‘No makeup makeup’ is still very much on the summer glow agenda, a look which MAC’s director of makeup artistry Terry Barber describes as a ‘healthy, poreless glow rather than anything baked on’.

A softly softly approach is also the order of the day when it comes to tanning, so it's important to ease yourself in – whichever direction you're taking.

We’ve enlisted a panel of pros to help unlock your glow whether it’s prêt-à-porter or courtesy of a sun-lounger.

There’s something about feeling the sun on your skin that simply can’t be replicated. Like seratonin in a sunbeam, not only does it make us feel happy, it elicits a glow like no other. But let’s get down to – bronze – tacks: sun exposure is also responsible for 80% of skin ageing, not to mention potential skin cancer risks. In short, most dermatologists will tell you that any tan is bad news for your skin, but knowing that the lure of the sunbed is also one of life’s greatest pleasures, here’s how to do it safely according to founder of Murad Skincare and board-certified dermatologist Dr Murad.

‘No matter where you are, UV rays are present all year round, even on cold, cloudy days. UVA rays – otherwise known as the “ageing” rays – are the same strength all year round and are the most damaging, penetrating deep into the dermis. They contribute to premature ageing (it takes just 10 minutes for UV rays to kickstart the breakdown of collagen in your skin) and even skin cancer.

‘UVB rays are known as the “burning” rays and are responsible for causing sunburn and mutations to your DNA.’

‘As a result, sunscreen should always be your first port of call even when it’s cloudy, and that goes for all skin types. Darker complexions need just as much protection as fairer types and while they might be less vulnerable to skin cancers, they are just as susceptible to hyperpigmentation and free radical damage.

‘You can also help to support your skin internally by increasing your intake of brightly-coloured, water-rich fruits and vegetables which are full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to help your skin heal and protect against future damage from the sun and your environment.’

The upshot? The healthiest tan with the greatest longevity relies on a good sunscreen with broad spectrum UV protection (UVA and UVB) and at least SPF 30, which should be applied 20 minutes or more before you go out and topped up regularly. Slathering it on is the only way to ensure adequate protection – aim for a teaspoon for the face and a shot glass full for the rest of your body. Seek frequent shade breaks and stay out of the sun completely when it’s at its most intense – typically between noon and 3pm.

Never underestimate the mood-enhancing power of a self tan. As a more skin-friendly alternative to the real thing, this ‘boost-in-a-bottle’ is the ultimate in (almost) instant gratification.

‘As we take our first, precious steps towards freedom there’s no doubt that many of us are looking forward to casting aside our loungewear in favour of something a little more dressy, and in terms of a pick-me-up, a post-lockdown glow is certainly a great place to start,’ says top tanner James Harknett. ‘But while the promise of getting back to looking and feeling the very best we can is deliciously appealing, the last year has also taught us a lot about being more relaxed in terms of over-taxing beauty routines. Even the most experienced tanners may find themselves feeling somewhat de-skilled so it’s important to ease ourselves into the new season’s glow.

‘Gradual tanners such as ESPA’s Gradual Tan Body Moisturiser are perfect for switching up your own natural skintone and providing some much needed warmth, particularly on pale-to-medium complexions. This year is definitely about the laid-back glow as opposed to the statement tans that may await us when the world begins to open up a little more. Use over consecutive nights to build up both your confidence and your desired skin finish.’

‘For the face, it makes sense to go for a buildable self-tan such as Dior’s Bronze Self-Tanning Jelly Gradual Glow – Face but remember to use an oil-free moisturiser the next day to help preserve your shade, and don’t forget to add an SPF containing UVA and UVB protection.

‘Alternately for an instant glow, or to really enhance your gradual tan once it has developed, Sisley Sun Glow offers a luminescent, sheer-finish that also looks beautiful on darker skintones.

‘Key to the most even, natural-looking finish? Prep, prep, prep – so don’t skimp on exfoliation. Clarins Exfoliating Body Scrub is really gentle, thorough and has a non-oily formula, which is really important when using self tan. Make sure you’ve taken care of hair removal 24 hours before to avoid the product settling into the pores.’

According to makeup guru Francois Nars, bronzed skin should look ‘multi-dimensional, with soft contours and a warm glow.’ But while it may be the quickest way to enliven winter-weary skin, bronzer requires a little know-how for the most believable finish.

‘Even seasoned bronzer buffs may be feeling a little rusty at the moment and while people have been watching more how-to videos online they may not have had the opportunity to actually try the looks out themselves,’ says makeup artist Cassie Lomas.

‘For complexions that haven’t seen the light of day in a while, I always recommend a little pre-bronzing prep. Start by reviving the skin with a gentle exfoliator to make it look smoother and fresher while keeping it super hydrated by applying a face oil at night. Adding a drop of gradual tan into your daily moisturiser is also a great way to start building up that glow.’

‘Once you have a bit of base colour, I recommend using a cream bronzer which can be applied with a big dual-fibre brush. Always start in the areas where you want the colour to be deepest and buff out in circular motions from there. I like to use my bronzer to gently sculpt the contours of my face such as the hollows of the cheeks and under the chin. Apply in the shape of a number 3, starting at the temples, coming down onto the cheekbones and finishing along the jaw before swooshing over the rest of the face.

‘If you’re simply looking to warm up your overall skintone, another tip is to use a tinted moisturiser or very lightweight base and simply opt for a shade darker than you usually wear – otherwise known as your “summer colour”. Apply it as you would your bronzer using a big brush for a super sheer, naturally radiant finish.’