Fake tan has become on of the most popular beauty products in recent years. We all love the bronzed glow you get from having a tan, but don't want our skin to suffer the damaging affects of sunbeds.
There are so many fake tans on the market now, with everyone guaranteed to find one that will suit their skin type and complexion. The only problem is, they can be a trial and error product if you don't know how to properly prep ahead of applying your tan.
Nobody wants a botched tan job that's going to take a week to scrub off, so keep scrolling for our top 7 fake tan tips. We pride ourselves on being pro fake tanners here in the Beauty Basket office, so follow our top fake tanning tips and you won't see yourself going wrong!
1. Exfoliate Your Skin
The key to getting tan to look great is to have a great base to begin with. Make sure to exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and old tan before applying a fresh layer. If you have old tan on, a tan remover can help get rid of the last of it so that your skin is fresh for a new layer.
We recommend using an exfoliating mitt like this one from Cocoa Brown.
2. Moisturise Daily
After you've exfoliated your skin, it's a good idea to keep it moisturised and hydrated. We recommend doing your exfoliation and moisturising a day before you plan to apply your tan so that your skin is in the best condition. This will also help to keep tan from sticking to dry patches around elbows, knees and ankles.
Cocoa Brown Perfect Fade Tan Oil
3. Pick a tan to suit your skin Type
Everybody's skin is different, and just like with skincare and makeup, one tan doesn't suit all. If you have oily skin you may be looking for a tan that will glide on and won't wear off too quickly. For dry skin, a more hydrating tan is key. We recommend a mousse for oily skin such as the Dripping Gold Dark Mousse or Cocoa Brown Dark Mousse. For dryer skin, a lotion or oil would work better. The new Cocoa Brown Perfect Fade tan oil is great for dry skin, or the Dripping Gold tanning lotions which contain hyaluronic acid for extra hydration.
Dripping Gold Ultra Dark Lotion
4. Don't Go Too Dark
Similar to picking a tan that suits your skin type, it's important to pick a tan that suits your skin tone. If you are fair skinned, an ultra-dark tan might look too dark (or orange) on your skin. We recommend a medium tan for fair skin tones, medium to dark tan for more medium skin tones and a dark or ultra dark tan for olive skin tones. By matching the tan you choose to your normal skin tone, this will help to give it a more natural look.
5. Don't Rush It
The biggest mistake most people make when applying tan is they try to do it in a hurry, or last minute before heading out. Give yourself time to apply it correctly and plan to apply it the day or night before you want to be tanned. Use a clean mitt and apply your selected tan to the glove and massage it into the skin in circular motions. Take care not to rub it too hard and keep an eye out for any areas you might have missed. The Cocoa Brown Man Mitt is great if you need the man in your life to help apply it to your back.
The Goat Skincare Moisturising Cream
6. Maintain
To get the most out of your carefully applied tan, maintain it well. Developing tans can last up to a week when maintained properly. By moisturising your skin daily after applying tan, you can help it last a lot longer. This will also help your tan from going scaly as it begins to wear off and will result in a more natural fade.
Dripping Gold Body Tune Instant Tan
Cocoa Brown Instant Tan Bronzing Gel
7. If In Doubt - Go Instant
If you're hesitant about applying tan, or only need a quick colour, why not use an instant tan instead of the usual developing tans that have become ever so popular in recent years. Instant wash-off tans are beginning to have a resurgance in popularity. they are great if you don't want a tan that is going to take days to come off as they wash off easily in the shower. Dripping Gold Body Tune has a subtle shimmer to give a glowing bronzed look, whilst Cocoa Brown Matte Bronzing gel gives instant colour without a shimmer.
