By Katrina Doran.

The Sugahfix Gals were very excited to see that first glimpse of warm sun at the weekend so we speedily rummaged through our wardrobes to find a pair of flip flops and our summer gear but we had to pull up fast as our pasty limbs, unpainted toe nails and cracked heels screamed - "beauty disaster!" So we consulted the experts and spoke to Beautician extraordinare Lisa Millar of Beauty Culture for some key tips to get us ready for the springtime sunshine.

"Having spent most of the last 6 months embracing woolly tights, jeans and boots it is important to remember that a little preparation is required before pulling on a pair of shorts and sandals at the very first glimpse of the sun! At least a light layer of fake tanning is essential prior to exposing those luminously white legs to the world. 

The key to good tanning is good skin so de-fuzz 24 hours prior to tanning, exfoliate as often as possible to remove the built up dead skin cells and moisturise after exfoliating. However remember not to moisturise 4 hours before applying tan as this may cause it not to develop properly. Wear gloves when applying fake tan to avoid tell-tale orange palms and apply a SMALL amount of moisturiser to your knees and ankles first as these areas are drier.

"Finally - feet - these probably look more like hooves after winter but using a foot file (try Leighton Denny's Smooth Your Sole), exfoliator and moisturiser immediately after showering (so that the skin is still soft) will dramatically improve their appearance. Remember to file toe nails straight across, apply two layers of polish followed by a top coat and allow plenty of time to dry thoroughly - or simply step straight into your flip flops for the rest of the day!

"Alternatively pop into your local salon for a professional pedicure - as a sunshine special Beauty Culture is offering Sugahfix gals £5.00 off Leighton Denny pedicures between 10am and 5pm until Saturday 24 April 2010".

To book in for this Sunshine Special call Beauty Culture on 028 90 806 020  www.beautyculture.co.uk

Photo credit: White Scoop Neck Vest, £19, Slouchy Shorts, £39, Sheer Tunic with Pockets, £49 by Mint Velvet at House of Fraser.