James Harknett: Putting 'The W' in Winter...

It’s been a busy autumn for me in the world of tanning and as we head into winter, things show no sign of slowing down! Here’s what I’ve been up to…

I was thrilled to work with the lovely Emma Willis again, tanning Emma for her recent Gillette Venus photo-shoot and then again for the audition rounds of the new series of The Voice. Emma loves a Sienna X 10% solution which suits her skin tone perfectly, resulting in a natural golden tan.

As I previously predicted, male tanning continues to become more and more popular. I’ve been tanning lots of professional male models recently, including one of the most recognised faces (and bodies!) in the world, Mr David Gandy. I’m always very proud to see my Sienna X tans on David and his recent cover for the Australian GQ was a particular favourite of mine. Check out the Sienna X Therapist Locator to find your nearest approved therapist who can offer a similar treatment!

It’s around this time of year that I always get asked for my top tips on maintaining a tan and keeping skin looking its best. The change in climate and cold, windy weather can really play havoc with our skin, so extra care is needed to make sure clients get the best results from their spray tan treatment.

I advise my clients to moisturise their skin at least twice a day and especially after bathing, as water can dry skin out. Try the√Ǭ†Radiance Body Balm√Ǭ†if you want a subtle shimmer to eccentuate your natural skin tone. Tempting as it is, also try and avoid a long hot soak if your tan has recently been applied – stick to a warm, short shower because your skin will lose less moisture. Use a soft towel to press dry the skin and then moisturise with an oil free product that’s not too rich or buttery, (as this can sometimes mean the product has a lot of oil in it) that won√¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t strip your tan. Hydration is crucial, so make sure you are drinking plenty of water.

Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the lovely people I’ve met this year on the Sienna X Masterclass courses. It’s always so inspiring to meet other professional tanners and hear their stories – I’m looking forward to training many more of you, next year! My dream is to launch in New York so watch this space√¢‚Ǩ¬¶