Is it better to self tan in the morning or at night?

Author: Milford Schroeder Sr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Tips for perfect self-tanning Apply the self-tanner in the evening but give the product enough time to dry before you go to bed and wait at least fifteen minutes before putting on your clothes.

Is it better to fake tan at night or in the morning?

Depending on how long your tan takes to develop, it can be best to sleep in it overnight and wash it off in the morning — just be sure to use dark coloured sheets or a tan sheet protector. Use cooler water to wash off the residue of your fake tan.

When's the best time to self tan?

Immediately after tanning, let it dry completely before putting on some loose, dark clothing to prevent your tan transferring. Either apply your self tan in the morning for daytime development, or apply before you go to bed to wake up looking bronzed and beautiful.

Should you use self tanning drops at night or morning?

Tanning drops are so easy to incorporate into your daily skincare routine — day or night — and give a lovely, natural-looking tan without needing to worry about a colour guide or transfer. All you have to do is add them to your favourite moisturiser and apply.

Is it better to tan in the morning or at night?

The sun comes up and sets the furthest away from you, so mid-morning and mid-afternoon are considered the best times of the day to tan all while reducing the risk of sunburn.

Get A Foolproof Fake Tan | This Morning

What day is best to fake tan?

We'd recommend tanning a couple of days before your special occasion. This will give your golden colour time to settle and offers an opportunity to rectify any potential mistakes. A well-applied tan will last for approximately 7 days with regular moisturising to lock-in your glow.

Does self tan get darker overnight?

How long after applying self tan should I shower? The longer you leave our self tan on your skin, the darker it will develop. An example using our Dark Self Tanning Mousse would be 1-3 hours for a light tan, 3-6 hours for a medium tan and 6-8 hours (or overnight) for a dark tan.

Should you moisturize immediately before self tanning?

4. 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.

Is it better to shower before or after self Tanning?

Your fake tan needs time to develop before your next shower, and we recommend waiting for at least four hours but no more than one day. Remember to pat yourself dry and avoid hot water or harsh shower gels as they will strip your tan and dry out your skin.

How to get best self tan results?

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 long should I wait to put clothes on after self-tanning?

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.

Should I shave before or after self-tanning?

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.

Is it OK to leave fake tan on overnight?

Optimal Time to Shower After a Fake Tan

Timing your first rinse is key to achieving a flawless, streak-free glow. Wait 4-8 hours before showering to let your tan fully develop, but avoid leaving it on for more than 24 hours.

How to make fake tan develop faster?

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 prevent dark spots when fake tanning?

Not protecting extra-dry areas

These spots are notorious for soaking up too much tanner and going too dark or muddy looking. So it's generally a good idea to apply some body moisture cream or lotion here as a barrier before you get your bronze on.

Does fake tan still develop after a shower?

Our Self Tan ranges can be washed off after just 1 hour, but for a deeper tan, we advise avoiding showering, swimming, and perspiring for 6 - 8 hours to allow your tan to develop fully on the skin.

Do you fake tan your face?

Yes, here's how: Take a large powder brush; spritz the self-tan spray onto the brush, then use circular motions, buff into the face, blend into the hairline and down towards the neck, and decolletage. You can always do a second layer, and just buff into the cheekbones to subtly sculpt.

How long after self tanning can I sit down?

Now that your self-tanner is on, it's time to take care of it. Be patient and let it dry fully before you put on clothes, jump into bed, sit on the couch, etc. Essentially, leave it alone until it sinks in. This could take around 20 minutes.

Do I use soap after self tan?

do i need to shower off the tan with soap after it has been left on? for the first shower after tanning we recommend no soaps, lukewarm water and only a super quick (approx. 45 seconds) rinse so that the tanning actives can keep developing to their darkest potential.

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.

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.

Is it better to self tan at night or in the morning?

Apply your tan

The best time to self tan your face is in the evening, as it allows the product to develop overnight. Consider it a part of your evening skincare routine. Start by cleansing the skin and removing all traces of makeup. Next, lightly moisturize around your nostrils and other dry spots.

How do you get the best fake tan results?

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.

Should I put lotion on before I self tan?

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.

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