It's tempting to spend all day basking in the sun, but whether you like a slightly sun-kissed finish or you want a bronzed beach babe look, a fake tan is by far the better option for a quick – and safe – golden glow.
No matter what depth of colour you choose, or the type of tanning formula you use, the secret to that elusive, streak-free, long-lasting golden glow is all in the prep and the application. So, we've spoken to the top tanners in the business to gather some useful tanning hacks – including a genius way to use your tanning mitt.
So read our tips that will take you through the process from start to finish, including the pre-tan prep work, the application itself, and the aftercare. Get ready for glowing, gorgeous skin the safe way.
Should I shave before tanning?
Whatever your hair removal method is, it's always best to be silky smooth and hair-free right before you tan. Make sure you shave at least 24 hours prior to applying false tan to ensure the hair follicles have closed back up, therefore avoiding the speckled look.
Should I exfoliate before tanning?
You want to create the smoothest canvas possible, which is why it's also important to exfoliate. "You need to blitz and buff away all evidence of your previous tan to ensure an even base so your new glow goes on beautifully and looks flawless", says Carly Hobbs, Sienna X Expert Tanner and Brand ambassador. “Fail to do so and you could get patchy results, with some darker areas.”
If you're reapplying your tan after your last application has faded but can't quite shake those stubborn patches, celebrity tanner and founder of Isle of Paradise, Jule Von Hep, offers this clever tip: “Go swimming, the chlorine will soften the tan, then take some exfoliating gloves and scrub in the shower.”
Can I tan with perfume or deodorant on?
When applying false tan, your skin should be completely clean – and we mean really clean. Even just a hint of deodorant or perfume can cause disastrous results.
"Deodorant will go green as it reacts with the tan on contact, and while it doesn’t stay green, it’s not a good look", says Carly. "If you are able to shower pre-tan, be brave and go for a cold rinse to encourage pores all over the skin to close so your tan goes on seamlessly."
As for perfume, you should remove it and also avoid applying it post-tan as it can mess with your tan's development. "I was once working with a client on Strictly Come Dancing and each week she’d come in on show day with a huge patch on her neck, it took us weeks to work out that immediately after her spray tan, she was spraying her neck with fragrance which was breaking the tan down as it developed", shares Jules. "Do not do this! Spritz a hair mist if you need a scent."
How long after moisturising can I fake tan?
For an even tan, you should keep your skin moisturised and nourished. However, it's very important to moisturise at least 24 hours before applying your chosen tanning lotion, as the moisturiser acts as a barrier, preventing the tanning formula from accessing the skin.
When it's time to tan, Carly recommends using a light moisturiser on the following areas: elbows, knees, knuckles, between the fingers, inner wrists, ankles and toes. These areas are especially prone to build up and can end up looking a lot darker than the rest of your skin. A tan primer is best, as it acts as a barrier to stop the tan from catching.
How do I apply fake tan?
"Work methodically from legs, upwards and take your time", says Carly. When asked if a mitt was best, Jules replied, "Yes. A mitt protects the tan from absorbing into the hands but also helps evenly distribute the product."
The only exception? "If you’re using tanning drops or water you can rub these in using your hands, just wash your palms with micellar water afterwards. But as a rule, I always use a mitt."
A great way to make sure the formula is evenly distributed across the whole mitt is to administer it to the base of the mitt (where the heel of your hand is) and fold the mitt in half by closing your palm. This will also make each pump go even further.
Another top tip is when applying to the backs of your hands and feet, simply use any leftover residue left on the mitt to avoid unnatural looking build up on those areas.
What's a great fake tan tip for beginners?
If you're a tanning novice, the best way to apply self-tan is to choose a formula with a guide colour and stand in front of a mirror when applying. This will make sure you don't miss any spots and it's all blended in seamlessly.
When you think you're done, twirl back and forth, checking the back of your knees and lift your arms above your head to ensure you didn't miss the underside.
How can I make fake tan darker?
The best way to achieve a deeper tan is to choose a formula that is specifically created for deeper results. Some formulas offer you the chance to leave it on for longer in order to achieve a deeper tan (want a natural glow? Leave it on for one hour. Want a golden transformation? Leave it on for three.)
Another way to make your tan darker is to apply two layers of self-tan or to top your tan up the day after the initial application. However, this is probably best left to the more confident tanners among us.
How do I apply fake tan to my face?
If you choose to tan your face using the same formula as the one applied to your body, both Jules and Carly agree that less is more. "Repeat after me, two coats on the body and one on the face", says Jules.
Ideally, you should use products that are specifically formulated for the face. Jules recommends his Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops: "Mix your desired amount of drops in with your normal face moisturiser (the more you drop the deeper the glow – I advise 2-3 drops). Sweep moisturiser over your skin, massaging in upward motions, and down the neck to the décolletage."
If you choose not to tan this area, you may want to switch your shade of foundation to match your tanned body, making sure to blend down the neck for a seamless transition.
How do I apply fake tan to my back?
You can forget the days of trying to stretch those hard-to-reach places with a tanning mit in attempts to get an even tan on your back. These days, the best way to apply fake tan to your back is by using a fake tan back applicator like this one from Bondi that comes with replacement pads so you can ensure a perfect application every time. To use, simply extend the handle back until it locks into place, apply your fake tan product to either side of the applicator and start to apply the tan.
How long does fake tan take to dry?
False tan formulas can feel tacky on the skin for hours afterwards, however, they should be largely absorbed after as little as twenty minutes. Just make sure to avoid restrictive clothes, underwire bras or anything that rubs onto the skin and don't get the skin wet.
If you're going for a professional spray tan, do not show up wearing "skinny jeans, leggings, gladiator sandals or sports bras", says Jules. "You want loose, floaty, effortless chic garments. My clients who work in fashion always wear jumpsuits."
"Try to resist anything too sweaty after you tan", says Carly. AKA it's better to be cold than too hot. If you're at home, a floaty dress or loose-fitting pyjamas are perfect. And black is always best.
How long after tanning can I shave?
Another important reason to shave pre-tan is because if you do it afterwards instead, you're at risk of shaving away your tan as the blades tend to pick up any dead skin cells as well as hair. Carly also says to "avoid baths all together so you don’t soak your glow away". Opt for showers instead.
How long after tanning can I moisturise?
If you wish to maintain your glow and ensure an even fade, moisturising is a must.
"A faux tan loves being hydrated, so treat it daily, if not twice daily to Sienna X Radiance Body Balm, which not only moisturises but makes your tan pop and is good for the skin as it’s packed with vitamin E," says Carly.
Too time-poor to moisturise? "Use your tanning mitt to swipe it on at super speed. It's especially handy on chilly mornings when moisturising is not the most fun."
How do I make my tan last longer?
As well as moisturising, you can also top it up after a few days with a gradual tan if you really want to prolong your glow.
When is the best time to fake tan before an event?
According to James Harknett, who has fake tanned everyone from the Strictly stars to Mollie King, Harry Styles and the beauty editors at GLAMOUR, you ideally want to fake tan a day or so before an event. “If a client comes to me for an event then they normally book in a day or so before. With brides it’s always 48 hours before the ceremony. This is because they will then have three warm showers on the tan - which gives them confidence that all the guide colour has left the skin, and nothing will transfer onto their clothes. I also love how a tan has settled with the skin by day two.”
Ready to tan? Check out our round up of the best fake tan products
