The Best Fake Tan for Pale Skin

Choosing the Right Fake Tan for Pale Skin

Choosing the right product can help you achieve a bronze-tanned result that looks natural. To avoid streaks and patchy tan, it is crucial to find the right fake tan suitable for your skin tone, especially if you have pale skin.

Prepare your skin for a smooth and even application for the perfect self-tan.

Use a gentle exfoliant containing grains to soften rough patches, focusing on the knees and elbows.

Choose body scrubs with glycolic acid to help remove old tan and be ready for a fresh tan to be applied.

Why is it Important to Find the Right Fake Tan for Your Skin Tone?

Finding the proper fake tan for your skin tone can help you achieve a flawless, natural-looking glow.

Not all skin types should be treated the same, and different skin tones require tailored formulas for natural results, maintained hydration, and increased longevity of colour.

Higher levels of DHA can cause stress on lighter skin tones, resulting in an unnatural orange tone and decreased tan longevity.

Your skin tone plays a huge role in determining what self-tanner will suit you the best. If you have pale skin, it is recommended that you avoid a dark or ultra-dark self-tanner, as the results will not look as natural.

If you have fair skin, opt for gradual tanning lotions for a natural, beautiful glow.

Top Picks for Fake Tans

Best Gradual Tan for Pale Skin

Gradual tanning is an excellent option for pale skin as it builds up a natural-looking tan in only a few hours.

Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Products are formulated with low-active ingredients for a natural golden tan. These gradual tans compliment every skin tone.

The Skin Perfector Gradual Tanning Lotion provides a hit of instant tan alongside low-level tanning actives for controlled colour depth. The lotion has hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for radiant, glowing skin.

Best Instant Fake Tans

Instant fake tans provide a temporary tan with a quick development time. They are a great last-minute option to give a sun-kissed, tanned result that can be washed off. The best fake tan we have found that provides an instant tan are:

• MEGATAN Fake Tanning Mousse is a top pick for instant fake tans, with quick development and a natural glow (releasing early 2025).
• Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self-Tan Face tanning drops are easy to apply and buildable. They produce a natural-looking result with zero streaks.
• Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam is easy to apply and long-lasting, with a beautiful tropical scent.

Best Mousse Fake Tans

The best tanning mousse self-tanner for pale skin we have found are:

MEGATAN Fake Tanning Mousse is a top pick for instant fake tans, with quick development and a natural glow (releasing early 2025). Shades suitable for all skin tones and skin types.

Bondi Sands Technocolour in sapphire or emerald- These shades by Bondi Sands are formulated for light to medium skin tones. It provides a gradual tan that develops in a few hours. It is perfect for fair skin and contains hydrated natural ingredients to give a natural tanned result and a subtle glow.

Bali Body Self-Tanning Mousse is suitable for all skin tones, including pale, sensitive skin. It achieves natural results and contains natural ingredients such as chamomile and pomegranate to nourish the skin.

Best tanning drops for fair skin

Tan Luxe Tanning Drops - Illuminating tanning drops provide a gradual tan and a subtle glow. Tan Luxe tanning drops are available for the face or the body for a face tan. Tops up your existing tan to keep the colour looking rich and healthy.

Isle of Paradise - Self-tanning drops suitable for every skin tone. It provides a radiant complexion that looks as natural as possible.

Applying Fake Tan for a Flawless Glow

Preparing Your Skin for Fake Tan

The best results from self-tanners begin with the preparation of the skin. Follow our step-by-step guide for the ultimate, perfect self-tan application:

• Preparing your skin is essential for a smooth, streak-free, even application.
• Use a grainy exfoliator to soften rough patches and body scrub with glycolic acid to remove old tan.
• Invest in a quality mitt for an even and streak-free tan.
• Use a brush to spread the tan over elbows and knuckles.

Tips for a Flawless Application

• Moisturise dry skin areas like the hands, inner wrists, elbows, knees, and feet with your favourite moisturiser before applying self-tanner.
• Use a velvet tanning mitt to apply your self-tanner for a smooth application.
• Be generous with your product and work in quick, circular motions.
• Use a dense brush to blend self-tanner seamlessly on tricky spots.

Maintaining Your Fake Tan

How to Keep Your Fake Tan Looking Fresh

To maintain the perfect tan, follow our step-by-step guide:

• Exfoliate regularly to maintain an even tan.
• Use a gentle exfoliant to exfoliate dead skin cells if you have sensitive skin.
• Use a hydrating moisturiser to achieve a radiant glow and keep your skin hydrated.
• Avoid using harsh soaps or exfoliating scrubs that can strip your skin of its tan.
• Touch up your tan as needed to maintain a perfect glow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

How to Avoid Common Fake Tan Mistakes

Here are our top tips to avoid common fake tan mistakes:

Issue	What Went Wrong	Solution
Streaky Tan	Uneven application or skipping exfoliation.	Use a tanning mitt to blend, and exfoliate before reapplying.
Patchy Fade	Lack of hydration or skipping regular moisturization.	Hydrate daily with a moisturizer or tan extender to prevent patches.
Orange Tone	Using a product with a high DHA level on pale skin.	Choose gradual tans or products labeled “light/medium” for fair skin tones.
Tan Stains on Clothes	Not allowing the tan to dry fully before dressing.	Let the tan dry for at least 10 minutes, and avoid tight, light-colored clothing.

• Don’t skip applying lotion on feet/ankles, knees, elbows, and wrists.
• For a natural result, choose a product suitable for fair skin. Most self-tanners come with a colour guide to help you determine what shade will work best for you.
• Allow your tanning products time to develop, at least three hours before you wash off.
• Avoid exfoliating scrubs or loofahs when washing off your tan.
• Always check your tan in the mirror after application.
• Don’t wear white or light colours if you’re tanning during the day and have a chance of sweating.
• Don’t forget to wash your mitt to avoid a splotchy tan.

Additional Tips

How to Tan Hard-to-Reach Areas

For a perfect, all-over-even tan, here are our tips to tan those hard-to-reach areas:

• Use a mister spray bottle filled with liquid self-tanner to apply to hard-to-reach spots. Ensure that it is applied in a well-lit area using a mirror.
• Have a friend or significant other help you apply self-tanner to your back.
• Use a dense brush to blend self-tanner seamlessly on tricky spots.

How to Maintain Tan Legs While Shaving

• Be careful when shaving your legs to avoid applying too much pressure, which can cause the self-tanner to fade quickly.
• Supplement with a body glow or add an extra leg application to your weekly schedule.
• Use a hydrating moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.