If you don't have any rubber gloves handy, you can also use a sock for self-tanner application. Go with a thicker sock that doesn't have a match and use it to give your skin a healthy tan glow.
An easy and inexpensive way to get spray tan or any sunless tan off your hands is with baking soda. Just wet hands and rub with a scoop of baking soda and washcloth under warm running water. Repeat until the ``tan'' has faded.
Always Use A Tanning Mitt
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.
Coconut Oil
It's fantastic for people with sensitive skin and works great as a moisturizer. Olive oil and coconut oil are both fantastic for tanning, but olive oil will still give you a better glow, and like olive oil, it's best to use extra virgin coconut oil.
cerave, cetaphil, aveeno, Bondi sands, and Vaseline intensive care cocoa radiant are all good. You could also use a gradual tanning lotion if you want to prolong the fake tan.
Do: Mix in some moisturizer. This is our best trick. If you use one pump tanner, one pump moisturizer your chances of being orange and blotchy are very slim. Mixing in moisturizer creates a more subtle glow, which after a few applications, will amount to your perfect tan!
Look for self-tanner formulated specifically for sensitive skin or dilute your tanner with lotion. If you have extremely dry patches, you can apply a layer of Vaseline before your tanner.
Finally, for our favorite DIY, use (2) parts All Over Glow, (1) part body lotion, and (1.5) parts cocoa powder (with coffee for a deeper tan). This recipe will create a sunless tanning lotion that focuses more on sparkle than shade.
There are a few things you can use in place of tanning lotion, including body butters, and aloe vera gel.
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.
Don't Wear Tight Clothing Immediately: Tight clothing can rub against freshly applied fake tan and cause streaking or smudging. Opt for loose, breathable clothing until your tan has fully dried and developed. Don't Forget SPF: Fake tan does not provide protection against harmful UV rays.
Apply with a mitt
There are a few different ways to apply your fake tan, we would recommend using a mitt for a flawless application. Our Tanning Mitt has a lotion proof barrier to protect your hands from staining while also achieving streak free coverage with flexibility to reach all areas.
Throw on a pair of loose pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. Set a towel over your pillow. Hop in to bed. Our formula needs to develop over 8 hours, just enough time for the perfect beauty sleep.
Applying olive oil is particularly popular because it gives the skin a darker tone more quickly during sunbathing. In fact, the accelerated tanning effect is achieved thanks to oils like olive or coconut oil. The oil reflects light, ensuring that the sun's rays intensify on your skin.
Vaseline Healthy Body Glow Moisturizer and Self Tanner. I love the moisture that it is packed in this product. It is not strong in scent also does not leave your skin sticky after application.
The cost of tanning products can add up, so this is more of a frugal hack. Ingredients-wise, it is also delightfully pain-free. Take a mixing bowl, tip in two tablespoons of ground or instant coffee (I used the latter) and add body lotion until the coffee dissolves to a dark caramel shade.
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.
Try using lemon and sugar to create a DIY tan removing scrub, or combine lemon or lime juice with baking soda for a fast-acting fake tan remover. Rub onto your body with a warm washer, then rinse thoroughly. Another winning kitchen combo? Olive oil and sugar.
The Final Decision: Tanning Mitts Are The Best Option
When it comes to achieving a flawless, streak-free, and natural-looking tan, the self-tanning mitt is the clear winner. It offers superior control over the application process, ensures seamless blending, and prevents unwanted staining on your hands.
By making sure your skin is well moisturised and hydrated you will have a better chance of applying an even self-tan that lasts. Use an oil free moisturiser to make sure that it doesn't create a barrier to the fake tan.
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.
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.