Summer is a great time to practice your flirting skills. It’s a season that is known for romance. (After all, you only ever hear about the summer fling, not the autumn fling, right?) People are relaxed and happy, they’re on vacation and they want to just have a carefree relationship with others during the summer.

If this sounds like something that interests you then you should know that suntan lotion is one of the best tools to have at your disposal in case the opportunity for flirting arises. Here’s a look at some of the top tanning lotion tips for creating that summer spark:

• "Will you get my back for me?" It’s the oldest trick in the book for getting a stranger to touch your flesh and it’s still the one that works better than any of the others.
• Asking the cashier at a store to assist you in choosing a tanning lotion. You may not need help but you get a conversation going without a lot of trouble and then you can take things from there.
• Inviting someone to go tanning with you. Offer to bring the lotion if they bring good company and plan for a great day of flirting up ahead.
• Ask to borrow suntan lotion at the pool. They don’t know that you already have some in your beach bag and now they’ve got a reason to notice you.

Of course, tanning lotion isn’t the only product that can help you start flirting with someone this summer. Look for cues in what the other person is carrying around as well. Books, travel guides and even laptops can be things that start a conversation and the flirting goes on from there.