Don’t wait for the weather to hot up to get a beautiful tan. Read our guide to the best way to fake it and learn how to apply it evenly with no need for a trip to the salon.
How to apply fake tan – our top ten tips
More and more people are using fake tans these days – it’s a safe alternative to sunbathing and the tanning salon. Thankfully with so many great fake tan products on the market now, the days of looking like a piece of streaky bacon or a nice ripe orange are no more.
That doesn’t mean you should just slap it on and hope for the best though. Here are ten essential tips to follow if you’re thinking of getting that beautiful bronzed look…
1. Preparation is king
Getting a great fake tan all depends on the condition of your skin as the product will turn darker on dry patches. So, it is absolutely essential to
• Exfoliate- Use exfoliating gloves, a mitt, or a good body scrub and pay particular attention to areas of the body that are prone to dryness such as underarms, elbows, knees and ankles.
• Moisturise – Use a light moisturiser or body oil and apply sparingly all over the face and body - use more on the areas mentioned above though. Leave to soak in for at least 30 minutes before applying the fake tan.
2. Brush your teeth
If you’re applying fake tan just before you go to bed, be sure to brush your teeth before you do so. Drying your mouth after brushing can remove the fake tan, leaving tell-tale white marks!
3. Glove up
There’s nothing worse than orange palms. Not only do they look silly but they’re also a dead giveaway that your tan isn’t real. So ensure you wear the gloves provided or invest in a bumper pack of disposable gloves from your local supermarket – you’ll find them in the cleaning aisle!
4. Protect eyebrows, fingernails and hairline
Apply Vaseline (or similar) to eyebrows and along the hairline to stop fake tan from sticking to these areas and tinting them a lovely shade of orange. This is particularly important if your hair is very light. It can be a good idea to do the same around fingernails and toenails as fake tan loves to stick to cuticles and discolour them.
5. Attention to detail
If you’re using a colourless gel or cream, make sure you work methodically, from top to bottom, or vice versa, so as not to miss anywhere. And be thorough with your rubbing in or you’ll be left with streaks and white patches. If you’re new to it all, using a product that is tinted will help you to get a good, even coverage. Don’t be afraid of patches that look darker and areas that look streaky at this stage, as long as you’ve rubbed it in correctly you’ll still get an even tan when you wash off the guide colour.
6. Patience
Don’t be in too much of a hurry to put your clothes on or climb into bed after you’ve applied the fake tan. Although most good fake tans dry quickly, it’s worth giving them at least 15 minutes to really sink in if you can.
7. Old clothing
Fake tan can stain clothing if it’s not washed out straight away, so stick to dark coloured clothing that you don’t mind too much about, and wash your bed sheets the next morning.
8. Correct it
If you do happen to get it a bit wrong, fake tan corrector lotions and wipes are available and are worth investing in, particularly if you’re a nervous novice.
9. Make it last
Use a gentle exfoliating shower gel every other day after tanning and moisturise daily to prolong the look of your tan. Most fake tans will last well for at least five days and after that will need a buff and a refresh.
10. Everything in moderation
While fake tans these days give a great natural colour, layering them on day after day can still result in that dreaded orange hue, so remember that there’s no need to apply more than one every 8-12 days if you follow tip number nine.
Some of our favourite fake tans:
For an instant, wash off hit…
Fake Bake bronzer instant tan – perfect product for those who can’t wait to get a glowing tan! Simple to apply and great for covering uneven skin tone all over the body.
For an all-over colour that lasts…
Piz Buin self tan lotion with dial colour control – Piz Buin have come up with a great way to control the colour of your tan; by giving you a colour control dial. Simply turn the dial to your desired shade and get using. There is no guide colour, so ensure you read tip number five carefully. It takes around four or five hours to develop and should be left on overnight for best results.
For a subtle, gradual tanning experience…
St Tropez Everyday – a luxurious moisturiser with a hint of St Tropez fake tan mixed in. Choose from light to medium and medium to dark shades and use every day or a few times a week to build up a natural looking tan in a week or two. This is also a great way to keep your natural or long-lasting fake tan topped up.