Prepare your skin Then, cleanse the skin and apply an oil-free moisturizer to lock in hydration, focusing on the chin, nose, behind the ears and the back of the neck. Top Tip: Oil can prevent the face tanner from absorbing properly, so avoid using any oil-based skincare products 24 hours prior to tanning.
When you're ready to apply your self tan, give your face a good cleanse. This removes any dirt and oil that could cause streaks or patches. After cleansing, try splashing your face with cold water to close your pores and tighten your skin for a flawless base.
When it comes to self tanning, preparation is key. Just like when tanning the rest of your body, we recommend exfoliating your face the day before application. This removes any dead skin cells, leaving your skin silky smooth. Follow with your favourite moisturiser to stop your skin feeling dry.
Avoid shaving, waxing, or use of depilatory creams for at least 24 hours prior to your session. Skip the lotion and makeup. While moisturizing your skin in the days following your tanning session can make it last longer, applying moisturizers and lotions can interfere with the bronzing spray absorbing into your skin.
Exfoliate your face the day before application
Exfoliating your face before applying fake tan is the best way to give your skin a fresh base for a flawless self-tan. By removing dead skin cells and impurities, you create a smooth and even surface that allows the self-tanner to adhere better and prevent patchiness.
DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT: Do not apply any lotions, oils, deodorant, perfumes, or makeup. All of these can create a barrier on your skin that the tan may not adhere to. If you have the time, take a cool water shower with soap immediately before you come to make sure all products are washed off of your skin.
Use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin prior to applying a self-tanner. Using an exfoliating product also will help remove dead skin cells. Spend a little more time exfoliating where your skin is thickest, on the elbows, knees and ankles. Dry your skin.
Pink himilayan salt scrubs are perfect for a pre-tan exfoliation sesh because they're all natural. Look for salt scrubs made from natural, organic ingredients like macadamia oil, coconut oil, shea butter, pink grapefruit essential oil, and, of course, pink himilayan salt.
Use an oil free moisturiser to make sure that it doesn't create a barrier to the fake tan. If you have fair hair and eyebrows prevent them from being stained by by applying a little Vaseline or any other barrier cream to the hairline and the eyebrows.
AFTER THE TAN
Shower lightly in cold – lukewarm water for 45 seconds ONLY after your desired development time. Use plain water, don't use shower gels, scrubs, shampoos or loofah during the first 24 hours after your treatment. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub or scrub your skin.
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.
If your skin isn't sensitive or prone to breakouts, you can use a self-tan formulated for the body — but Evans recommends diluting it with your favorite facial moisturizer before application. Board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, agrees.
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.
Preserving your tan on your face requires a lot more work than it does on the rest of the body, because it fades much faster. This is because we tend to wash our face more often than our bodies with considerably more emphasis – think of all those face washes, face masks and cleansers!
Forgo any lotions, oils, deodorant, perfumes, or makeup the day of your appointment. All of these can create a barrier on the skin that the tan will not adhere to. Please stop using retinol, glycolic and active serums 3 days prior to tan and wait to use until 4 days post tan.
EXFOLIATION. One of the best solutions for how to apply self tanner evenly is with some good old-fashioned exfoliation. Whether you're using a natural exfoliant like a brown sugar body scrub or you bought one designed specifically for evening out your tan, gently exfoliating your skin will have it glowing in no time.
Try a facial scrub with salicylic acid in it. This helps exfoliate skin and remove the dead skin that's causing the build-up. A physical scrub, such as a bead, helps the natural shedding of dead skin. These small, non-plastic beads exfoliate the skin to lift away trapped oil and dirt, which can clog pores.
Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are like a vitamin C power-up for your skin. Vitamin C is a superhero here, boosting collagen production and making your pores less noticeable. Plus, these fruits have natural acids that gently exfoliate, keeping your pores clear and happy.
A serum with salicylic acid is the best face serum for open pores as it gently exfoliates dead skin cells, reduces excess oil, and removes blackheads and whiteheads. It helps to unclog pores and prevent them from enlarging.