What fake tan base should I use?
So, what this means is that if you're a cool or red/pink-based skin tone you should be going for a green based fake tan, as green is the complimentary colour. Warm or yellow-based skin tone you should be going for a violet based fake tan as this is the complimentary colour to yellow.
For example, a violet-based self-tanner is ideal for naturally olive and dark skin shades, as violet cancels out unwanted yellow tones. Green-based self-tanners cancel out red tones, making them ideal for pink complexions. Check out our guide to finding your skin's undertones to help direct your choice of self-tanner.
- Pale skin: The best self-tanners for fair skin are products containing 13% DHA.
- Olive skin: Choose a self-tanner with 5% DHA.
- Dark or black skin: Choose a self-tanner with more than 5% DHA as it helps maintain the colour on already tanned skin.
Analyze Your Tan's Undertone:
Some tans have warm undertones, while others have cooler undertones. Pay attention to whether your tan leans more towards golden, peachy, red-brown hues, or even olive tones. This will help you select a foundation that complements and enhances your fake tan's undertone.
Using a mitt ensures that the tan application is as smooth and easy as possible. For fool-proof application, it is best to start from the bottom up.
A mix of golden caramel bronzers works best with lighter skin tones for a classic, golden glow that particularly complements fair, yellow skin tones. The caramel base adds a healthy, classic glow for a natural, sun kissed finish.
St. Tropez's Jumbo Self Tan Express Mousse is one of Kim Kardashian's all-time favorite self-tanners, she previously revealed on her KKW blog. It's a lightweight, fast-absorbing tanning mousse that doesn't leave your skin feeling sticky after application.
So, what this means is that if you're a cool or red/pink-based skin tone you should be going for a green based fake tan, as green is the complimentary colour. Warm or yellow-based skin tone you should be going for a violet based fake tan as this is the complimentary colour to yellow. How does this even work?
4. 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.
- Exfoliate.
- Dry your skin.
- Apply in sections.
- Wash your hands after each section.
- Blend at your wrists and ankles.
- Dilute over your joints.
- Give your skin time to dry.
- Apply sunscreen every day.
Do any fake tans look natural?
Your Tan Will Look Natural
In fact, many people have used at-home tanning products that have given them streaky, orange tans that don't look natural or attractive. Fortunately, you don't need to worry about any of these issues when you receive an airbrush tan.
Warm shades are often labeled beige, golden, tan, caramel, and chestnut. Cool shades are often labeled porcelain, rose, sable, cocoa. Neutral shades are often labeled ivory, buff, nude, and praline.
What's the difference between the foam and the lotion? A. Both produce the same bronzed colour, so it comes down to how you like to apply the product. Plus, the lotion is extra moisturising, while the foam is fast drying.
Retin-A type products (Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Tretinoin) all will cause faster fading. Bore-type adhesive facial strips, or “peel-off” masks. Bug spray, perfumes, and body sprays when sprayed directly onto the skin, can make your tan look splotchy and fade faster.
Shaving too soon before applying fake tan
Tiny dots on your legs are a giveaway you didn't allow enough time between shaving or waxing your legs and applying the fake tan. To avoid this fake tan gone wrong mishap, make sure you remove any hair at least 12 hours (but ideally 24 hours) before to allow the pores to close.
- Choose the right formula. ...
- Exfoliate ahead of time. ...
- Don't apply right after you shower or moisturize. ...
- Protect hands and feet. ...
- Go easy on dry skin. ...
- Work from the feet up. ...
- Try using tools for a seamless glow.
- Wash hands immediately after application.
Bronze it Up
For new-timers, we generally recommend opting for the gradual tanning lotion. It's designed to prevent the orange look you're fearing, so you can apply it worry-free. For our seasoned pros, we know a good tanning mousse or spray is a go-to.
The Bali Body Self Tanning Mousse won our Best Overall spot for its smooth application, natural-looking tan, and non-blotchy fading. Applying the Bali Body Self Tanning Mousse is easy; the formula has a “color guard” that lightly tints the skin so you can see what areas you've covered.
In an interview with Redbook, Jennifer mentioned that her favorite self-tanning product is the drugstore classic, the L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tanning Towelettes. "I like the L'Oréal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes. They're great," she said.
Hailey Bieber: Vita Liberata Body Blur and Tan-Luxe The Water Self Tanner. TBH 'glowing' is the first word that comes to mind when we think of Bieber, so finding out her favourite bronzing formulas is a big win.
Which is better tanning drops or mousse?
Tanning drops are a great choice, as you can control and customise how bronzed you want to be. You can mix it into your favourite moisturiser to keep your skin feeling hydrated too. Mousse can be a great help in seeing where you're putting your tan, and a lighter shade will keep you looking natural and glowy.
Consider Your Skin Tone (and the Tone You Want)
To do that, you're going to want to go only a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. If you're as pale as Dita Von Teese and are more likely to burn than tan in the sun, stick with the lightest shades in order to look natural.
Bondi Sands products are formulated green based, so that our customers result in a natural warm beautiful tan that doesn't appear orange. This being said, colour development is very dependent on the skin's pH levels. Unfortunately, everyone's skin is different and can react differently to self tanning products.
Violet based: Violet is opposite to yellow on a colour wheel which means it neutralised those with yellowy olive undertones typically your type 4 and 5. A violet based on a type 1 or 2 can look too reddish and should be avoided.
Atlanta-based makeup artist Brielle Brenner says this quick at-home test is perhaps the easiest way to find your skin undertone: “Check the veins in your wrist, and if they appear more blue or purple, you most likely have a cool undertone; if they look green, you most likely have a warmer skin tone,” she tells SELF.
