How to make fake tan develop darker?

Author: Vivien Rosenbaum  |  Last update: Monday, October 6, 2025

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 make fake tan extra dark?

Sweep across your body in circular motions to avoid any streaking. Thick full layers are easily achieved as all our self tanning foams are fast drying. For ultra-dark results wait until touch dry & apply a second full thick layer to your body. Tanning tip – Only apply sparsely to hands and feet.

How to make fake tan develop quicker?

Use a hairdryer. Once you have the perfect coverage, grab your hairdryer to help it set. Be sure it's blowing cool air and move it along your body. Not only will this help the solution dry faster, but it'll also help to kick the tanning development process into overdrive.

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.

Why is my fake tan not going dark?

There are several reasons your tan might not be fading as expected: Skin Type: Different skin types retain tans differently. If you have more melanin in your skin, your tan may last longer. Sun Exposure: Continued sun exposure can prolong the appearance of a tan.

BEST AT HOME SELF TAN ROUTINE BY A PRO SPRAY TAN ARTIST

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.

How to get the darkest self-tan?

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 moisturiser, perfume, deodorant or makeup on the day of application.

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.

Why is my fake tan not developing?

Moisturise! When you apply your tanner, make sure you're working with clean, dry skin. Skip the moisturiser (apart from on dry areas as a barrier), deodorant and perfume, as these products will interfere with your tan's development.

How do I make my tan darker?

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.

What not to do after self-tanning?

It is important not to wear tight clothing after applying fake tan as this can cause your tan to rub off or cause marks. This can make self-tanning in the morning more difficult as you must wear dark, loose clothing to avoid any transfer and you can't use deodorant or perfume.

How long does fake tan take to get dark?

How long does it take to develop? A. You can leave it on your skin for 1 - 8 hours, depending on how dark you like your tan. The longer you leave it on the darker you get.

What speeds up tanning process?

Lotion is 🗝 KEY!

Without a lotion, this can take up to 3 minutes, meaning that both sunbathing and on a sunbed you are wasting tanning time. Lotion helps to moisturise skin, speed up the tanning process, protect tattoos, lengthen the life of your tan, deepen future results and work as an anti-ageing skincare hero.

How to get self tan to develop faster?

This is the important part when it comes to how to tan faster: depending on whether you're after a light, medium, or dark toned bronze, leave your self tan on for 1, 2, or 3 hours before rinsing in the shower. Your golden glow will continue to develop over the next 8 hours, leaving skin looking sensationally sunkissed.

Does fake tan get darker after you wash it?

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? It wasn't your tan washing away, it was simply the cosmetic bronzer tanning formulators use to help guide you when applying your tan.

How to get a 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.

Why isn't my fake tan getting darker?

This may seem counterintuitive, but don't moisturize right after you wash your tan off. Self-tanner is drying by design, but hydrating lotions can sometimes provide a barrier that prevents your tan from fully developing over the next 24 hours.

How can I improve my fake tan?

7 Tips To Make Your Ultra Dark Fake Tan Last Longer
  1. Apply 2 Layers Of Self Tanner. ...
  2. Drink Water: Keep Skin Hydrated. ...
  3. Ensure You Prep Your Skin. ...
  4. Use A Gradual Tanning Mousse To Boost Your Colour. ...
  5. Use Face & Body Tanning Drops. ...
  6. Use An Instant Tan. ...
  7. Use An Oil Free Moisturiser Post Tanning.

Why do legs not tan?

Compared to the rest of the body, skin on the legs does not produce the same amount of melanin, which results in legs getting less tan. Skin on the legs is thicker and harder and the UV light from the sun or sunbeds cannot easily penetrate it.

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.

Can you put fake tan on top of fake tan?

A professional spray tan can take up to a week to fully fade as your old skin cells flake away to reveal new ones beneath. 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.

Can I dilute self-tanner with lotion?

Mix With Moisturizer for Tricky Spots

These areas tend to soak up more color since they're on the drier side, and this can leave you with an uneven finish. If you're using a self-tanner lotion, dilute it with a moisturizer when applying to these areas to help make the color appear a little lighter.

Why is my self tan not developing?

For the actives in your self-tanner to do their job properly, they need to be applied to clean skin. This means skin free from deodorants, fragrances, and body lotion – unless you're actually a fan of a patchy tan… So make sure you shower first to remove any lingering prods that can interfere with your tanner's DHA.

Will layering self tan make it darker?

Layering Two Or 3 Of Our Products Together Is Perfect Way To Create Deeper More Intensified Results And Also Great For Skin Types That Usually Struggle To Achieve Dark Results With Self Tan! When Layering, Ensure Every Layer Is Dry Before Applying Your Next Coat.

Can I apply self tanner two days in a row?

It's not necessary to apply self tanner every single day. Your tan will stay perfectly in tact after two days, but applying every other day is perfect to keep it up!

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