tanning activators before your holiday. Creams like Institut Esthederm Sun Preparation Cream, (£22.50) from Space NK, use hi-tech ingredients to stimulate melanin (the part of your skin that makes it brown). Also try Lancaster Celluli-Breaker Tan Stimulator, (£28) for the same effect.

3. Cover up conveniently
Gone are the days of thick, white, gloopy sunscreens. Today it's much easier to cover up with easy-to-use formulas:

  • SPRAYS: For quick and even protection. Try Clarins Oil-Free Suncare Spray SPF15, (£16).
  • WIPES: To cover hard-to-reach areas. Use Dermalogica Full Spectrum Wipes SPF15, (£19.30).
  • STICKS: On-the-spot coverage for easily burnt bits. Buy Dr. Hauschka Sun Screen Stick SPF30, (£6).

4. Use a higher factor
We have finally gotten the message that using a higher factor equals no burning, not no tan! And companies have cottoned on by launching super-strength SPF's. So SPF50 is the new SPF15 - with Clinique, Ambre Solaire and Boots all starting the trend, it'll be no time before anything below SPF15 will be phased out.

5. Treat wrinkles too
We all know that sunbathing causes premature ageing but that doesn't seem to stop us. Well, not at least until we realise that those crow's feet have deepened a decade too early because of those fabulous fortnights in Florida. By which time, even though it's too late, we start to feel the pressure and cover up completely! But now, with new wrinkle-working sun creams, there's no need to spend the rest of your days scared of the sun. Lancome's new range - Absolue Soleil - de-creases existing wrinkles by plumping them out with collagen and revolutionary sunscreens prevent dark spots. Available in SPF's 15 to 50 for the face and body.

6. Tan all year round
What's more depressing than a fading tan? If you're keen to keep your colour, top it up daily with a tinted moisturiser. They need less effort than regular self tans, these new daily fakers work like a regular moisturiser whilst giving skin a naturally sun-kissed sheen. For the body, try No7 Naturally Sun-kissed Body Moisturiser, (£9). And for the face, use Clarins Radiance-Plus Self Tanning Cream-Gel, (£23.50).

7. Use sunscreen once a day
There's no risk of burning with Boots Soltan Once. Perfect for more forgetful sunbathers, simply apply liberally in the morning and you'll be protected for six hours. This light lotion comes in SPF15, SPF30 and SPF40. From (£3.49).

8. Colour with confidence
Being sun-kissed isn't always straightforward. But you can now tackle your traumas with the newest range of tanning trouble-shooters:

  • If you're prone to prickly heat...use a sun cream for sensitive skin. Try Garnier Ambre Solaire UV Sensitive Protection Milk Ultra SPF50+, (£13.99). Its extra-caring formula reduces the risk of rashes.
  • If your tan has tide marks...wipe them away with St Tropez Wipe Away Cleansing Wipes, £7.
  • If fake tan dries out your skin...try an extra-moisturising faker. Buy Boots Soltan Sensitive Self Tan Facial Extra Moisturising Lotion, (£5.99).

9. Fake it faster
Say goodbye to standing around starkers for hours and choose from this selection of quick-working tanners:

  • Instant Tints: For foolproof faking try a wash-off formula like Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant Tan Sun Makeup For Face & Body, (£4.99. It dries on application, plus mistakes can be washed off with soap and water.
  • Speedy Sprays: Glow like a pro with a spray-on tan. Either do-it-yourself with ModelCo Tan Airbrush in a Can, (£34) or treat yourself to a salon spritz. Rodial's new Brazilian Tan delivers a deeper tan in only one minute. Available exclusively at Spa NK, call 0207 727 8002 for details.
  • Face Fresheners: As light as toner, the quickest way to colour your complexion is with a self-tanning water. Apply Lancome's Aqua Flash Bronzer, (£18.50) with cotton wool so there are no smears, tide-marks or tell-tale stains on your fingers.
  • Mistake-Free Mousse: Be sun-kissed in seconds with Garnier Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Mousse, (£9.99). The light formula quickly melts into skin so you can get dressed in minutes.

10. Go organic
Vegetables aren't the only items on your shopping list that can be organic. Environmentalists and those with highly sensitised skins take note: organic sunscreens are becoming more popular. Their chemical-free formulations are kind to allergy-prone skin and they're not as smelly as you'd think! The Green People Company has a broad range. Visit www.greenpeople-organic-health.co.uk.