If you’re after a quick, easy and inexpensive solution to winter whiteness, a great way to get that perfect summer glow in time for the warmer months is with a spray tan.

Not just for summer, a spray tan is a relatively fuss-free option for keeping you looking bronzed year round, or is a perfect treat to get you at your best for that special occasion.

A popular and sun-safe alternative to traditional tanning, we’ve put together the top tips for getting a spray tan and making it last!

1. Exfoliate and then moisturise your whole body the night before your tan. Exfoliating gloves, which you can generally pick up in your local supermarket or chemist, are great for this.

2. When choosing the shade of your tan, it is generally safer to start off light but definitely ask the advice of the beautician if you are still unsure. You can always try out a darker shade on following visits.

3. When you get to the tanning room, you will need to take off any jewellery, put on a hair net (put it right up to your hair line to avoid getting a mark across your head) and strip down to a paper g-string that is provided. If you are a little shy, you can wear clothing, tighter is better because then the tan can’t go under the sleeves. Just remember to pick clothes that cover the parts of the body you don’t want tanned. Also, choose dark coloured clothes, since spray tanners will stain clothing

4. Before the spray tan is applied you also need to remove any deodorant and makeup you may have on. You will generally be given wet wipes for this. Then you need to very lightly moisturise typically dry areas such as your toes, knee caps, elbows and just around your wrists. Remember to only use a little bit of moisturiser, too much and the spray tan won’t stick to your skin.

5. You will be sprayed with tan for approximately 5 – 10 minutes. Your beautician will instruct you along the way on how to stand, and changes to your position, for example – one leg in, one arm out etc, to ensure that you get an even coverage of tan over your entire body. It is important that where possible you keep your eyes and mouth shut during the spraying process.

6. Once the spraying is done, it is time to dry off. Generally, you will be left alone to dry yourself off with the fan function on the tanning machine. Even after five minutes, you will still feel a little sticky so focus your attention on drying important areas such as your face, neck, shoulders and arms.

7. When getting re-dressed, it is important that you wear loose clothing. The tan is still drying and any tight clothes, including a bra will most likely leave unwanted marks on your skin. A large dress or loose shirt and shorts will usually do the trick. It is also a good idea not to wear tight clothing, particular tight pants the day following the tan as it is may still rub off.

8. Do not shower for a minimum of ten hours following the tanning session. The tan will darken in colour over this time, but following your first shower will fade slightly to give you a more natural look. For a special occasion, get your tan done about two days ahead of the function to give the tan time to settle.

9. For the best results and to extend the life of your tan, moisturise your body daily following the tan and avoid baths, spas and swimming in chlorinated pools. These simple tricks will make the tan last a whole lot longer. It will generally get patchy after about 4 - 5 days, although a really good one can last anywhere from 8 – 10 days.

10. Remember that a spray tan does not provide you with any protection from the sun so suncream should still be worn when spending long periods of time outside.

There you have it, the top tips for topping up your colour this season and staying sun-kissed all year round. Don’t forget that summer is the perfect time of year to bag a bargain when it comes to spray tans with lots of beauty salons offering special prices or packages for the season. So avoid the vampire look and get tanned (the safe way) this silly season!