How to Prep Skin for Self Tanner: Expert-Approved Routine

If you’re using how to prep skin for self tanner drops or waters you can rub these in using your hands, just wash your palms with micellar water afterwards. When applying, treat the self-tanning product as if it were lotion. “Apply in long, even stroke motions to really blend the tan into the skin,” says Fennell. Once you’ve applied a thin layer of the self-tanning product to your entire arm, move to the next arm and repeat the process see more.

We’re all busy, so we totally understand that you might be squeezing your treatment into an already busy schedule, or you might have a few things to do on your list once you’ve had your treatment. If your hair is a mid to long length, be sure to take how to prep skin for self tanner some hair ties with you to your appointment to tie it up and out of the way. You’re guaranteed a complete and professional finish, as well as not having to spend the evening washing solution out of your hair. With this in mind, also opt for underwear/bikinis that you don’t mind getting any solution on that are how to prep skin for self tanner of a similar fabric. This way, you can opt for these each time without any worry of trying to find more suitable options. Explore more of the best self tanners for face on our website.

Ideally, a spray tan can take anywhere from 6-12 hours to develop fully. The time needed can depend on a series of factors like your skin type, the shade of tan you wish to achieve, and the kind of spray tan you have received. You must wait for at least 4-8 hours after your spray tan and then go for a shower.

Or, you can buy self-tanner and follow its directions for a fake tan. This face scrub helps to gently remove impurities from the skin for a smooth and supple finish. If you’re using a mist, hold the bottle about four inches from your face and spray lightly, focusing on the center and sides of your face. For a cream or lotion, apply it as you would a regular moisturizer. The first step is to pick a self-tanner that’s compatible with your skin type.

The tan appears gradually and is easily buildable, plus there’s zero tanning scent (or really any scent for that matter). Our testers like that, because it gets mixed with your favorite moisturizer, it’s virtually undetectable on skin. “It does have that fake-tan smell, but there’s no tacky or how to prep skin for self tanner residue,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley.

This turns the surface layer of skin golden with a temporary tanning effect, which fades as dead skin cells are naturally shed. DHA is generally considered safe, but has potential side effects like skin and eye irritation to keep in mind. Using a tanning mitt gives you better control over the application and prevent any harsh lines or uneven patches. So, as you apply the self tanner to your face, be mindful of using a light touch. The key here is to build up the color gradually, rather than applying too much product all at once.

Make sure to lay a towel down on your bed to prevent staining the sheets. Self-tanner is the ultimate way to cheat a beautiful, summer glow all-year-round without any damage or risks. Special events and parties are a great place to show of your new tan and it can be a struggle to balance out your time to do this.

As I work on each section, I apply light pressure and buff the product in a circular motion. I do this until the self-tanner has absorbed into the skin and the application looks even. So I start at my feet, work my way up both legs, then my torso, chest, and finally my arms — do NOT use the how to prep skin for self tanner mitt on the back of your hands.

Not exfoliating to get rid of all of those dead skin cells that are right about to shed and take your tan with them will leave you with a patchy, uneven tan. We’re here to look at some very common mistakes people make when choosing, prepping, and applying a self-tanner. We’ll show you what to avoid and give you a few tips to ensure perfect results every time.

On the day of your session, you will want to shower about 1 hour before your session. Showering before your tanning bed session will help to remove any dirt or makeup products from your skin that might obstruct your tan. Reapply the self-tanner every few days to maintain a glowing, sun-kissed look. By following these tips, you’ll achieve a natural, streak-free tan that lasts, giving you that beautiful, radiant glow throughout the season. To achieve an even tan when using gloves, apply the self-tanner in gentle circular motions, working your way across the skin. Blend the product well into the skin, ensuring there are no visible streaks or patches.

Dry, dehydrated skin will cause your dead skin cells to shed quicker, taking the fake tan you worked so hard for with it. Use an oil-free moisturiser as oil can break down the product 2. Hop in the shower and exfoliate If you notice some streaks or dark spots on your skin, a hot shower can help smooth out streaks and give your self-tan a more natural appearance. The combination of hot water and steam can help lighten any dark spots, tone down your overall tan, and soften your skin.

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a how to prep skin for self tanner ingredient found in self-tanners, helps the skin get a golden brown tone instead of the infamous orange hue. The Liquid Gold oil contains a natural, plant-based DHA, which offers a healthier, vegan way to build your glow. Aloe juice, argan oil, and coconut water are blended together to nourish and soothe your skin while giving you a safe tan. COOLA’s Sunless Tan Dry Body Oil Mist masks any unpleasant odors with its delightful pineapple-coconut aroma, so you smell like you’re fresh from the tropics. The consistency of this dry body oil leaves your skin feeling soft and supple once you’ve finished applying it.

Using whatever product is left on your mitt is enough to coat your hands and feet in sweeping motions (don’t apply a lot of pressure). After application, you’re not done just yet — grab a makeup wipe to remove excess product. “I like to use a cleansing wipe to lightly wipe around my wrists, palms, and nails just to be sure that there isn’t any extra product buildup,” DiMarchi says. “Then, I use the buffing brush or mitt to blend any excess product on the skin.” If you ask us, self-tanning is one of the best inventions in the beauty world.

“Once you have established that there is no sensitivity, advise clients to condition their skin regularly with moisturiser in the weeks leading up to the tan application. This is especially important for eczema sufferers,” she continues. We also have a face tan you glow girl available online formulated specifically for your face for daily use/or for top ups and is super fine so it won’t clog your pores. Hydrate your skin with Bondi Sands Body Moisturiser to leave your skin feeling nourished and silky smooth.

We only include products that have been independently selected by TZR’s editorial team. Seems like a no-brainer, but if you have a bottle of self-tanner at home, you might as well invest in a remover, too. Thankfully, there are several ways to remove self-tanner at home, and none of them are headache inducing. Share with us in the comments below, or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #LovelySkin. Receive exclusive offers, promotions and beauty tips via email. And you’ll want to switch up your strategy for your face, and use a product designed for the neck and up.

Use a makeup brush or your fingers to add additional color across the cheekbones, under the jawlines, and/or onto the arches of your brow bones. When you wake up to a developed tan the next morning, a subtle contour will be in place. But when it comes to self-tanning the face, we’ll admit that it can feel intimidating to slather a bronzing agent on your face.

As far as determining how to prep skin for self tanner you should start when you self-tan, Paulsen recommends beginning with your back. “I know it’s everyone’s least favorite part of self-tanning, but if you tackle it first, it’s out of the way and the rest is a breeze. Next, work in small sections on your legs, then move to your arms so you never miss a spot,” he says. Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt and pay extra attention to rough areas like elbows, knees, and ankles. For your face, it’s important to start with a small amount of self tan.

It’s safe to say beautifully bronzed skin and a toned physique are two of the most sought-after body-centric beauty traits. But if you aren’t born with a naturally tan complexion and want to steer clear of potential sun damage, it may seem like you have to choose between the two. Quite the opposite—we’ve had more than our fair share of intense, sweaty workouts result in patchy, alien-like skin. “Be prepared to reapply the product every three days on average and lightly exfoliate and cleanse in between,” says Evans. Once you get the hang of this technique, your days of worrying about an orange hue will be replaced with glowing — we promise.

Easy to apply, and ready to rinse off in just two hours – this product is just what you need before a night out on the town or when you simply need a little glow in your step. The queen of argan oil, Josie Maran does it again with this liquid gold self tanning oil. And while some of us might not gravitate towards a body oil for tanning purposes, this product will have you rethinking your self tan habits! Ultra hydrating and scented like vanilla apricot, this stuff will take your tan to another level.

I also tried how to prep skin for self tanner 24 hours before applying self-tanner, and I swear to you, exfoliating 48 hours before applying self-tanner will give you the deepest tan ever. The Peta Jane Tanning Mist was created to easily tan your skin to perfection… Peta Jane tans are made with non GMO, Eco certified, all natural organic DHAs derived from beets and sugar. The mist has a light, pleasant, floral scent, and develops into a gorgeous even tan that is never orange.

Follow the instructions provided with the self-tanner product for the best results. Vinyl gloves are a suitable alternative to latex gloves for applying self-tanner. They offer similar protection and control, allowing you to achieve an even and streak-free tan. Choose gloves that fit comfortably and provide a snug fit for optimal results. However, it is important to clean them thoroughly after each use to avoid any transfer of product or bacteria.

And, with lower DHA levels, these tanners deliver a subtle, natural glow—no clogged pores! Their lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas let your skin breathe while enhancing your complexion. Two experts reveal everything you need to know about applying self-tanners on darker skin ahead. After you shower, be gentle while toweling off to ensure a natural looking tan. Rubbing your skin too hard post-shower could result in a patchy tan and skin irritation.

“Use something with a guide color, so you can see where you are applying,” Hogg recommends. We tested face tanners by incorporating them into our everyday skin care routines to see how they fared when paired with other products. We looked at ease of application, transfer-resistance, longevity, and overall quality of glow.

It has a good texture and feels moisturizing, but it doesn’t sink in quite as quickly as some of the other lotion formulas I tried. This mitt out beats all the how to prep skin for self tanner tan mitts I’ve ever used in the past. This gives you a very smooth and quick application because of its smooth and durable surface.

Violet will neutralize yellow undertones and give you a more caramel, rather than golden color. Sunless self-tanners can be a bit tricky to use, and proper prep and application are essential to get that smooth, flawless glowing tan. Not to mention, you’re now pretty obsessed with the results that scrubs deliver.