We all know using fake instead of baking our skin in the sun is much better for us, but achieving that natural looking, streak free tan is no mean feat.
First up, there’s so many different types of fake tan to choose from that it can become a little overwhelming. There’s mousse, spray, lotion, masks and mists? Then there’s the technique to get your head around too, no one wants streaky or patchy tan!
If you’re a tanning novice, then luckily for you we’ve got all the best tips and tricks for how to apply fake tan flawlessly every time!
- Body prep is key to achieving a beautiful steak-free glow
If you want your fake tan to go on as smooth as possible and stick around, then prepping your limbs is key. Exfoliating is essential before you apply a layer of fake tan. This gives you the best base for the product to stick to and will help reduce accelerating fading as dead skin cells naturally shed. Exfoliate your entire body the morning or night before you plan on tanning.
Use a product like Scrub Love Cacao Scrub to buff away any dead skin.
- Moisturise any dry areas
If you have any particularly troublesome dry patches, then you need to make sure you moisturise these thoroughly after you’ve exfoliated and also just before tanning. Dry skin is devil for fake tan, as the product just clings and will look patchy. Try to focus on the elbows, knees and ankle with a light moisturiser as tan can over absorb in these areas.
Try using the Decleor Aroma Comfort Moisturising Body Milk
- Use the right tools – not your hands!
Never use your bare hands to apply fake tan, your palms will be stained for days! For seamless application, get yourself a handy fake tan mitt which makes applying product so much easier. Using a mitt ensures a smooth and streak-free application. Try using sweeping motions to distribute the product evenly across the body, starting at the bottom and working your way up.
Our favourite fake tan mitt is the Sunkissed Double Sided Application Mitt
- How to tan your hands and feet
Hands and feet are the main places you’ll give away tell-tale fake tan signs. Leave your hands and feet until last and try using the residue that is left on your mitt to gently buff over these areas. With less product it will be easier to blend out over your hands and feet without leaving any lines of smudges.
- How to fake tan your back
There is no easy way to do this alone… if you can rope in a friend or partner, then do so! If that’s not possible, try turning the mitt over so the application side is on the back of your hand, this will give you more flexibility to reach round. Or try using a mist instead and spray over your shoulder.
We love the St Tropez Dark Self Tanning Bronzing Mist
- How to fake tan your face
Fake tanning your face is essential if you’re regularly doing your body, no one wants to be walking round with your face not matching your body. One way to do it is to adjust the shade of your foundation to match up with your neck or there are plenty of face tanning products available that you can apply regularly. Face mists and tanning drops work really well alongside your regular skincare so you can add them into your normal routine to keep up a lovely glow to skin.
Why not try the SOSU by SJ Dripping Gold Wonder Water Face Tanning Mist
- How to make your tan last longer
So now you’ve got that flawless, golden glow… how do we make sure it sticks around? Firstly, make sure you take care of your tan while it develops. Avoid tight clothing and leave it to air dry as long as you can to avoid moving the product around too much. No sweaty workouts or doing the dishes, basically avoid water at all costs! Then once your tan has fully developed and you’ve washed off any residue, make sure you apply a body lotion or moisturiser daily to make it last as long as possible. Keeping your skin hydrated will help to lessen the fade!
Make sure you have Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion in your collection, not only does it keep skin soft and supple, it also smells incredible!
And there you have it, the easiest and most effective tips and tricks for applying fake tan for a gorgeous golden glow all year round!
Thank you for reading, we hope you’ve enjoyed this post! Come and take a look at the incredible fragrance and beauty brands we stock!
