Exfoliate 24 hours before It's important to exfoliate 24 hours prior to tanning. This will remove any dead skin and create the perfect base for your tan application. We'd recommend using our Tan Enhancing Body Polish and Exfoliator.
You'll want to shower, shave and exfoliate at least a day before your tan (preferably two!). We recommend using our Premier Collection® body washes as the perfect pre-tan prep. Exfoliating is especially important. If you don't have time for a deep exfoliation, using a loofah, brush or bath puff will work just fine.
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.
Apply a moisturizer or body butter to shower damp skin. (NOT Curel or Dove – these can ruin tans!) A few good choices would be Shea Moisture, CeraVe, Lubriderm, Vanicream, or Hempz, and some people prefer pure Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, or Cocoa Butter.
After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.
Kiss Orange Palms Goodbye: One of the biggest downsides of self-tanning with bare hands is the dreaded orange palms. But fear not, the mitt acts as a barrier, preventing the tanner from coming in contact with your palms.
For a light to medium tan, rinse off after 30 minutes. For a deep tan, rinse off after 1 hour. For the deepest tan, rinse off after 2-3 hours. Pick your preference, then shower with warm water and gently pat skin dry.
Moisturize just before tanning
Fake tan can often cling to very dry areas, so make sure that your skin is well-hydrated. Use a moisturizer every day in the week leading up to tan application, then moisturize very dry areas, such as elbows, knees, ankles, feet and hands, 2 to 3 hours before tanning.
Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.
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.
☀️Tanning Tip Tuesday☀️ How to avoid the “bunny tail” or white spots on lower back or under your arms or sides: ✅ when using a lay down bed always reposition your body every few minutes to achieve an even tan. Switch from side to side and rest your arms behind your head .
Yes, your skin should be dry prior to self-tanning, however, dampening your tanning mitt before applying your self tanner is a great self tanning tip for beginners especially to ensure an easy, smooth application. The key here is to gently wet your mitt before wringing it out completely.
If you're applying tan once a week, we'd recommend washing your mitt every two weeks. Otherwise, if you are less frequent in applying tan, we recommend washing your mitt once a month or after every second application.
Whether you've misplaced your tanning mitt or need a quick fix, a good pair of sports socks will get the job done.
Ardell Body Drench Quick Tan Instant Self-Tanner
Kim Kardashian flashed her own bottle of Body Drench when showing off her travel makeup bag — and she definitely knows a good sunless tan! If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member?
Before applying self-tanner, it's important to prep your skin adequately. A key step to an excellent faux tan (that lasts!) is exfoliation. "Before applying faux tanner, your skin should be completely clean, dry, and exfoliated to remove any dead, dry skin," says Samantha Magill of Tournesol Beauty.
Is 30 minutes a day enough to tan? It depends on your skin type. Those with fair skin likely need a bit longer, while people with darker skin may only require 15-20 minutes daily. Start slow and gently build UV skin tolerance over multiple sessions for the best color development.