Self Tanner Hacks: What to Use, When to Apply, and How to Make It Last

Having a tan helps you to look healthier, can give the illusion that you’re slimmer, and also helps cover skin imperfections. Although there are some methods for how to safely tan, the only really safe tan is a fake one.

Here are the best self tanner tips to help you get that healthy faux glow all year round.

1. Use a pre tan exfoliator

Exfoliating and removing any dry patches from your entire body before applying fake tan is a must, and it wouldn’t be wise to skip this important step.

Types of exfoliator:

• physical exfoliants which contain little particles that scrub your skin
• chemical exfoliants which use ingredients such as lactic acid to break down and remove dead skin cells (Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion and Ameliorate Smoothing Body Exfoliant are excellent)
• exfoliating gloves or cloths which are textured and provide the scrubbing action. Korean mitts and towels such as a long cloth like this for legs and back, and an exfoliating mitt like this one for tricky areas like ankles, knees and elbows really work well

You may need to spend a week or two exfoliating every 2-3 days to get your skin in the best shape possible.

2. Moisturise before self tanner

Using a body lotion before tanning will keep your skin cells hydrated, smooth and plumped.

Ideally you’ll want to moisturise your whole body once or even twice a day in the run up to applying fake tan.

On the day of applying self tanner, you can apply body lotion. Let it sink in for at least an hour before applying tan (preferably longer).

3. Shave at the right time

The golden rule about hair removal is to avoid shaving too close to the time of applying it. This means both before you apply it and afterwards.

Shaving opens up the pores in your skin. They need time to close before you apply fake tan; otherwise, you’ll end up with the tanner settling in your pores and leaving behind little dark dots. Try to shave 24 hours before applying tan.

The same applies to shaving after a fake tan. Wait as long as possible to ensure the tan has fully developed, as the razor will strip it off of the skin through mild exfoliation.

Don’t use drying shaving foams. A better option is a shaving gel or oil, or just a hair conditioner (this works so well as a shaving cream!).

4. Choose the right self tanner for your skin and lifestyle

With so many self tanners out there, it can feel a little overwhelming to figure out which one to go for — especially when they all promise that perfect, sun-kissed glow. The key is to find a formula that works for both your skin tone and your day-to-day routine. Whether you want something quick and easy or prefer a gradual tan that builds over time, there’s something for everyone.

Here are a few great options to get you started:

• Bondi Sands – This Aussie brand is a fan fave for good reason. They offer a wide range of tanners in different formulas (like mousse, foam, and lotion), strengths, and shades — perfect if you like having options.
• Tan-Luxe – Known for their tanning serums and customizable drops that you mix into your regular moisturizer. Great if you want to keep your existing skincare routine but add a little glow.
• Skinny Tan – They’ve got everything from mousse to oils to lotions, and their products come in various shades. Plus, they’re super highly rated for a reason.
• St. Tropez – A classic in the self tan game. Their Bronzing Water Mists are a clear, lightweight spray for both face and body — ideal if you hate feeling sticky or don’t want to mess with tinted formulas.

New to tanning? Start with a gradual tan. These build up your color slowly over a few days, which helps avoid streaks and gives a more natural finish — especially if you’ve got fair or light skin. It’s also way more forgiving if you’re still perfecting your technique.

5. Apply self tanner to your body

Always read the bottle of your fake tan. It will give you application instructions specific to that product.

Make sure you don’t have any deodorant or perfume on, as this can interfere with the tanner.

Use a tanning mitt when applying self-tanner. They are like mittens and there are lots of affordable ones on the market.

Apply the tan directly on to the mitt and then use vertical strokes or circular motions (depending on what the self-tan bottle advises you to do) to apply it to the skin.

It’s sometimes easier to start with your legs (but don’t do your feet yet) and move up to the rest of your body. 

6. Self tan your back

The back can be difficult to reach by yourself. You have a couple of options here:

• you can ask someone else to do it for you – they should wear a mitt or latex gloves
• use a special long back applicator

7. Self tan your feet

The feet can be one of the hardest places to apply self tanner to.

• a tanning brush is a good option when it comes to tanning your feet. You can buff the product in lightly around your toes and ankles for the perfect tan
• try not to go too far down the sides of your feet. These areas don’t tan naturally so the tanner needs to look like it fades away as it goes towards the bottoms of your feet
• it’s worthwhile checking that you haven’t stepped on any tanner on the floor. If you have, quickly wash the bottoms of your feet

8. Self tan your hands

Remove the mitt and apply only a small amount of product to the backs of your hands. Use a tanning brush to smooth the tan across your hands and very lightly over the backs of your fingers and around the wrists.

Quickly and carefully wash your fingertips and the palms of your hands afterwards to clean up any tan on these areas that you don’t want to turn darker

9. Self tan your face (optional)

To apply self tanner to your face, again a tanning brush is a great idea. Blend the tanner lightly as if applying foundation with a makeup brush. Ensure that you go up into the hairline, around the ears, and down your neck onto your chest.

Alternatively, try using a product that you can add to your moisturiser. You add a few drops to your moisturiser and apply it over your face and neck as normal.

Ensure you wash your hands immediately afterwards.

How long does fake tan take to develop?

A fake tan can take anywhere from 8-12 hours to develop fully. The active ingredient in the tanner (DHA) needs time to react with your skin and generate the colour.

It’s a good idea to apply fake tan before bed so that it has the full amount of time to develop overnight before you wash it off.

You can also buy fake tans with a ‘guide colour.’ These are tanners with a hint of colour to them. Not only does it help show you where you’ve applied it, but they also give ‘instant tans’ while the colour is developing.

How to wash off fake tan

Believe it or not, it’s better not to use any soap or shower gel when you first go to wash off your fake tan. This also means you shouldn’t wash your hair either.

Instead, step under the shower using lukewarm water only. When the water runs clear, you can get out.

Pat your skin dry with a towel. Don’t rub at your skin as this may dislodge some of the faux tan and lead to patchiness. Apply a body lotion.

How long does fake tan last?

Your skin will naturally shed the top layer of skin cells where the tan has developed, so you can expect your tan to last for around 7-10 days.

How to make self tan last longer

The key to keeping your newly developed self tanner locked into your skin is to:

• exfoliate before applying the tan
• moisturise your skin regularly (twice a day if possible)
• hydrate your skin from the inside out by drinking plenty of water each day

What to do about patchy fake tan

If you have any areas where there’s uneven tan, there are a few things you can do:

• use a body scrub to move the patchiness
• try rubbing lemon juice or toothpaste on the area
• go swimming: chlorine will help remove the tan
• try a fake tan removing product. There are lots available on the market which will help get those dark patches out
• try filling in any gaps carefully with some more fake tan to make it look more even

Can you tan through fake tan?

The answer is: yes! Self tanner does not contain SPF, and a fake tan does not give you any protection against the sun. Therefore you can also burn. Always use sun protection even if you have a fake tan.

Now you know how to fake tan! Using these self tanning tips will really help you to get a golden glow and the best results all year round.

You may also love: can you tan when it’s cloudy? 

 

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