Do you fake tan your face?

Author: Dr. Leanne Yost  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

With a touch of fake tan on your face, you can achieve a healthy, natural-looking tan all year round. Whether you want a subtle boost or a bold bronzed look, fake tanning your face is the ultimate beauty hack for a flawless and golden-brown appearance.

Are you supposed to fake tan your face?

The answer is yes! Hydrate the skin so your fake tan lasts longer and applies evenly. Avoid oils as this can make application tricky and it can react with certain self-tanners – breaking the formula down and making it patchy. Instead, use a light lotion or cream.

What fake tan can you use on your face?

Our favorite facial self-tanner is the Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops. It's simple and easy, it looks natural on the skin and can be built up depending on how many drops you use. But if you're looking for an affordable option that you can pick up at the drugstore, we love the Sol by Jergens Deeper By The Drop.

Is it okay to tan my face?

You can do whatever you want with your own body and skin. But you should make an informed choice to tan and know that all tans are sun damage, increase the risk of skin cancer and make you look older. If that's a risk that is acceptable to you then go tan your heart out.

Are you supposed to self-tan your eyelids?

Comments Section This is a tragically bad idea. Self tanner is not eye safe. Only do this if you're willing to risk infection and blindness. there are permanent eyeliners you can tattoo and probably eyeshadow too...

Tantouring Tutorial (Contour with Self-tanner) | Does This Work?

Do you put tanning bronzer on your face?

It doesn't need time to develop, and it can also be used on your face for the same flawless results. Either mix with your foundation or use alone for a stress-free sunkissed look that stays put all day and night, but washes off with soap and water.

Do you put fake tan on lips?

You don't want to get tanner on your eyebrows or your lips as this could cause unwanted staining.

Why does fake tan not work on my face?

Because your face is (generally) less covered up than the rest of your body, and if you have a rigorous skincare routine, you might find that the self tan on your face fades quicker than your body.

Why does my face look better with a tan?

The glow provided by a tan can make a face look more vibrant and therefore youthful. A tan can also help make muscles look more toned and more well defined. Today, having a tan is associated with people that have an active, outdoor lifestyle. A tan therefore makes people look healthier and fit.

Should I wash fake tan off my face?

If you are using our LOVELY DAY instant bronzing gel, simply wash off with your cleanser after use. If you are using a non-wash off fake tan, then daily cleansing and exfoliating will remove the product gently without leaving streaks and patches. It is so important to make sure you remove fake tan on face thoroughly.

Where to put fake tan on face?

Apply fake tan to face

Pay close attention to areas like the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, and, of course, your neck for a seamless transition.

Does fake tan clog face pores?

The short answer is: it depends on the product you use. Many self-tanners on the market contain ingredients that can potentially clog pores or irritate the skin, leading to breakouts.

What is the healthiest way to fake tan?

Self Tanner

“Self-tanning lotions are a safe alternative to tanning beds and sun exposure, and they work by temporarily staining the outermost layer of the skin with a color additive called dihydroxyacetone (DHA),” notes Aimee Carr, an esthetician, makeup artist, and founder of Voodoo Makeup.

Why don't people put self-tanner on their face?

The skin on our face is typically more sensitive and prone to breakouts, so using a self tan that has been made for your body may just result in irritation and clogged pores.

What is the best fake tan for face?

  • St. Tropez Sunlit Skin Self Tan Express. ...
  • Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops. ...
  • Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops. ...
  • Bare By Vogue Face Tanning Serum. ...
  • Bondi Sands Self Tan Drops. ...
  • Skinny Tan Coconut Water Bronzing Face Mist. ...
  • Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Sleep Mask. ...
  • Isle Of Paradise Self Tanning Face Mist - Night Glow.

What age is appropriate for fake tan?

Hi usually the minimum age is 16 unless accompanied by an adult and written parental consent. I agree. Some tanners though may have an age limit stipulated on their insurance policy, but as a rule as long as a consent form is signed by your parent or guardian it will be fine.

Should I fake tan my face too?

Thanks to regular washing and skincare ingredients like retinol and hydroxy acids, fake tan on our faces naturally fades faster than on our bodies. Adding a few tanning drops to your face moisturiser each evening will make sure your face isn't ghostly while you're still rocking a bronzed bod.

Why do you look skinnier with a tan?

Similarly in winter it's easy to start feeling like you've put on some weight, simply because your tan has faded and your skin is paler. So how does a tan make you look thinner? Not only does it cover any signs of cellulite or skin creases, but it also gives definition to areas that usually look slightly less defined.

What is the best self-tanner?

After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.

How to avoid orange knees when fake tanning?

Squeeze the mousse onto a tanning mitt and apply it to the body in smooth, circular motions. Top tip: to avoid orange patches, go light on the ankles, elbows, knees, knuckles, and nose. These areas are the most absorbent and will darken quickly. The more mousse you apply, the deeper the tan will be.

Why does fake tan always go patchy on my face?

However, other products on the skin (including perfume, deodorant and oil-based moisturisers) can cause your tan to breakdown if you apply your self tanner without cleansing the skin first. To prevent patchy tan, we recommend showering before you tan and using an oil-free moisturiser.

Are you supposed to sleep with fake tan on?

We would recommend if sleeping in fake tan that you invest in tanning sheets (be it a fancy 'fake tan' specific sheets, old sheets you're not fussed about or a darker shade that doesn't show the tell-tale fake tan remnants so easily) and make sure you wear loose, comfy and fake tan friendly sleepwear to bed.

Do your lips get darker when you tan?

Exposure to the sun, smoking, or even dehydration can lead to tanned lips, making them appear darker than their natural color. If you are looking for tips for how to remove tan from lips then this guide is the perfect answer for you! Read on to learn about lip tan removal home remedies.

Do you shower after applying fake tan?

A: You should wait at least 4-8 hours before showering to let your tan fully develop. For darker results, wait up to 12 hours.

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