Tan is a best friend of many Irish ladies; according to a survey conducted by Hotels.com, almost a quarter of us lovely girls wear it.

However, not everyone gets it right. In fact, some people can get it seriously – SERIOUSLY – wrong. So, to avoid any tan mistakes, make sure you follow our Tan Commandments.

Take off old tan
Please, whatever you do, don’t apply fresh tan to old tan that has been there for a week. Get if off first.

Shave
If you have to shave your legs, make sure you do it the night before otherwise the tan will end up looking like you have a million freckles on your legs.

Exfoliate
This is the key to a natural look. Exfoliate your elbows, knees and any other areas where you are prone to dry patches, like the tops of your arms.

Moisturise
If you have particularly dry skin you need to moisturise before you apply the lotion. But, and this is a big but, don’t put on the tan until all the moisturiser has been absorbed.

Use a mitt
Make sure you use a mitt. Not only are brown hands never a good look, but it makes your tan go on a lot smoother.

Use small amounts
Only put a small amount of the product on the mitt. The last thing you want is to go overboard on the lotion and end up having to spend ages spreading it all over you.

Work up
Start at your legs and work your way up to your arms and neck.

Don’t rub
Don’t rub the tan into your body. Instead use big circular movements.

Places to avoid
Don’t apply the tan directly to your knees or elbows. Simply sweep over lightly with the mitt otherwise it will come out too dark there.

Blend
Make sure you blend, especially at your ankles, wrists and toes.

Moisturise after
After it has developed, apply moisturiser daily to keep your darker colour looking natural.