Inexperienced applications of at-home tans can be as risky as a gamble at the roulette table. However, on this wheel, it’s not red and black you’ll find, but everything from golden brown to tangerine orange.

The men that visit spray tanner to the stars James Harknett – whose clientèle includes Harry Styles – at the W Hotel in Leicester Square, London, can’t afford the high stakes of getting it wrong. That’s why they opt for Harknett’s extensive tanning menu, which includes services that can be washed off in as little as two hours, complete with muscle-defining contour techniques.

However, if you aren’t able to book in with the Tom Ford of tanning, it’s important to learn how to turn that risky roulette punt into a sure-fire bet that’s going to pay dividends for your look. Here are Harknett’s top tips for achieving a fresh from the Côte d’Azur glow in the comfort of your own bathroom.

1. The Giveaway: Your Face

When it comes to tanning, the face is the biggest giveaway, so it needs to be subtle. If the response to your glow you’re after is “you look well” rather than “which product did you use?”, Harknett recommends applying your tan like you would your daily facial moisturizer.

“Choose a tanning product that has a dark guide color like Tom Ford’s Bronzing Gel, so there is no fear of missing a single area, thus no streaks or blotches,” he says.

“Work it in as you would your daily moisturizer and blend gently into the hairline, then use a tissue to remove any product from the eyebrows. Cleanse and shower in the morning for an effortless, subtle glow.”

Tom Ford Bronzing Gel – Click To Buy

2. Tanning With Stubble

A warm tan can help define the shape of a beard as well as make it look fuller and darker. However, gel, mousse and lotion self-tans can cling to the hairs, leaving a sticky, wet residue, giving your whiskers a ginger tinge – not a good look. This is when a mist-based product should come into play, says Harknett.