Orange feet, stained clothes and freaky-looking streaks... There’s no denying bad tans can sometimes happen to good people – but guess what? You don’t have to be among them. With a few simple self-tan tips and tricks, you can achieve a flawless and natural-looking self tan that will leave you feeling confident and sun-kissed all year round.
From choosing the right bronzing products to stepping up your prep and acing your application, here are the goof-proof self-tan tips and tricks that will help end unnecessary tan-trums. So say goodbye to those self-tan mishaps and get ready to glow with our expert advice!
Read on for some easy tips to avoid self-tanning mistakes – and the essentials you need to master your faux glow like a pro.
1. Exfoliate and Shave in Advance
For a flawless tanning application, a crucial tip for beginners is perfect skin preparation. You must create a smooth canvas for the color to adhere evenly. To achieve this, exfoliation must be done with an exfoliating scrub or tanning mitt 24 hours before removing dead skin cells to prevent a patchy finish. Additionally, shaving or waxing should be done at least 24 hours prior to tanning to allow the hair follicles to fully close. Applying tanner over open follicles can cause dark, dotted spots ("strawberry legs"). End your prep shower with a cool rinse to help close your pores completely before drying.
2. Avoid Chemical Reactions Before Tanning (Deodorant/Perfume)
Always ensure your skin is completely clean, dry and free of topical products before application. You must skip wearing deodorant, perfume and body oils since the chemicals in these products can react with the active tanning ingredient (DHA), causing a chemical reaction that turns the tan a tell-tale green or gray shade in the armpit and neck areas. Shower well before starting your session and apply these products only after your tan has been thoroughly rinsed off.
3. Use a mousse for a streak-free bod
Different tanning products work best for different parts of your body. When it comes to full-body bronzing, the very first of our tanning tips is to use a self tanning mousse. For a new user, a mousse is often considered the best self tanner for beginners because it is smooth and silky, offering the easiest, most even application. Especially when applied with a tanning mitt to freshly exfoliated skin. Spreading and blending like a dream, they help you nail that top-to-toe glow without any unsightly streaking.
Most formulas also come with a guide colour, so they eliminate any missed-a-spot mishaps. And you can even choose a tanner that helps firm and hydrate your body, like our Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam. Made with CellushapeTM technology and nourishing raw virgin coconut, our antioxidant-packed, anti-ageing bronzing foam cares for your skin as it imparts a gorgeous, sun-kissed hue.
4. Moisturize your dry spots before self-tanning
If there’s one thing that gives the fake tanning game away, it’s hands and – to a lesser extent – feet. This tanning tip is crucial: you must give those fingers and toes a little extra TLC. Dry and bony, these areas like to drink up the bronzing active, DHA and are the most common source of beginner mistakes. They also have creases that can absorb too much product or, on the flip side, none at all.
To prevent putting your foot in it during your next glow-up, make sure your hands and feet (and other dry areas like knees and elbows) are well exfoliated. Moisturise these areas before tanning, paying extra attention to your knuckles and the skin between your fingers and toes. You can also apply a dab of protective petroleum jelly to your nails if you’re not wearing polish.
After tanning your body, use the leftover mousse on your mitt to tan your hands and feet. Make a claw shape to avoid pasty knuckles when you move your hands, then blend, blend, blend using a kabuki brush. You can also apply your tanner with your brush, just remember that a little goes a very long way on these tricky areas.
5. Tan your face with a hydrating Micromist
For the face, neck and dec, a hydrating tanning mist is the way to go. The last thing you want to do is sacrifice your smooth, clear complexion for the sake of a tan – so steer clear of cheap and nasty formulas packed with alcohol and other drying nasties. While you can use a good quality body tanner like our bronzing foam all over, facial formulas are often infused with hydrating ingredients that make them ideal for more sensitive facial skin.
There are, of course, different types of facial tanners, but a mist is a must-have due to its ease of application and super-fast absorption. With advanced micromist technology that ensures a hands-free, flawless, even glow, our Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist is super-easy to use and packed with skin-loving ingredients that prolong your tan. With a rejuvenating and firming antioxidant complex, it contains hyaluronic acid-like plant active HyalurosmoothTM to boost hydration by 40% for plumper and radiant skin.
6. Protect your bangs, brows and hairline
If you’re fair-haired, it’s always a good idea to protect your bangs and brows before spritzing your face with a self-tanner. And it’s a non-negotiable before a spray tan. To keep your hair the hue nature (or your colourist) intended, use a slick of petroleum jelly on your brows and pull your strands back with a hair wrap or band, making sure your hairline is covered. Do be careful to spray as close as possible to the hairline though, or you risk ending up with a ghostly halo.
7. Apply your self-tan in a cool, dry room
Hot, humid weather is the enemy of a long-lasting, even tan, so make sure you give your faux glow a fighting chance from the get-go. To prevent streakiness, avoid applying your fake tan in a steamy bathroom, as this hothouse environment will keep your tanner from drying properly and doing its job.
Apply your tan in front of a fan or in an airconditioned room and try to keep your cool as it develops (that’s as little as two hours with our Bronzing Foam). Once your tan’s set you’re all good to sweat – but check out this article on how to maintain a self tan with an active lifestyle.
8. Don’t get dressed too quickly after applying self tanner
We get it – nobody wants to stand around watching paint dry. But when it comes to fake tans, our top tanning tip is exercise some patience to prevent staining your clothes. To keep your colour where it belongs – on your body – we recommend waiting for around 15 minutes, or until your tan is fully dry, before getting dressed.
Even then, it’s a good idea to bypass the skinny jeans and tight strappy tops and pop on something loose, dark and comfy until it’s time to shower. With our Bali Bronzing Foam, you can rinse after two hours or leave it on overnight, depending on how dark you want to go. After your shower, the world’s your oyster. Feel free to pop on your favourite white top – or whatever takes your fancy.
Ready to master the art of tanning? With these self tanner tips and our all-new Tan Masters Kit, you’re good to glow.This bumper value kit contains everything you need for a flawless top-to-toe tan: our Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist, 50ml/1.69oz Bali Bronzing Foam (in shade Medium) and a Limited Edition Kabuki Brush – all in a luxe Glow-Getter Pouch!
FAQs About Self Tanner for Beginners
What is the main trick to achieving a flawless self-tan?
The main trick is meticulous preparation, including thorough exfoliation and moisturizing dry areas like hands and knees beforehand, which ensures the tanner applies and fades evenly without streaks.
How do you get a good tan fast?
The fastest method is to use a rapid-developing self-tanning mousse (like our Bali Bronzing Foam), which allows you to shower and reveal your color in as little as two hours.
Is it better to apply self-tanner to wet or dry skin?
You should always apply self-tanner to completely dry skin after showering, as wet skin dilutes the formula and prevents the DHA from reacting properly, leading to streaks and poor color development.
Written By: Pip Jarvis
Edited by: Iris
