Step 1 - test
Self-tanning products are a cinch to use (even for us men) and, of course, are a lot safer than baking on a beach. But if you’re at all nervous, begin with a patch test on a part of your body that isn’t exposed and wait a day to see how it looks before applying the product to the rest of you.

Step 2 - exfoliate
The number one mistake men make when using self-tanners is slapping them on without exfoliating the skin first. Bad idea! That’s because dead, dry skin cells on the surface of your bod soak up a greater amount of the self-tan leading to uneven, patchy results.
 
It’s easy to avoid this, though, by preparing skin with a body scrub like Nickel Super Clean Body Scrub 250ml £15.35 or by polishing skin with the help of Menscience’s Buff Body Gloves £11.50. When using either, make sure you focus on dry areas like the elbows, knees and heels. It’s a bit like sanding down a door before applying a fresh coat of paint – if you do it you get much better results.
Step 3 - apply
To ensure even coverage on dry areas apply a little Moisturiser to wrists, elbows, knees and ankles before using the self-tanner. If you have fair hair it’s also worth applying a little moisturiser on the eyebrows and around the hairline too to prevent staining.
Then grab yourself a self tanner like St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Spray 150ml £20.45. Spray onto the skin evenly ensuring all bits are covered (you might have to rope in a willing accomplice for the tricky bits!) then blend in using long, smooth and gentle strokes. Don’t rub or you’ll end up with uneven results. Only apply very small amounts to the areas you moisturised.

Step 4 - be careful
After you’ve finished applying the self tanner wash hands immediately (you don’t want tanned palms!) and avoid wearing clothes until the tanner is fully absorbed and dry to the touch.

Step 5 - moisturise
To make the tan last apply a body moisturiser like Biotherm Homme Aquapower Body 250ml £20.45 every few days. This will help keep skin in tip top condition and will help counteract the drying effects of the DHA (the tanning ingredient in fake tans).

Brilliant Bronzers

Looking for a healthy glow rather than a deep tan? Then why not use one of these three facial bronzers from Biotherm?


Best for giving you a temporary tan

St Tropez Everyday Gradual Tan Face - Light/Medium 50ml £14.30
If you’re just looking for something to give your face some subtle colour, try this tinted moisturising cream. It’s brilliant for adding a little temporary colour to pasty feet when the sandals come out too!


Best ‘quick fix’
Biotherm Homme Power Bronze Matt Powder Brush 3.5g £31.00
For instant, controllable and temporary results nothing beats this easy-to-apply bronzing powder. Perfect for fast-acting touch-ups before nights out or important meetings. Washes off in seconds too.

Best for a gradual tan
Biotherm Homme High Recharge Natural Bronze 50ml £26.55
This ultra-light daily moisturiser contains small amounts of self tanner to provide a gradual, healthy-looking facial tan that’s subtle and easily incorporated into your daily grooming routine.