How to Apply Fake Tan

Preparing Your Skin for a Fake Tan

To achieve the best results from fake tan, preparation before application is key.

In this guide, I will provide step-by-step instructions for applying fake tan and help you achieve that desired golden glow.

Essential Pre-Tan Tips:

Step	What to Do	Why It’s Important
Exfoliate	Use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, focusing on dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles.	Creates a smooth base for even application and prevents patchiness.
Remove Old Tan	Ensure all traces of old tan are removed using exfoliation or a tan remover.	Prevents uneven coverage and ensures a fresh start for the new tan.
Shave or Wax	Shave or wax body hair at least 24 hours before tanning.	Prevents dark spots, streaks, and irritation from open hair follicles.
Moisturise	Apply a lightweight moisturiser to dry areas (e.g., elbows, knees) 2-3 hours before tanning.	Prevents the tan from clinging to dry patches for an even finish.
Patch Test	Apply a small amount of fake tan to your skin 24 hours before full application.	Ensures the product doesn’t cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Exfoliate to Remove Dead Skin Cells

My first tip is to prepare the skin using a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells at least 24 hours before applying fake tan or having a spray tan. Removing dead skin cells will create smooth, even coverage for the self-tan.

Using a gentle exfoliator will be less harsh on the skin, ensuring it stays soft while buffing away dry skin. Pay extra attention to areas prone to dryness, such as the feet, elbows, knees, and ankles.

Remove all evidence of a previous tan to ensure the base is even and help you achieve a streak-free tan.

Shave and Remove Hair

The next step before applying the tan is to remove and shave any hair on the body. Exfoliating and shaving will create the perfect surface for applying the self-tan with an even result.

• If you choose to remove any body hair, ensure that you shave at least 24 hours before applying fake tan to avoid a speckled look.
• Ensure hair follicles have closed back up to prevent uneven colour distribution and blocked pores.
• Remove body hair 24 hours before tanning to prevent dark spots and uneven finish.
• Be silky, smooth, and hair-free for a flawless tan.

Choosing the Right Fake Tan

Select a Fake Tan that Suits Your Skin Type

If this is your first time tanning, it is important to note that not all self-tanning products are suitable for all skin types and tones, so it is important to select the most suitable one that works for you.

Fake tans are available in various shades, from light to medium to dark, so it is important to select a formula with a guide colour that suits you best.

Think about what desired finish you want to achieve with a fake tan. Are you looking for a natural glow, or are you looking for a highly dark result?

Consider your skin type and what product would work best for you. It is recommended to carry out a patch test before fake tanning, especially if you have sensitive skin, to avoid any irritation to the skin.

Consider your skin tone and hair colour to see what self-tanners would suit you best. Apply a light layer of tan to see how dark the result is, and if you want an even darker tan, you can apply a second layer.

Applying Fake Tan

A Step-by-Step Guide:

Step	How to Do It	Pro Tip
Use a Tanning Mitt	Apply the self-tanner to a tanning mitt and work in circular motions over your skin.	Prevents streaks and keeps your hands from staining.
Start with Small Areas	Work on one area at a time, such as legs, arms, and torso.	Blend thoroughly and evenly for a natural-looking tan.
Blend Tricky Spots	Use a dense brush to blend tan around wrists, ankles, and knuckles.	Avoid streaks by blending with light circular motions.
Hard-to-Reach Areas	Ask for help or use an applicator for areas like your back.	Ensures even coverage without awkward stretching.
Let the Tan Develop	Allow the tan to develop for 4-8 hours before rinsing off.	Wear loose, dark clothing to prevent smudging.

Use a Tanning Mitt for a Streak-Free Finish

The recommended way to apply fake tan is to apply it to the skin using a Tanning Mitt. This will ensure an even tan while also reducing any streakiness or patchiness on the hands.

• Use a Tanning Mitt to apply fake tan for a smooth, Streak-Free, even application.
• Using the Mitt, rub the self-tanner into the skin using circular motions focusing on one area of the body at a time.
• A Tanning Mitt will help evenly distribute and blend the tan, ensuring a flawless finish.
• Use a lotion-proof barrier to protect your hands from staining.
• Wash your hands and the Mitt after application.

Top tip: If you struggle to tan those hard-to-reach places, such as the back, ask someone for help to ensure the tan is even all over.

Apply Fake Tan at Night

Self-tanners are available in different formulas ranging from instant tanning to tanners that develop over time. If you have no plans for that day, the best time to fake tan is at night time as this gives the tan more time to develop overnight while avoiding the tan smudge.

One of my fake tan tips is that after applying the fake tan, wear loose, comfortable clothing, such as pyjamas or loungewear, to prevent any patchiness. Opt for dark-toned clothing and bedding to reduce any risks of the tan staining the material.

Allow the tan to develop fully for 4-8 hours, then rinse off in the shower the next day.

Caring for Your Skin After Fake Tanning

Moisturise to Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Although most self-tanners are hydrating, some contain high levels of DHA that dry out the skin. It is essential to maintain hydration by using a moisturiser every day.

Use a moisturiser all over the body, but focus on dry areas such as elbows, knees, ankles, hands, and feet at least 2-3 hours before application. Allow the moisturiser to soak into the skin thoroughly before application. Ensuring dry areas are well nourished will prevent the tan from sticking to these areas, causing streaks and patchiness.

Keep your skin moisturised and nourished to appear healthy and hydrated while making your tan look perfect!

Top tip: Apply the tanning lotion to clean, dry skin for a flawless finish.

Maintain Your Tan

Once that sun-kissed tan has been achieved, we want to ensure that we maintain these results and have a long-lasting tan for as long as possible.

• Maintain your tan by gently exfoliating every 2-3 days. Use a gentle exfoliant to prevent the tan from being stripped quickly.
• Keep your skin well hydrated by moisturising daily, focusing on the dryer areas including the knees and elbows.
• Boost your glow even further with a gradual tan body lotion daily so the appearance of your tan does not fade.
• Regularly exfoliating and cleansing your skin will help to maintain the tan and prevent it from fading too quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to self-tanning, there are common mistakes you should avoid to attain the best results and keep your glow for longer:

Mistake	How to Avoid It	Why It Matters
Skipping Exfoliation	Always exfoliate 24 hours before applying fake tan.	Prevents patchiness and ensures smooth application.
Using Bare Hands	Use a tanning mitt to apply self-tanner.	Prevents stained palms and ensures even coverage.
Skipping the Patch Test	Test the product on a small area 24 hours before full application.	Avoids allergic reactions or irritation.
Not Protecting Hairline	Apply a barrier cream to your hairline and eyebrows.	Prevents staining, especially for fair hair and brows.
Rushing Application	Take your time to blend carefully in a well-lit area.	Ensures a streak-free, even tan.

Bonus Tips for a Flawless Fake Tan:

1. Clean Your Mitt: Wash your tanning mitt after each use to prevent product buildup and germs.
2. Choose the Right Shade: Start with a lighter shade and build up with additional layers if needed.
3. Avoid Deodorant: Skip applying deodorant or perfumes before tanning to prevent colour changes.
4. Protect Bedding: Use dark-toned sheets or towels to avoid staining overnight while the tan develops.
5. Check the Weather: Avoid tanning on rainy days to prevent streaks if the tan gets wet.

Never Apply Fake Tan with Your Bare Hands

• Always use a mitt or gloves when handling fake tan products to prevent colour transfer and staining to your hands.
• The palms of your hands can pick up colour easily, making it difficult to scrub off.
• Set a timer and wash your hands every 5 minutes to avoid colour transfer.
• Rub the tan with theMitt in circular motions so the Mitt does not slip off the hands easily.
• Wash your tan mitt after every application and air dry to avoid any build-up of products and germs.

Protect your hairline and eyebrows.

• Always use a barrier cream to use fake tan on your face.
• Using a barrier cream will ensure the hairline and eyebrows do not stain; this is an important step to implement in the tanning routine, especially if you have fair hair and eyebrows.

Avoid other products during tan application.

• Avoid applying makeup after you have tanned to minimise the risk of your tan turning patchy or reacting with any makeup ingredients.
• Do not apply deodorant before or directly after tanning, as this can react with the tan, causing it to change colour—in some instances, it can turn green.

Avoid Rushing the Process

• Take your time when applying your tan to ensure a smooth, even application.
• Ensure the tan is blended around the wrists and ankles, as these areas are more prone to streakiness.
• Use good lighting and a mirror to help you apply the product.

• Don't rush to get straight into the shower after tanning, as this will not give you the best/darkest result and will not allow the tan to develop fully.

Additional Tips

Clean Up After Tanning

• Wash your tanning applicator mitt with warm, soapy water after each use until the water runs clear.
• Leave the Mitt to air dry to prevent a build-up of the product.
• Cleaning the Mitt ensures a clean, even tan application every time. This is an essential step in maintaining a healthy and even tan.