StyleNest take five minutes with St. Tropez Skin Finishing Expert, Michaella Bolder to ensure you have the perfect tan whether the sun shines this summer or not.

If you can’t make it, fake it with the world’s leading self tan products, St. Tropez. The summer can’t come quick enough with Michaella Bolder’s tanning top tips to ensure you have a riviera golden glow from the comfort of your own home.

Can you clue StyleNest readers in on any exciting projects you might be working on?

My next big St. Tropez project is the TV BAFTAs, St. Tropez are the official Skin Finishing Partner. So it will be my job to make sure the celebrities are looking gorgeously glowing before they hit the red carpet.

What tan trends are going to be big this season?

Gorgeously tanned skin, finished with a sprinkling of freckles, think girl next door.

Last season we saw St. Tropez tanning the models of the Mary Katrantzou show, how have the tans differed this season?

For AW13 it is all about a light tan with lashings of St. Tropez Rose Illuminator.

Choosing a tan to suit your skin tone and colouring is tricky. What advice would you give our readers to ensure they have a streak free St. Tropez tan slick enough for the catwalks?

St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse (£20.42) and Mitt are totally fool proof and perfect for everyone thanks to the genius formula that adapts to your natural skin tone. For warmer skin tones and for that slightly deeper colour St. Tropez Dark Bronzing Mousse, (£33) is ideal.

Do you have a favourite designer you have worked with?  

I am really inspired by Erdem and his creative collections.

What’s the ultimate St. Tropez beauty product that every woman should own?

The St. Tropez Wash Off Mousse and a Mitt is super easy to use, commitment free and gives instant colour that leaves you ready to go all year round.

Accidents happen so what is the most effective way of removing fake tan without scrubbing your skin raw?

The St. Tropez Tan Remover Mitt is the easiest way to remove any unwanted tan.

Can you give our readers some top tips on how to recreate the AW13 look at home?

Apply a light tan the evening before you want the finalised look, then mix St. Tropez Rose illuminator with your favourite moisturiser and pat over any skin on show.

How do you relax once the madness of Fashion Week is over?

I always have a busy schedule, but when I find the time to relax I like to be with my family and friends.

What can we expect to see from you in 2013?

I’m always looking for new inspiration to create fresh ideas for my celebrity clientele at St Tropez that can also be recreated by the readers at home. Watch this space for some very exciting news from the brand…

Your range of products just keeps on expanding. What is next in the pipeline?

St. Tropez Sensitive is our most recent product range, which offers a hypoallergenic ingredient and creates beautiful iridescent guide colour.

What is the best way to compliment your fake tan?

Use a good tan optimiser (moisturiser) to keep your skin looking fresh and mix a small amount of illuminator into your moisturiser to give you a dazzling glow.

Any top tips on exfoliating before applying your tan? Any particular products you recommend?

The St. Tropez Tan Remover Mitt for all over body exfoliation gently every other day.

Any advice for first time tanners? 

Go for St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse and Mitt, apply an oil free moisturiser on key dry areas such as feet, hands and wrists, elbows and knees prior to tanning. Leave on for 6-8 hours or overnight if possible, then apply Aloe Vera based daily moisturiser.

For more tanning ideas, see StyleNest’s roundup of the best self tanning products.