The only guide you’ll ever need to achieve the perfect fake tan.
Almost everyone has had or heard of a bad experience with fake tan. To make you feel better let me share mine with you:
Picture this: 12 years old, a Sunday night before school, I’d just had a hot shower prepping myself for the week ahead. I thought I’d try a new product I found in the bathroom. Just hours after applying this exciting lotion all over my face and not my neck – you can see where this is going – I woke up the next morning soon realising I had to go into school with an orange face and white neck.
Don’t be put off by other people’s mistakes. If you’re thinking about giving fake tan a go, fear not, this step by step guide has you fully covered.
Deciding which fake tan to use is the first step. There are so many options available, from moose, spray, lotion, and gel. It is definitely worth spending some time researching which one is for you and how your skin might react to specific products.
Something that is essential for the process but often forgotten: a tanning mitt. Unless you want to end up with orange hands, I suggest you invest!
Disclaimer: Each step will vary according to the type of tanning product you are using and can be manipulated to put everyone! This guide is specifically for moose or lotion.
Now the real fun starts:
1. Exfoliate – this gets rid of any dirt or dead skin on the surface avoiding build-up of the tan or any patches of dry skin.
2. Moisturise all over! This will ensure the fake tan applies smoothly without leaving streaks. Make sure you give extra care and attention to your elbows and ankles!
3. Apply the fake tan of choice to the middle of the mitt, starting with a small amount for the first layer.
4. Work the product into your skin by applying it in small circular motions preventing streaks.
5. Ensure all areas are evenly covered especially your hands, in between fingers, knuckles etc.
6. After you are happy with your first layer, you can then decide if you want to build it up even more.
7. After you have achieved the desired shade, get yourself in some baggy old clothes which you don’t mind getting a bit dirty! Some products will give you a time frame in order to leave the tan on and let it develop, I usually leave mine over night to get maximum effect, but it’s completely up to you.
8. When you are happy wi
th the amount of time the tan has developed, jump in the shower to wash off the top layer, this will get rid of any excess product and also stop the tan from transferring onto other clothing.
9. After you have shower, pat yourself dry with a clean towel, do not rub your body with the towel as this will lift the fake tan causing streaks.
10. Lastly, moisturise all over throughout the next few days, this will help maintain the tan for as long as possible and prevent the skin from drying out and those embarrassing streaks appearing.
There you have it, a seamless tan ready to make you feel like a glowing goddess who can accomplish anything - (until it begins to fade!)
Emily Bickers