How To Fix Patchy Tan | St.Tropez (2024)

Whether you’re a tanning newbie or a glow-getting expert, mistakes are (unfortunately) inevitable. Lighter streaks, darker elbows and unflattering stains between your toes and fingers are all commontanning mishaps. That’s why we’ve created this guide onhow to fix patchyfaketanandhow to removefake tan, so you can even out streakiness, for a smooth, flawless finish.

• What causespatchy tan?
• How to fix patchy fake tan
• How to remove fake tan

What causes patchy tan?

AtSt.Tropez, we constantly strive to bring you high-quality products that can be applied effortlessly, so you don’t experience apatchy tan. However, other products on the skin (including perfume, deodorant and oil-basedmoisturisers) can cause your tan to breakdown if you applyyour selftanner without cleansing the skin first.To preventpatchy tan, we recommend showering before you tan and using an oil-freemoisturiser.

How to fix patchy fake tan

Knowinghow to fix patchy fake tancan really help you to flaunt your most natural-looking, flawless glow yet.

1. Gently buff away excess tan

Excessproductoften settles onto dry areas, like the elbows, knees, ankles, hands,and feet, causingan uneven,patchy tan. Luckily, our softBuffing Mittis designed to gently buff awaytanbuild-up, leaving you with a smooth and even finish.

Immediately after applying your chosen tan, use the Mitt to blot away any excess tan by gently rubbing darker patches on the skin.

Top Tip: To preventapatchy tanand productfrom settlingontodry areas, alwaysmoisturisewith an oil-freemoisturiserjust before applying fake tan. We recommend usingourTan Enhancing Moisturiser.

2. Exfoliate the skin

Another way to fixpatchyfaketanis with an exfoliator, as gently scrubbing the skin will tone down thecolour. MassageourTan Enhancing Body Polish and Exfoliatoronto the streaky areas until the pigment has faded.

Top Tip: The key to an even-looking tan is smooth skin. We suggest exfoliating 24 hours before application to create a clean, soft canvas for your fresh tan.

3. Fill in the gaps

When it comes to knowinghow to fix patchy fake tan, sometimes darkening lighter patches is easier than trying to removepatchytan, particularly if you’re in a rush. To give your skin an instant high shine and luminous effect, useabody foundation,like our Instant Tan Lotion inLight/MediumorMedium/Dark, to instantly addcolourto any missed sections. It works just like makeup, delivering a natural tan that lasts for up to 24 hours.

For best result, apply and blend onto dry skin using aTanning Mitt. Remember to focus on lighter areas to create an even-looking, bronzed finish.

Top Tip: The next day, wash off the Finishing Gloss with soap and water, then useourTan Remover Mousseto remove all traces of tan before reapplication.

4. Always use a tanning mitt

Of course, the easiest way to fixpatchy tanis to prevent it altogether. For a streak-free finish, useourDual Sided Luxe Applicator Mitt. It allows you to evenly distribute your tanning product and seamlessly blend it into the skin for a flawless finish, every time.

5. Opt for a gradual tan moisturiser

A gradual tanning lotion allows you to build yourcolourover time, so you’re never left with astreaky orpatchy tan. Simply apply every day in place of your ordinarymoisturiseruntil you achieve your desiredglow.

• Our Gradual Tan Body Lotion develops into a subtle glow from day one, and keeps skin hydrated for up to 48 hours.After all, wellmoisturisedskin is far less likely to lead to apatchy tan.Choose betweenourlight/mediumandmedium/darklotionsfor a beautifully even glow.
• OurGradual Tan Tinted Lotiondevelops into a deepertanover timewhile also givingskin an instant bronzed look.

How to remove fake tan

If you’ve got apatchy tanandwould prefer to start from scratch, or yourcolourhas faded and you’re ready to reapply,it’s a good idea to learnhow toremovefake tan. There’s no better way to prepare your skin for a fresh coat than with theSt.TropezTan Remover Mousse. Infused with detoxifying cotton extract and probiotics, it purifies, rebalances and primes the skin, removing all traces of tan in minutes.

• Start by massaging theTan Remover Mousseall over your dry skin.
• Using theTan RemoverMitt, gently scrub theTan RemoverMousseinto the skin. Pay particular attention to difficult areas, like the elbows, ankles, hands,and feet.
• Leave themousseto work its magic for 5 minutes.
• Rinse off in the shower with warm water.

Top Tip: The St.Tropez Tan Remover Mousse is also suitable for sensitive skin.

And that’show to fix patchyfaketan!Follow these five top tips to even out your glow,and, if all else fails,knowinghow toremove fake taneffortlessly withourTan RemoverMoussemakes it easy tostart the process again.