Drying your skin before you apply a self-tanner helps it go on evenly. Apply in sections. Apply the self-tanner in sections (such as the arms, then legs, followed by the torso). Massage the self-tanner into your skin in a circular motion.
Exfoliate everywhere you want to tan
Sloughing away dead skin cells with body scrubs and exfoliating mitts will create a super smooth base for your fake tan to glide on to. This is an essential step, even if you're getting a spray tan.
Exfoliate a day in advance, shave and then on the next morning when you wake up, hydrate your body with body creme. Then apply self tanner and don't dress until it has absorbed and fully dried. Wait one day and apply the self tanner again. Works best when you can incorporate natural sunlight.
Your self tan will look so much better if you apply a light, oil-free moisturizer. The moisturizer helps to layer in a smooth surface so you don't get streaks. If you use a moisturizer it also absorbs excess self-tanner and prevents spots that darker in some areas.
The short answer: be sure to moisturise 24/48 hours before you plan to fake tan. This ensures that your skin is in the very best condition it can be before a fresh layer of fake tan, as well as exfoliating and removing any unwanted hair of course. Any later than this could mean an uneven final result.
For the smoothest, most even finish, use a self-tanning body applicator mitt. Place the product in the centre of the mitt (the palm of your hand). Smooth on evenly – avoiding eyebrows and hairline. Distribute in small circles and really buff into the skin, applying small amounts of product at a time.
Apply with a mitt
There are a few different ways to apply your fake tan, we would recommend using a mitt for a flawless application. Our Tanning Mitt has a lotion proof barrier to protect your hands from staining while also achieving streak free coverage with flexibility to reach all areas.
Start by ensuring your first coat has developed fully and has been rinsed off. Once your skin is dry, take a fresh tanning mitt and apply the second coat evenly using long, sweeping motions. Remember to blend carefully around tricky areas like elbows, knees, and ankles to avoid any uneven patches.
Make Sure Skin Is Completely Dry
Most experts recommend showering before applying self-tanner as this is the best way to ensure skin is clean and free of any oils or products that could interfere. But it's important not to rush into tanning straight away.
Exfoliating is non-negotiable if you want that perfect tan. Dead skin cells on the surface of your skin can create uneven patches, causing your tan to look blotchy or fade faster in certain areas. A good exfoliation removes this barrier, allowing your tan to develop evenly and stick around longer.
What causes a patchy fake tan? Common reasons for patchy self-tanning include having products on the skin (perfume, deodorant, oil-based moisturizers, etc.) that can cause your tan to break down and fade unevenly. So, if you're feeling less like a golden goddess and more like a patchwork quilt?
- Rub the affected areas with baby oil which should help tone down orange streaks on your hands. - Lemon juice can help to dissolve uneven patches of self-tan on small areas, such as your ankles, wrists and palms.
One of the best solutions for how to apply self tanner evenly is with some good old-fashioned exfoliation. Whether you're using a natural exfoliant like a brown sugar body scrub or you bought one designed specifically for evening out your tan, gently exfoliating your skin will have it glowing in no time.
A patchy, streaky or dotty fake tan often means you've missed a 'prep step' in the run up to your treatment. Preparing your skin for your fake tan encourages an even, long-lasting glow so it's well worth examining your pre-tan routine to check where you might have gone wrong.
The answer is YES, but only after the self tan has fully developed. All Bali Body fake tan's take around 8 hours to fully develop and reach their maximum level of glow. Regardless of when you wash the colour guide off, we highly recommend you don't moisturise until the 8 hour mark.
AFTER THE TAN
Shower lightly in cold – lukewarm water for 45 seconds ONLY after your desired development time. Use plain water, don't use shower gels, scrubs, shampoos or loofah during the first 24 hours after your treatment. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub or scrub your skin.
Whenever I've fake tanned, I find it optimal to let the fan develop overnight as I hate the feeling of it feeling sticky underneath my clothes. I usually use Bondi Sands in dark or ultra dark, and pop it on before I go to sleep.