It’s the season of self-tan, and whether you’re a gradual girl or a “Let’s do this thing tonight” mitt-wearer, you need a smooth base to get it right. Fake tans are so good these days, it’s hard to make any terrible mistakes, but unless you prep like a pro you are always going to find a bit of the colour collects in the rougher bits.

I’m talking heels, elbows, knees – you know the kind of area I mean. So what you need is a scrub: a hardcore scruffer that doesn’t just prep, it helps you shift any overly-brown areas the next day too. And not only that – with these bad boys, you get super soft skin while you’re at it.

First up is the divine Bodhi & Birch Rosemary Chi Himalayan Detox Salt Scrub (£35). Who needs a spa body treatment when you have this on the bathroom shelf? Massage all over damp skin then soak it off in the bath and you will feel like a new woman. And a woman ready for her tanning mitt at that.

If you like things spa-tastic, another of my favourites for feeling pampered is La Sultane de Saba Malaisie Exfoliator with Sea Shell & Coconut (£39.95). This doesn’t just slough off those tan-ruining rough parts, its sea shell, coconut shell powder and organic sugar cane leave you smelling like you just came in from a tropical beach.

Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub (£21.50), which contains grape seeds, honey and brown sugar, is my go-to when I need to do some serious softening as it’s that perfect mix of grainy but not gritty. It smells so posh you’ll come out refusing to drink anything under 10 quid a bottle again.

 I love a bit of Elemental Herbology and was not disappointed by their Macadamia & Papaya Radiance Body Scrub (£30). A gorgeously fruity scent and thick, unctuous texture will leave your limbs baby-soft and ready for the tanning stage. And when you’re back from hols, it’s great for blurring out tell-tale flip-flop tan lines on your tootsies.

Finally, not all self-tan goes on your body, so invest in a brand new little number from Origins for an even glow on your face: Ginzing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser (£18.50). I am in love with this – it is zesty, foamy, and a little bit exfoliating. In fact, showers now seem a little dull without it.