Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn moreThe summer social season is here and it feels like we have a big event - whether that's a wedding, the races or a garden party - booked in every weekend over the next few months. We've sorted all our travel arrangements and planned our outfits weeks in advance. The only thing we're missing? A healthy golden glow!While the UK may be experiencing a heatwave right now, it can take weeks to build up a natural tan. Plus, we much prefer to stay out of the sun's harmful UV rays if we can avoid it. So, if you're anything like us, you'll be reaching for the fake tan this summer to keep you looking bronzed. @tan_luxeGone are the days when your only option was fake tans that made you look orange and stained your bed sheets, there are now loads of great fake tan products available at varying price points. Of course, the quality of tan makes no difference if you're not applying them properly. We sat down with some of the industry's top tanning experts to find out their simple tips to achieve the ultimate faux summer glow. 7 tips to get the perfect streak-free tan Preparation is key'If I could give just one piece of advice, it would be this: prepare your skin properly,' says Nicola Matthews, founder of professional tanning brand Sienna X. 'We all want to rush straight to the tanning, but preparation is what separates an average tan from one that looks professionally applied.'Matthews recommends exfoliating skin 24-48 hours before you apply your tan - paying particular attention to areas like the hands, elbows, knees and ankles which are often especially dry. If you shave or wax, do this at least a day before too, as freshly opened hair follicles can leave a dotted appearance.On the day you are applying your tan, make sure your skin is clean, dry and free from moisturiser, deodorant, perfume and body oils, as these can affect how evenly your tan develops. 2. Don't skip the aftercareMatthews also highlights how proper aftercare is just as important as prep to ensure an even, lasting tan. For example, when it's time to rinse off your tan, make sure to shower until the water runs completely clear, then gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it. Additionally, to keep your tan looking fresher for longer, moisturise once or twice a day. 'Well-hydrated skin helps your tan fade more evenly and can add several extra days to its life,' she explains. 3. Look for products with hydrating ingredientsLook for fake tanning products which also include hydrating skincare ingredients, such as Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Q10 and Squalane. 'Hydrated skin not only looks healthier, it helps your tan develop more evenly and fade more naturally,' says Matthews.For those with dry or sensitive skin, she also suggests avoiding formulas that rely heavily on alcohol, as these can be drying on the skin. 4. Invest in tools for a seamless application Johanna Bennemann, International Marketing Manager at Tan-Luxe emphasises the importance of applying product with good quality tools. For example, for trickier areas - such as the hands, elbows, knees and ankles, Bennemann recommends using a kabuki brush to buff and blend the product into the skin. 'This helps diffuse the colour in areas that naturally absorb more tan, creating a flawless, streak-free finish.' For the rest of the body, apply your self-tan using a tanning mitt, working in light, even layers and blending in circular motions for the most seamless finish. 5. Take extra care when on holidayKeeping your fake tan looking its best can be even harder on holiday, thanks to drying chlorine, exfoliating sand and increased sweating from lying out in the sun. Bennemann explains that increased hydration is key to making your tan last while away. 'Moisturising every day helps keep skin healthy and prevents your tan from fading unevenly. After swimming in the pool or the sea, rinse off chlorine or salt water as soon as possible and gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing with a towel.''SPF is absolutely essential and won't stop you from maintaining your glow,' she adds. In fact, protecting your skin from UV damage helps keep it healthy, allowing your tan to fade more evenly. If you're spending lots of time in the sun or swimming regularly, a gradual tanning product is also a great option as it's perfect for topping up your colour throughout your holiday. It means you can maintain an even, natural-looking glow without the faff and time it takes to reapply a full tan.6. Choose a fake tan that complements your skin toneTandae co-founder Georgia Davies recommends choosing a fake tan that complements your skin tone to ensure the most natural finish. 'If you have cool or olive skin, you should use a green undertone tan as the green tones will act as a colour corrector.' Alternatively, if you have very fair or pale skin, you should use a red undertone tan (such as Tandae's Rouge Oud). 'The red tones will cancel out dull tones in your skin, leaving you with a healthy bronzed colour,' she explains.7. Tailor your tanning products for different parts of your body'When it comes to tanning your face, it really comes down to preference,' explains Davies. 'If you’re using a mousse, you must make sure it is non-comedogenic which means that it won’t block your pores and cause breakouts.' However, when in doubt, a product designed specifically for the face is always the best bet as it will have been created with ingredients that shouldn't irritate the delicate skin on your face. Davies also suggests trying a mist product (rather than a lotion) to tan the face as they're often made with ingredients that help improve the overall appearance of the skin. They're also great as they offer lightweight, buildable coverage that feels really natural.Now shop our favourite at-home tanning products...