How to apply self-tanner (2024)

FAQs

How to apply self-tanner? ›

Apply your self-tanner in a circular motion, being careful to evenly distribute it and get in all the hard-to-reach places. Use minimal product and a gentler touch in less fleshy areas like your feet, wrists and neck.

Apply your self-tanner in a circular motion, being careful to evenly distribute it and get in all the hard-to-reach places. Use minimal product and a gentler touch in less fleshy areas like your feet, wrists and neck.

Again, take your time with the circular and vertical strokes in order to cover the area evenly. Miss out the knees and stop just above the ankles. Starting from your shoulders apply the fake tan to both shoulders and arms using the same circular and then vertical movements as above.

Apply Moisturizer Before Tanner

After exfoliating your body, continue the prepping process by applying a moisturizer. You shouldn't apply self-tanner without moisturizing first, because skipping out on this prep step could potentially leave you with patchy color — this goes for your face and the rest of your body.

Fortunately, overloading on tanner won't turn you orange—DHA can only stain the keratin in your skin to a certain degree—but using too little product can create a streaky-looking tan. Put a liberal amount of product on your glove, enough to coat your skin thoroughly and evenly without rubbing.

AFTER THE TAN

Shower lightly in cold – lukewarm water for 45 seconds ONLY after your desired development time. Use plain water, don't use shower gels, scrubs, shampoos or loofah during the first 24 hours after your treatment. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub or scrub your skin.

For years, many experts have used the baby powder hack to prevent self tan transfer. Lightly dusting your tan with a large makeup brush will help prevent sweat and other moisture from building up and lifting the tanning product off your skin.

Therefore, it's not vital that you tan the day before your event. In fact, a tan can look better a couple of days after application. It's had time to settle on the skin and you've had time to get used to the change in your complexion. You've also had the opportunity to fine-tune your make-up to suit your new hue.

Another way to make your tan darker is to apply two layers of self-tan or to top your tan up the day after the initial application. However, this is probably best left to the more confident tanners among us.

How do you make fake tan look natural? ›

However people with drier skin types – will benefit from moisturizing before self tanning. In the latter case, best practice would be to apply your favourite moisturizer, and wait 5-10 minutes for it to sufficiently sink in.

Moisturise and exfoliate 24 hours before applying tan for best results. Do not moisturise on the day of tanning. Note: if you are shaving or plan on doing some other form of hair removal, make sure you also do this 24 hours before tan application.

Best Self-Tanner Overall: St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. Best Self-Tanner For Beginners: Vita Liberata Tanning Mousse.

Just do a quick rinse and refrain from using soap or body wash . What is the best way to apply the product? If you are using the gradual tanning lotion, apply like you would a regular body moisturizer in a circular motion.

The longer you leave your tan on, the more time the solution has to develop on your skin. Showering too early will make your tan streaky or splotchy. However, make sure not to leave your tan on for more than 24 hours. It is recommended to wait 6-24 hours before your first shower.

Taking a cold shower before applying a tanner will close up your pores. Closed pores are essential when applying self-tanner. Not only will it aid in achieving a more even application, but it may also prevent the tanner from causing an acne outbreak. Taking a shower also hydrates any overly dry areas.

Be sure to shake your self-tanning foam well prior to using. First, apply some tan-safe moisturizer to your hands and feet. For a streak-free tan, pump the foam onto a tanning application mitt and massage into your skin using a circular motion, making sure to smoothly cover ALL the areas you want to tan.

Regardless of when you wash the colour guide off, we highly recommend you don't moisturise until the 8 hour mark.