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.
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.
If you apply lotion before the tanner, the tanner won't stick. Try only applying it on the dry areas.
To avoid tiger red skin, you want to apply moisturizer after you fake tan. every day until you want that fake tan to come off. Now, in order for your fake tan to last longer, instead of using a normal moisturizer every single day, every other day, use a gradual tanning lotion. That is literally the trick.
Do not apply lotion before self tanner -- moisturizer acts as a barrier so it will prevent the self tanner from working. Same goes for oils and perfumes. You want your skin to be as clean as possible!
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.
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.
After applying your self-tanner, you'll need to give the product time to dry and settle on your skin. Do not get dressed right away, wrap yourself in a towel, or lie down. Wait about 10 to 15 minutes before putting clothes on—and even then, wear loose-fitting attire.
Regarding development time - you can leave your Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam 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.
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.
Skin Preparation: Shaving isn't just about hair removal; it's a form of exfoliation. By shaving a day before applying self-tanner, you ensure that your skin is smooth and free of any dead cells. This smooth surface allows the self-tanner to go on evenly and helps it adhere better to your skin.
After You've Tanned
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.
Prep school
Don't moisturise immediately before applying fake tan as it can stop the colour ingredients working. Instead, smooth Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Lotion, over your elbows, wrists, knees, ankles and toes (the dry areas that 'grab' tan, creating that orange, wrinkly effect).
Once you have washed off your fake tan moisturise your skin daily to increase the longevity of your tan. Dry, dehydrated skin will cause your dead skin cells to shed quicker, taking the fake tan you worked so hard for with it. Use an oil-free moisturiser as oil can break down the product [2].
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.
Make Sure Skin Is Completely Dry
Wait at least 10 minutes post-shower to ensure the skin has completely dried and there's no lingering moisture. Avoid tanning in the bathroom after you've showered as the residual steam could create a layer of moisture on the skin.
Moisturize Your Skin Before Applying Sunless Tanner
Keep your skin moisturized in the days before applying sunless tanner. Apply a hydrating moisturizer and focus on areas that tend to be drier than the rest of your body, such as your elbows, knees, and ankles.
We all perspire while we sleep, and if you go to bed with a fresh sunless tan, where there is skin-on-skin contact it can cause a transfer of tan.
LOTIONS Avoid any oils or lotions that use mineral oil (petroleum), baby oil, coconut oil, and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (which is found in most body washes). I have found the best lotions to use are Aveeno, Cetaphil, Hempz, and CeraVe. Lotions with perfumes contain high alcohol levels and tend to dry out the skin.
Ensure you're applying your preferred product to clean, dry skin after showering and 24 hours post-shaving. Keep your application light and you'll be good to go. Learn more about preparing for your self tan here.