While a bronzed look is desirable, especially in summer or on a holiday, we all know the dangers of the sun's UV rays. Is a temporary tan worth the permanent sun damage, sun spots and wrinkles? Absolutely not! Self-tanners are a great alternative, freeing us all from pale summers.

If you've ever used a self-tanner, chances are, you've experienced a horror story involving streaking or orange palms. However, the past few years have produced the latest and greatest generation of self-tanning products. No longer do you have to suffer from the unnatural orange colour, the unpleasant odour or the unsightly fading of the old self-tanners. Today's self tanners are formulated to give you an even, natural looking tan that lasts longer, has a deep brown undertone and fades just like a real tan!

Whilst self-tanners are easy to use once you get the hang of them, these summer-must-haves are also easy to misapply if you haven't already mastered the right technique. The reason? All self-tanners contain a chemical called DHA, which temporarily stains the uppermost layer of your skin, within an hour. So if you don't apply the product correctly to begin with, it's hard to stop this process once it starts. So we have asked the experts for some tips on how to get a healty, sun-kissed summer glow in no time.

For this month's readers, we have reduced all the prices for products included in this newsletter. But be quick, these prices won't last! And don't forget to sign up for the Fresh Loyalty Club to receive an additional 5% off all your purchases.

Never used a self-tanner? Don't stress...it's easy! The easiest way for a beginner would be to use a cream or gel. Mousses, oils are sometimes difficult to control. Foam mousses dry fast and it can leave you with stripes, if you don't even it out quickly enough. Sunless tanners require a bit of practice for a perfect sun-kissed glow, however, once mastered, your glowing new tan will certainly get everyone thinking if you've just come back from a holiday in the Caribbean.

So how do you avoid tanning mishaps? There are some very important steps you need to take in order to achieve the best possible tan. Here are some tips to get the maximum benefit from your self-tanning products.

STEP ONE: EXFOLIATE

The first step prior to applying a self-tanner is exfoliation. Prepare your skin by exfoliating every morning in the shower a few days before you apply self-tanner. Pay special attention to your elbows, knees and any other rough spots as these areas will soak up the self-tanner and turn darker. Fresh loves Dermalogica's gentle cream exfoliant for the face and Christian Dior's deep radiance exfoliating cream for the body, which is designed to prepare your skin for any tanning treatments.

STEP TWO: MOISTURIZE

Use a moisturizer for the days before you self-tan, but not immediately before-hand, as this will interfere with the self-tanner's absorption, paying special attention to drier areas. Fresh recommends Kiehl's Aloe massage cream for the body, and Clinique's dramatically different moisturizing lotion for the face.

STEP THREE: APPLY TANNING PRODUCT

Start applying the self-tanner from the bottom up. Rub in lightly and in circular motions- you can always go back later and and reapply a second time for a darker tan. Pay special attention to the areas that would tan naturally in the sun; the back of your legs, knees, arms, necks and shoulders. Fresh recommends Clinique's self-sun body quick bronze self-tanner. When applying to your face, remember to smooth it on your eyelids and into your hairline, making sure that you avoid your eyes and hair. But before applying self-tanner to your face, make sure it is formulated for use on the face. You want to avoid clogging your pores! Fresh loves Clarins' liquid bronze self-tanning for the face. Apply using a make-up sponge for a more blended, natural look, and be sure to get everywhere - including the back of your ears!