How to apply self-tanner so it's not splotchy?

Author: Keith Bartell  |  Last update: Friday, July 11, 2025

How to apply self-tanner without streaks
  1. Exfoliate. Remove dead skin cells from your body and face by exfoliating your skin in the shower with a facecloth. ...
  2. Shave the day before, not just before you apply the self-tanner. ...
  3. Use day/night cream. ...
  4. Consider where your tan should start and end.

How to make self tan not blotchy?

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.

Why is my fake tan patchy when I apply it?

One of the main reasons for a patchy tan is bad application, as rushing the process or using the wrong technique can leave you with uneven colour distribution. Remember, fake tanning requires a gentle touch and precision, so take your time to apply it evenly on the skin.

How do you apply self-tanner evenly?

05. Work in quick, circular motions The best way to apply self tanner is quickly. Depending on the formula you are using, some self tanners will dry very quickly on your skin (another reason why a damp mitt comes in handy) and working in quick, circular motions will ensure the most even application.

What to use instead of a mitt for self tan?

Apply lotion and let it sit for 10 mins. Use a makeup brush instead of a mitt on your hands/feet. Blend whatever is left on the brush around your palm for a nice gradient look.

How to Apply Self Tanner at Home Like a Pro | No Runs, Streaks, or Orange!

Is a brush or mitt better for fake tan?

Using a mitt is a popular choice for applying self-tanner because it helps to distribute the product evenly and prevent streaks.

Should I moisturize before self-tan?

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.

What is the best way to apply fake tan?

Follow these steps:
  1. Exfoliate. Use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin prior to applying a self-tanner. ...
  2. Dry your skin. ...
  3. Apply in sections. ...
  4. Wash your hands after each section. ...
  5. Blend at your wrists and ankles. ...
  6. Dilute over your joints. ...
  7. Give your skin time to dry. ...
  8. Apply sunscreen every day.

How do you prevent uneven tanning?

7 Simple Tricks to Even Out Tan Lines
  1. Exfoliate and Scrub. You can simply scrub your skin and carefully exfoliate the parts where the tan lines are most visible. ...
  2. Use Lemon Juice and Honey Mixture. ...
  3. Use Quality Aloe Vera Gel. ...
  4. Coconut Oil. ...
  5. Quality Sunless Tanner. ...
  6. Baking Soda. ...
  7. Smart Use of Makeup.

What not to do after fake tanning?

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.

How do you fix missed spots on fake tan?

An alternative approach is to top up your tan on any areas that seem to have been missed in your initial application. To tan these smaller areas, grab your tanning foam and a kabuki brush. Apply a small amount of tanner to the brush and buff it into your paler spot.

Why don't my legs take to fake tan?

The skin on your legs has a different depth and texture than the rest of your body so it might not take as well to tanner. Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself that might explain why your calves won't tan: Is there any residue left on your calves from products like moisturiser, shaving foam or body oil?

Can I put fake tan over patchy fake tan?

You'll be able to top up your tan with a fresh new layer once your existing tan shows signs of fading. We'd advise waiting until your colour has completely faded away before stepping back in the booth to ensure even coverage and to give your new tan the best chance to last as long as possible.

How do you fake tan without getting spots?

Apply a layer of day cream, night cream or lotion on drier skin (after cleansing) and patches of skin where dead skin cells tend to accumulate (ankles, knees and elbows). This prevents these parts of your body from absorbing more self-tanner than the rest of your body, resulting in blotches.

How do you fix a splotchy natural tan?

Grab any exfoliator and simply scrub your skin and carefully exfoliate the parts where the uneven tan lines are a lot more prominent on your skin. The exfoliator can help speed up the process of lightening dark areas of your skin.

Why does my fake tan look like tiger bread?

Oil can break down the colour of self-tanner by loosening the dead skin cells that have been dyed brown by fake tan. When these dead skin cells start to crack and flake off, it can result in a patchy or uneven tan, often referred to as a "tiger bread" tan.

How do you spread fake tan evenly?

For a flawless, streak-free tan and stain-free hands, always apply fake tan with an Applicator Mitt. It will help to evenly distribute and blend your tan, ensuring a flawless finish every time. Our Dual Sided Velvet Luxe Applicator Mitt will do the trick nicely!

How to remove blotchy self-tanner?

7 Ways to Remove Self-Tanner
  1. Exfoliate with baby oil. ...
  2. Apply a sugar scrub. ...
  3. Try hair removal cream. ...
  4. Try lemon juice and baking soda. ...
  5. Use self-tan removal products. ...
  6. Use vinegar sparingly. ...
  7. Use whitening toothpaste for small areas.

Why does fake tan go patchy on my chest?

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.

Do you put lotion on before or after fake tan?

Key Takeaways for a Perfect Self-Tan

Exfoliate and moisturize dry areas before applying self-tanner. Use a non-oily moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without affecting the tan. Moisturize regularly after tanning to prolong your glow.

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.

Where do you put Vaseline when fake tanning?

Use an oil free moisturiser to make sure that it doesn't create a barrier to the fake tan. If you have fair hair and eyebrows prevent them from being stained by by applying a little Vaseline or any other barrier cream to the hairline and the eyebrows.

How to fake tan for beginners?

Apply your tanner in small sections, so that you can ensure that each area is evenly and fully covered before moving onto the next. As you apply it, keep buffing in the tan to prevent it looking streaky. To apply a self tan foam or mousse we recommend using a tanning mitt to avoid any staining to the hands.

What to use to apply self-tanner without mitt?

How to Apply Self-Tanner Without a Mitt: 5 Tanning Alternatives
  1. Rubber Gloves. The first alternative tool to reach for if you don't have a tanning mitt available is a set of rubber gloves. ...
  2. Socks. If you don't have any rubber gloves handy, you can also use a sock for self-tanner application. ...
  3. Cling Wrap. ...
  4. Hands.

Can I mix self-tanner with lotion?

Thankfully, you can counteract this by incorporating tanning drops into your nighttime routine! Simply mix 2-3 drops into your moisturiser and you can top up your glow as you sleep. Turns out finding the balance between self tanner and retinol is too easy.

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