A perfect fake tan is one sure way to get that healthy, glowing complexion without exposure to those harmful UV rays. However, it takes a little bit more than just slathering on a tanning lotion or spray for an even, natural-looking tan. Setting a good routine for a fake tan may mean that your skin remains bronzed, radiant, and streak-free, with no blotchy patches or orange undertones.
Whether you’re a total newbie to self-tanning or way into glowing expert status, a decent pre-planned routine is the most essential thing in getting that perfect tan. From preparing your skin for application to maintenance and prolonging the sun-kissed look of the tan, we take you through how to get this perfect fake tan routine.
1. Prepare Your Skin: Scrub and Moisturize
The secret to an even, streak-free tan lies in skin preparation. Exfoliating removes the dead skin cells, and thus your tan goes super-smooth; moisturizing keeps the skin hydrated for, when the tan fades out, it does so sans patchiness.
Exfoliate Your Skin:
Exfoliate before applying self-tanner to help remove dry or dead skin. Pay extra attention to areas of the body where skin is naturally drier-like elbows, knees, and ankles-since they absorb more product and may turn darker faster. Use a light exfoliator in the form of a scrub or dry brush to slough off your dead skin.
Top exfoliating products:
- St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
- The Body Shop Coconut Exfoliating Cream Body Scrub
- EcoTools Dry Body Brush
Tip: Exfoliate the day before you’re going to tan to avoid skin irritation or over-sensitivity from exfoliating too close to the tan application.
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Moisturize:
After exfoliation, be sure to moisturize to keep the skin healthy. Focus on the elbows, knees, and feet, which have highly dry skin. This will give a good quality even spread of the tanning product and will definitely last longer. Ensure the skin has absorbed the cream well enough before proceeding.
Top moisturizing products:
- Nivea Essentially Enriched Body Lotion
- Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Tip: Avoid using oily or heavy creams underneath this will act as a huge barrier to your self-tanner.
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2. Various Skin Tones Self-Tanning Products
The right formula of self-tanner makes all the difference for a natural-colored sunless tan. From Mousses and lotions to sprays and oils, each type of formula exists for another skin tone or personal preference.
Consider Your Skin Tone:
- Fair Skin: Lighter to medium self-tanners will work best; a green base undertone in this category should ideally be included in case one wants to avoid the orange tinge.
- Medium Skin: Medium to dark tanner will come through with the right, healthy, bronze-like color tone with neutral or olive-based shades.
- Olive or Dark Skin: Dark tanners are best when an olive or neutral-based tone will make the appearance most natural without any red coming through.
Top Self-Tanners:
- St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse – Great for all skin types; just what you need in a rush.
- Bondi Sands Self Tan Liquid Gold – A lightweight, gold undertone formula for medium to dark skin tone.
- Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops – These drops come out with your regular moisturizer to give you control for a natural buildable glow.
Tip: always patch test the product on a tiny area of the skin just to make sure it would work well on your skin type and doesn’t create any irritation.
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3. Application – How to Apply a Self-Tanner for a Streak-Free Glow
Your skin is ready for color and has decided on which self-tanner you want to use, and now it’s the moment for application. The key to a streak-free even application, well, makes great use of the right tools and technique.
Use a Tanning Mitt:
A tanning mitt will even out the product across your skin for no streaks or uneven patches. It also won’t stain your hands-a major problem when self-tanning.
Top tanning mitts:
- St. Tropez Applicator Mitt
- Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Mitt
- Loving Tan Deluxe Applicator Mitt
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Application Tips:
- Start from the bottom up – start with your legs and work upwards to avoid accidentally smudging a part of your body that is already tanned.
- Use circular motions – lightly rub in circular motions so the color spreads evenly and doesn’t streak.
- Don’t forget hard-to-reach areas – pay special attention to the backs of your knees, elbows, and ankles. Just lightly go over these areas to avoid any kind of buildup, but don’t overapply.
- Lighter: Use less tanner on your elbows, knees, and wrists, since they are the places where more product gets absorbed, and blend properly.
- Application on the Face: For an even natural look all over, self-tanners applied on the face can be done using a makeup brush or sponge, or you may mix a couple of drops of self-tanner with your moisturizer.
Tip: Gently buff off any streaks or uneven areas if worried that streaks may set in with a dry washcloth.
4. Let the Tan Develop: Be Patient
Self-tanners take some time to develop, and that time is different for every formula. For most self-tanners, you want to leave the product on for at least 4-6 hours or even overnight for deeper results. Check your product for specific instructions since some formulas develop faster than others.
Tip: Try not to sweat or get wet until the development time has passed to avoid streaks or uneven tanning.
5. Rinse Off and Reveal Your Glow
Once your tan has developed, now’s the time to rinse it off. Most self-tanners will advise rinsing with lukewarm water, free from soap or body wash, to help remove excess product that hasn’t absorbed into your skin.
Rinse, pat your skin dry with a towel-not rub-and avoid tight-wearing clothes that may rub off the tan.
6. Maintain Your Tan: Extend Your Glow
To extend the life of your fake tan fully and make it fresh, here are a few steps for the maintenance that would help get the most from your investment.
Moisturize Daily:
Hydrating your skin is a sure key to maintaining your tan. Dry, flaky skin makes the tan fade away in an uneven manner and before time. Keeping your skin moisturized with a hydrating lotion or body butter will keep your tan looking fresh longer.
Avoid Long Hot Showers and Baths:
Too much hot water dehydrates your skin, and the color will fade more quickly. Stick to lukewarm showers, and resist exfoliating until it’s time to remove.
Top tan-extend products:
- St. Tropez Tan Enhancing Moisturizer
- Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk
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