Can you put makeup on over fake tan?

Author: Anika Gleason  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Wait six to eight hours after spray tanning before applying foundation. The moisture in the makeup can cause splotching, ruining your tan or creating a noticeably uneven effect.

Can I put makeup on top of a self-tanner?

In short, YES! You absolutely can wear makeup after applying a self-tanner. I do it all the time! In fact, one of my favorite beauty hacks is mixing an illuminating primer with a little bit of self tanner and putting that on my face before applying my makeup!

How long until you can put makeup on after a spray tan?

Many people wonder “can you put makeup over a fresh spray tan?”. However, like any moisture, you want to try and avoid applying any makeup for at least 6 to 8 hours after a spray tan. Applying makeup or any other types of moisturizer can alter the color of a fresh spray tan or cause blotches.

Can you put makeup over tan?

Yes, you can put on makeup after a fresh tan, but you have to wait until after you rinse.

Can I put makeup over self-tanner drops?

Yes, you can absolutely apply make up after using our products.

HOW TO MATCH YOUR FOUNDATION TO YOUR FAKE TAN | TIPS AND TRICKS BY A PROFESSIONAL SPRAY TAN ARTIST

Should you fake tan before or after makeup?

Makeup and Spray Tans: The Perfect Pair

Between the spray tan application and your first shower, you may apply makeup that doesn't come in contact with the areas of your face that have spray tan solution developing. For example, you are able to apply lip products, mascara, and brow cosmetics.

How long does fake tan take to dry?

How long does fake tan take to dry? False tan formulas can feel tacky on the skin for hours afterwards, however, they should be largely absorbed after as little as twenty minutes. Just make sure to avoid restrictive clothes, underwire bras or anything that rubs onto the skin and don't get the skin wet.

Does makeup ruin fake tan?

Wait six to eight hours after spray tanning before applying foundation. The moisture in the makeup can cause splotching, ruining your tan or creating a noticeably uneven effect.

What foundation to use with fake tan?

Opt for a foundation that has the same warm or cool undertone as your tan, or choose a foundation with an olive undertone if your fake tan leans towards that green hue after development. This will ensure a harmonious blend between your tan and foundation.

How to remove makeup without removing fake tan?

It is best to always use a makeup remover that is water-based rather than oil-based to keep from causing a spray tan to fade. Dermalogica's Soothing Eye Makeup Remover is one that I use personally.

What is the aftercare of a fake tan?

Your tan takes a full 24 hours to see the final result. Wait about 24 hours to shower with soap or body wash after your appointment. Your tan needs moisture to last! Moisturize every morning and night to prolong the life of your tan.

Will my spray tan get lighter after I shower?

If you showered after just a few hours, you might notice your skin is not as tanned as you'd expected. Don't fret! Your colour will continue to develop and darken for a few hours (and a spray tan takes up to 24 hours to develop fully). That brown water disappearing down the drain?

Does micellar water remove spray tan?

The Micellar water latches onto dirt, oils and your old self tan, gently removing them from the skin and leaving your skin with a glowing hydrated skin finish.

Can I put makeup on top of a spray tan?

DO NOT wash your face before your first shower. This also goes for not washing any makeup off your face before you go to bed. Sleep with your makeup on! Putting makeup on after your spray tan is okay, however you CANNOT wash your face until your initial shower.

What not to do when you have self-tanner on?

After applying your self-tanner, you'll need to give the product time to dry and settle on your skin. Do not get dressed right away, wrap yourself in a towel, or lie down. Wait about 10 to 15 minutes before putting clothes on—and even then, wear loose-fitting attire.

Do you put moisturizer or self-tanner first?

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.

How do you apply makeup over fake tan?

Then you can go ahead and apply your moisturiser, SPF and makeup as usual. This includes liquid foundation, cream blushes and primer. Just make sure you wait until the tanner is touch-dry to avoid any interference with your glow.

What should I wear to bed with fake tan?

Throw on a pair of loose pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. Set a towel over your pillow. Hop in to bed. Our formula needs to develop over 8 hours, just enough time for the perfect beauty sleep.

How to do makeup when tanned?

You might be able to blend your makeup with your tanned skin tone if you use a warm bronzer or blush, but beyond that, you should keep your makeup natural, fresh, and clean. Overcompensation may be tempting, but you will already be adding a lot of products (to cover up the redness), so going natural is better.

Can I put makeup over self tan drops?

Yes, you can apply makeup after tanning. Glow Drops will deliver a natural healthy glow and minimize imperfections so makeup will look better and you can use less of it.

What ruins fake tan?

As sweat is acidic, it can cause self tan to break down when left to sit on the skin.

What will happen if I tan with makeup on?

Doing so can lead to uneven tanning and potential skin damage as makeup may block UV rays from penetrating evenly. For optimal results and to maintain skin health, remove all makeup before using any indoor tanning equipment.

Is it better to fake tan at night or morning?

Applying at night gives your self-tanner time to develop a natural tan look. Things like showering, rain, or tight clothes can mess up your tan when it's trying to settle. And some tanning products will also stain! As the self-tanner process can take up to eight hours, applying right before bed is super convenient.

Do I moisturise after fake tan?

Once you have washed off your fake tan moisturise your skin daily to increase the longevity of your tan. Dry, dehydrated skin will cause your dead skin cells to shed quicker, taking the fake tan you worked so hard for with it. Use an oil-free moisturiser as oil can break down the product [2].

What body wash is best for fake tan?

Dhesthetics has 2 recommended body washes to use in the shower to help preserve your tan. Aveevo Daily Moisturizing body wash or Cetaphil Daily Nourishing body wash. All of these body washes have great ingredients in them that will help to preserve not only your tan, but keep your skin healthy.

Previous article
Why is my wax so thin?
Next article
What colors does magic root cover up come in?