Keep your Cool this Summer!

• Jump in the shower - save time and effort with a 2 in 1 gel such as Oil of Ulay moisturising Body Wash, keeps skin fresh and softens without the need for extra body creams.

• Use less makeup - keep to the essentials. You may find you prefer to use waterproof makeup during the summer and switch to a multi-purpose tinted moisturiser instead of foundation. Christian Diors Multi Vitamin Tinted Moisturiser is luxury itself and contains an SPF10.

• Freshen up - keep a water spray handy to spritz on your face. Use a ready bought variety like Evian, as all the top models do, or simply make your own with chilled mineral water and a mini-spray bottle from Boots.

• Wear the right fabrics - Lycra may be great for the figure but definitely no good on long hot days. Choose natural fibres such as cotton or linen which will allow the skin to breathe.

• Simplify your skin routine - oil glands have a field day in the summer and bring all sorts of residue to the surface clogging pores resulting in blackheads. Cleanse more frequently but try a lighter and gentler product. If you prefer to wash your face look out for gel cleanses and alcohol-free toners which will not make your skin dry and tight with frequent use. Try Boots own 2 in 1 cleanser and toner in the cucumber range, an excellent product if your in a hurry.

• Drink more water - most of us don't drink nearly enough water especially if we are active in the sun. We loose water as we perspire causing dehydration of the skin. Water helps to flush toxins from the body - useful if you have over indulged on holiday. Make a bottle of water this years accessory and don't leave home without one!

• Change your perfume - heavy scents can be really cloying in the heat so switch to a lighter, perhaps faintly floral scent for summer or use the eau-de-cologne version of your usual perfume. Remember not to wear perfume at all if you are sunbathing as it often causes an allergic reaction and discolouration spots.

• Invest in a long, cool cotton shirt to protect you in really hot weather. Try popping it in a bag in the fridge - wonderfully refreshing after a spell of sunbathing!

Five Fake Tan Tips

1. Shave your legs and gently exfoliate your whole body before applying. Do this a couple of hours before you start to allow the skin to settle down.
2. Work from the feet upwards, taking your time using upwards and circular motions. Get a friend to help with your back!
3. Before the cream soaks in fully, take an old flannel and wipe over knees, ankles, elbows and in between fingers and toes. This will avoid over collection in these areas.
4. Wear old, loose clothing whilst cream dries and always wait until fully absorbed before getting into bed. Stay indoors, as natural sunlight can streak fake tan until it is fully developed.
5. Fake tan usually takes 2-4 hours before developing. Always wait the recommended time before applying a second coat if you wish to go darker. Two thin coats will give a much natural effect than one thick one!

Tried & Tested Tanning Creams

Olive Skin Tones - If this is your natural skin tone try Body Shop's Self Tan Lotion. This takes around 2 hours to develop a rich tan, more suited to olive skins.

Medium Skin Tones - For a medium bronzed look try Boots Soltan Self Tan. Its mousse formula is easy to apply and suits most skin tones.

Fair Skin Tones - If you want a nice golden glow to complement a fair skin, Yardley Easy Bronze Self Tan is the one for you! Quick and easy to apply, one coat gives a really natural sunkissed look.

Multi-Purpose Products

Elizabeth Ardens Eight Hour Cream. This miraculous cream is a firm favourite with top makeup artists. They swear it will soothe burns, chapping, peeling, cuts and grazes and dry patches. It is good for TD colspan="2" valign="top" width="680"ring a bloom to dull skin! Sounds like the complete answer at around £15.00!