How to get the darkest self tan?

Author: Mandy Erdman I  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

tanning tips
  1. exfoliate and moisturize. 24 hours before you apply your self tan, paying particular attention to elbows, knees, ankles and problem areas.
  2. wax or shave at least 48 hours prior to treatment. this allows the pores time to close.
  3. don't apply moisturizer, perfume, deodorant or makeup on the day of application.

How can I make my self tan darker?

Give the spray tan a full 24 hours to develop first. As I mentioned in the intro, 24 hours after applying self-tanner, you can also apply a buildable, gradual self-tanning lotion to deepen your tan; this also helps prolong it.

How to get a deep dark fake tan?

For a longer lasting, darker tan leave for up to 6 hours before showering with warm water. Gently pat skin dry. For the deepest tan re-apply Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam 30 minutes after initial application.

How do you get the deepest dark tan?

6 Top Tanning Tips for a Darker and Long-lasting Tan
  1. Exfoliate your Skin prior to Tanning. ...
  2. Keep your Skin Hydrated and Moisturised. ...
  3. Apply a sunbed cream or tanning accelerator prior tanning.
  4. Remove any kind of makeup and other cosmetic products. ...
  5. Choose foods that accelerate tanning.

Why does my fake tan never go dark?

Ensure your skin is well moisturised always. Every time you get out of the shower or swim, apply lotion. If you have dry patches, then the tan will stick to these and go much darker. Good skin prep - get your skin well hydrated a week before and continue to moisturise during your tan.

Best Fake Tan Routine At Home + Tanning Hacks You Need To Know

How to deepen fake tan?

For those who desire a deeper colour, applying an additional layer of Bronzie Oil or Mousse is key. 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.

Does fake tan get darker the longer you leave it on?

what happens if i forget to shower off the tan? the longer you keep the tan on, the darker it will get. however, some skin types may experience discoloration (looking a bit orange or yellow) if left on too long past around 8 hours. you may also get a streaky tan as you're more likely to rub or wash off some sections.

Does layering self-tanner make it darker?

**Risk of Over-Tanning**: Applying a second layer can lead to a much darker and potentially unnatural appearance. This may result in an uneven or patchy finish, especially in areas where the product tends to gather.

How to get a dark tan quickly?

To get a fast, beautiful and natural tan, see the following tips:
  1. Eat a diet rich in beta-carotenes. ...
  2. Exfoliate your skin. ...
  3. Sunbathe with sunscreen. ...
  4. Moisturize and nourish the skin. ...
  5. Avoid prolonged exposure. ...
  6. Change positions frequently. ...
  7. Take breaks. ...
  8. Use self-tanner.

Does water make you tan faster?

In or On the Pool –Water reflects sunlight, so one of the best ways to catch some serious sun is to be in the water, or to lie on water on a floatable device. This means sunlight will reflect off the water and bounce right onto you.

How do you get deep fake tan?

10 fake tan tips for beginners
  1. Exfoliate 24 hours before. ...
  2. Remove hair 24 hours before. ...
  3. Avoid deodorants and perfume. ...
  4. Choose the right tan for you. ...
  5. Moisturize just before tanning. ...
  6. Always Use A Tanning Mitt. ...
  7. Allow Your Tan To Dry Before Dressing. ...
  8. Wash Off Your Tan In Cool Water.

What foods make you more tanned?

Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.

Can I self tan two days in a row?

Gradual tan is best applied once a day, or every few days depending on the colour you wish to achieve. It Is not recommended to apply gradual tan twice a day as this can cause the product to build up, too much product can affect how even your colour is.

What is the darkest fake tan ever?

Absolute Self Tan Foam. Absolute is the darkest of all ultra dark tans. Quad bronzing melanin activating intensifiers are combined with naturally derived tan actives to produce a darker, faster tan by activating skin cells to boost color.

How to achieve the best self 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.

What makes you tan darker?

Melanin is the brown pigment that causes tanning. Melanin is the body's way of protecting skin from burning. Darker-skinned people tan more deeply than lighter-skinned people because their melanocytes produce more melanin.

How to get the darkest tan possible?

There are some of the ways thorough which someone gets a dark tan quickly:
  1. Use sun protection with an SPF of 30.
  2. Frequently switch positions.
  3. Eat foods rich in beta-carotene.
  4. Utilize oils that naturally contain SPF.
  5. Avoid being outside for any longer than your skin can produce melanin.
  6. Consume foods high in lycopene.

How to get golden tan?

10 Top Tips For A Gorgeous Long-Lasting Sun Tan
  1. Moisturise. Hydrated skin will not only tan better but will also keep its colour for longer. ...
  2. Avoid dry skin. ...
  3. Exfoliate. ...
  4. Sun cream. ...
  5. And more sun cream! ...
  6. Prior application. ...
  7. Shady times. ...
  8. An early start.

Does sunscreen help you tan?

Sunscreen does a great job protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, but yes, it also affects your ability to tan. The fact of the matter is that while you will still get somewhat of a tan while wearing sunscreen, you won't get as dark of a tan.

Does fake tan get darker after a 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 moisturizing help fake tan last longer?

Yes! Moisturising is key to a long-lasting, streak-free tan. Moisturise daily post-tanning to lock in hydration and leave your skin buttery smooth.

Where to not self-tan?

Areas like your elbows, knees, and ankles can be drier and rougher than the rest of your body, so you should apply self-tanner with a light touch to avoid having them become too dark.

Is 2 hours enough for fake tan?

Once applied, you can wash the tan off after just 1 hour, but for a deeper long-lasting tan leave on your skin for up 8 hours. It really is personal choice. You might have to test it out a few times to work out what suits you the best! For a deeper glow, we recommend letting your tan develop for 6-8 hours.

Do I shower before self tan?

Shower at least half an hour before you plan on self-tanning to cleanse your body and remove any deodorant, make-up or moisturiser that will cause your tan to become patchy or streaky.

Does a natural tan get darker overnight?

Once skin is exposed to UV radiation, it increases the production of melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage. Melanin is the same pigment that colors your hair, eyes, and skin. The increase in melanin may cause your skin tone to darken over the next 48 hours.

Previous article
Will my skin get better if I exercise?
Next article
How to use sauna and pool?