Originally posted on Gritty Pretty.com

This week Down Under, winter is coming.

Mother’s Day weekend brings an Arctic cold snap to Australia’s southeast coast; and with it heavy rain, biting winds and even snow. But, just because summer is on its way out, it doesn’t mean your bronzed body tan has to be too.

Here’s Gritty Pretty’s ultimate head-to-toe guide to getting a flawless, faux glow—all year round.

PREP SCHOOL

Don’t be the gal with all the gear but no idea. Whether you’re self-tanning your face or body, you must exfoliate first. FOR FACE Wash away rough, dry skin, and create a smooth surface with a cleansing brush like the Clarisonic Mia 2. or try ModelCo Exfoliating Cream Facial Scrub . FOR BODY Use an oil-free exfoliator (oil can leave a residue that causes streaks) like Organic Shop Organic Cocoa & Sugar Body Scrub, or try ModelCo Tan Remover Exfoliating Soap all over. Once your skin is smoothed and dried, make sure to moisturise your knees, ankles, elbows, knuckles, and wrists—areas notorious for over-absorbing color and getting too dark—using a rich body cream like L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream.

CHOOSE THE ONE

Wipes, sprays, mousses, gels, lotions, oils—when it comes to picking your formula, the options can seem endless. FOR FACE The most goofproof approach is to use a product that allows you to build color over time like ModelCo Gradual Tan Everyday. FOR BODY On normal skin, use a mousse or a gel. For dry skin, lotions or oils are best. For hard to reach places like your back and shoulders, try ModelCo Self-Tan Back Applicator. Whichever product you select, go for a tinted formula with a built-in bronzer. It will help you see where the color is going so you don’t miss any spots.

WAX ON, WAX OFF

Even the most pricey tanner won’t look natural on your skin if you don’t apply it correctly. FOR BODY Work in sections to ensure even application, and apply your colour with a tanning mitt to keep from staining your palms. Start from your feet and move upward so that you don’t create crease marks on your stomach or arms. Try this: Feet to knees; knees to thighs; stomach and chest; arms; back; neck.

FOR THE COMMITEMENT-PHOBE

Bronzing makeup gives you a temporary radiance without the hard work. FOR FACE Try Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow or Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid in Topaz or try ModelCo Bronze 2-in-1 which comes in a duo Shimmer and matte pan and a very handy Kabuki Brush – perfect for on the go glow!  If you prefer powder, we like  ModelCo Bronze Powder  or Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour SPF 15because it looks like you aren’t wearing powder at all. Apply your bronzer where the sun would hit your face naturally: cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and forehead.

To view the full range of ModelCo tanning products click here