Step into summer

Summer is the season of skin, so follow our step-by-step guide to ensure you’re looking your best from day one

Step 1: Preparation is key

Before sunbathing or applying selftan, you want your skin to be in tip-top condition. Exfoliate to remove dry or flaky skin and leave your skin feeling perfectly smooth. This is also key to avoiding streaks in self tan, as dry, damaged skin will soak up more product and could result in darker patches. A body mitt is a quick and easy way to achieve smooth skin: the Forsters Natural Bamboo Massage Glove is ideal as it’s made from a mix of natural bamboo and organic linen, and gently exfoliates the whole body while you’re in the bath or shower without the need for any harsh chemicals. You can use it wet for deep body exfoliation, or dry for a pampering massage.

Another great way to prep your skin for the sun is to use a body scrub: try Benecos Body Scrub which softens and smooths without any chemical ingredients – it uses finely ground apricot kernels and almond powder to gently exfoliate and remove dry skin. Finish off with a moisturising body lotion: Benecos Body Lotion contains seven skin-nourishing organic plant extracts and oils to care for and protect your skin.

Step 2: Get that glow, naturally

The safest way to a gorgeous tan is to use a natural self-tan treatment. Lavera self-tanners contain botanical ingredients including sugar-based erythrulose and DHA (dihydroxyacetone) which comes from rape seed. Their valuable organic macadamia oil and organic sunflower oil make them easy to apply, giving you a natural tan and glow. Lavera Self Tanning Lotion is perfect for the body while Self Tanning Cream is ideal for the face.

Step 3: The importance of after care

After sunbathing, your skin needs extra care, particularly if it feels tight and uncomfortable. Lavera After Sun Lotion contains moisturising organic aloe-vera to cool and pamper your skin, while valuable organic shea butter provides nourishing care and leaves skin velvety soft. It’s quickly absorbed, provides intense 24-hour moisture and helps your tan last longer.

Step 4: Accessorise with gorgeous hair and nails

After putting all that effort into your skin, the last thing you want is for your sun goddess look to be spoiled by dry, damaged hair. A pre-wash deep conditioning treatment such as Khadi Ayurvedic Hair Oil will improve your hair’s elasticity, strengthen the roots and restore dull, damaged hair, leaving it soft and full of shine. Just massage the oil into your hair before washing, and leave for half an hour – or even overnight, if your hair really needs it – with your hair wrapped in a warm towel. Then wash your hair as normal with your favourite Khadi Ayurvedic Shampoo – the rose shampoo is perfect for repairing sun-damaged hair, and neem is ideal if your scalp feels sore or itchy.

Step 5: Don't forget your feet

In warm, sunny weather you’ll want to wear strappy shoes or sandals, so it’s important that your feet look as good as the rest of you! Handle any dry skin with a Forsters Natural Bamboo Massage Glove, then smother feet in a pampering body lotion like Benecos Natural Body Lotion in Aloe Vera or Pomegranate & Rose. The finishing touch is a gorgeous natural nail polish: Benecos nail polishes are certified vegan and free from toluene, formaldehyde and phthalates. Summer is the perfect time to try a bright, adventurous colour, like Desire, or a pretty pink shade, like My Secret.

Win one of 5 sets of Organii Everyday Organics High Protection Sun Milk and After Sun Cream, worth £23.40 each here

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