Smooth skin is the ideal base for your tan so a little prep work is required

Tanfastic

1 Exfoliate to get rid of dead skin cells

Facial scrubs need to be gentle. Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant, a mild rice-based powder, instantly leaves skin smoother and brighter. It's on special offer for €37.50 with free delivery from kudosbeauty.ie. For the body choose either a grainy formula or use a body brush on dry skin before showering. Exfoliating gloves are also effective.

2 Moisturise drier areas

Elbows, knees and feet grab more colour and end up darker. Apply tan to the rest of your body, then sweep the residue on your hands on dryer spots for an even finish.

3 Gradual tans offer more control

Both Johnson's Holiday Skin and Dove Summer Glow cost less than a tenner and come in different strengths of colour. For the face, Olay's Total Effects night cream has a built-in self-tanner.

4 A tinted formula lets you see where the colour is going

Au Courent gives a natural finish on Irish skintones (available at queen.ie). The Xen tan range is also excellent (check it out on feelunique.com).

5 Use a tanning mitt

An inexpensive but worthwhile investment that will save your hands from staining.

I CANT LIVE WITHOUT Lynn McCool, director of golf at Lough Erne Resort

I’m out in all weathers given my job, and my skin had suffered the effects. When I was getting married my mother suggested I go to the beautician, who told me my acid mantle (which is the membrane of skin that protects against all the elements), had broken down due to the wind.

I had been golfing for years, but I was ignorant to the importance of SPF. So I embarked on a six-week programme to build up my skin. This required cleanse, repair, and moisturiser with SPF. Now I have fresh-looking skin and don’t go so red in the face anymore.

I can’t live without my Dermalogica products including Intensive Moisture Balance, Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser, the Toner Mist and love the Total Eye Care and Lip Balm.

I’m a fan of Estée Lauder’s Double Wear foundation and mascara .

When it comes to eye and lip shades, I’m a Rimmel woman, using the Sugar Plum lipstick and Colour Rush eye shadows.

Rimmel Sunshimmer, €7.95

It dries instantly to a natural finish and the transfer-free formula means it won’t stain clothing. Perfect for making a less than perfect tan more even

Lancome’s Star Bronzer Pinceau Magique, €38.84

Tan on the go with this mineral powder, which comes in two shades. The built-in brush makes application easy – simply sweep over skin for a instant summer glow.

Sally Hanson Airbrush Legs, €13.95

It’s not the easiest job to get a good finish on legs but this sprays colour evenly for a no-mess, even finish.

Karora Gradual Bronzing Moisturiser SPF 15, €14.99

Build up colour with a daily application of this Irish organic tanner, then use three times a week to maintain colour.