The beauty of going on holiday earlier than the rest of the country is that the full effects of your holiday skin will not go unnoticed. Come back with sunkissed skin in late August, and you may as well wear pigtails to a Britney convention; come back sunkissed any time sooner, and you get to glide smugly around the office, compliments falling at your feet. Well, hopefully.

I've just returned from two weeks in the sun, and the pain of returning has been more than healed by the fact that, despite never dipping below factor 30, my skin is positively glowing. Not only does the texture look and feel great, but it's a much richer, deeper shade of brown. Maintaining this new improved look is another matter, but it's not as tricky as you'd think.

I swear by Ruby&Millie Face Gloss in Wine: it's great for giving dark skin a rosy look (try it in Flush if you're a bit lighter). "Keeping that summer glow for as long as possible is all about keeping the skin moist," says make-up artist Mary Greenwell. "If you allow your face to get dry, the tan will simply flake away with it." She recommends Olay's Total Effects, or Sisley's Botanical Tensor Immediate Lift.

My personal favourite, however, is the Facial Treatment Mask from SKII. Simply tear open the sachet, place the mask on your face (it is literally a mask, complete with cutout eyes, nose and mouth, so put the cat/small children in another room), sit back and relax. A few minutes later, peel it off and congratulate yourself on how damned fine you look.

One heartfelt piece of advice, though. Actually, it's more of a tale of caution to white readers (well, some of them): I don't know what it's like on your planet, but of course I've gone darker. I'VE BEEN IN THE BLOODY SUN. Assuming black skin doesn't tan is like assuming it doesn't bleed. Compliments about the darker shade are, of course, welcome, as are those alluding to the gorgeous new glow, but please drop the wide eyes and well-I-never tone. Thank you.