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If you’ve ever had a fake tan disaster (hello orange ankles and patchy elbows!), trust me, you’re not alone. After years of trial, error and way too many streaks, I’ve finally nailed the perfect routine of how to apply fake tan for a flawless, natural-looking glow.
Whether you’re a total beginner or just want to refine your technique, this post is packed with tips, a step-by-step guide, and my holy grail tanning products. Here’s what you need to know.
Watch: How to Choose Your Fake Tan Shade
Before we dive into the nitty gritty of how to apply fake tan, let’s quickly discuss choosing a shade that will work, and this really doesn’t need to be too complicated. Watch this video for my thoughts on choosing a shade:
When it comes to working out how to apply fake tan, it is easy to forget that it starts with the shade you choose. The key here is to remember that you are not trying to find a match like you would with foundation, you are actually trying to change your skin colour. Personally, because my skin is naturally very pale, I find that an ultra dark shade gives me the tan I want. If you have a naturally darker skin tone, you won’t need your tan to work so hard. The video explains more!
But let’s get on to the nitty gritty of how to apply fake tan!
Step-by-Step: How To Apply Fake Tan for a Streak-Free Finish
1. Prep Like a Pro (24 Hours Before)
Exfoliate with a mitt or gentle scrub the day before. This is the first step to success because you want to ensure you have a lovely smooth canvas on which to apply the tan.
Pay particular attention to areas prone to drier skin, such as knees, ankles, elbows and hands because the self tan will stick to any dry patches and they will appear darker than the rest of you.
Shave or wax at least 24 hours ahead of tanning to avoid any irritation.
Avoid anything heavy or oily on the skin (body butters, I’m looking at you!) as they can create a barrier and cause patchiness.
2. Moisturise the Dry Bits
This is what I like to think of as protecting the danger areas. It is always a good idea to apply some moisturiser to drier areas, again knees, ankles, elbows and hands. Make sure you rub it in well. Another good tip is to apply a very small amount of moisturiser along your eyebrows and on your hairline if you are tanning your face. The moisturiser will reduce the absorption of the tan to those areas and ensure you are not left with any tell-tale signs.
3. Application Time
This is the fun part. My preference is to use a tanning mitt to apply the product. Some people prefer gloves and both will protect you from the dreaded orange palms. You should pump the product on to the mitt and then apply in circular motions. If you use a self-tanner with an instant tint, or colour guide, it will be easier to see where you have applied and to ensure even coverage. I tend to always use a product with a colour guide.
The back is tricky!! If you are doing it yourself, it involves a lot of stretching and huffing and puffing!! You can buy a long wand applicator but I tend to manage. Ideally it’s best if someone helps but this isn’t always possible (or desirable!!) so I often go it alone! It is actually possible for me to cover my whole back, I just have to attack it from every angle!!
If I apply fake tan to my face (which I don’t always like to) I will only use what is left on the mitt, never the actual dispensed product. It is such a small area that you need hardly any product at all. The moisturiser you have applied should protect your brows and hairline. I sweep the mitt quickly over the ears as you want them to match as well! Then I take a dry tissue and wipe it across my upper lip to remove any excess product. No-one wants a tan tash!!
I then wash my hands with soap gently, concentrating on the palms and between the fingers and then sweep a light tan application, again with what is left on the mitt, on the top of my hands.
4. The Finisher
The finisher is to get a dry flannel and some moisturiser and gently buff the wrist to avoid a line where your palm starts. If you see any other areas where the tan appears too concentrated, do the same gentle buffing. You can do this anywhere you think that lines can appear to harsh like the toes and sides of your feet.
3. What happens next…
With tinted products, they often appear very dark at first, but this is mainly due to the colour guide that will wash off when you next shower, so don’t be scared. It is best to leave it overnight to develop or avoid getting wet or sweaty(!) for at least 8 hours after application. The longer, the better. Try to cover up as much as you can to avoid getting tan on the bed sheets. But don’t worry because it will wash out.
In the morning you can shower as usual, and again, if the product has a colour guide, you will see it rinsing away down the plug hole. This is normal so don’t be alarmed.
- Wear loose, dark clothes – no tight socks or leggings
- Avoid water and sweating for at least 6–8 hours.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water only – no soap on the first rinse!
- Moisturise daily and use a gradual tan to keep up the colour (my fave: Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Review & 30% Off Discount Code)
6. The Secret to Long-Lasting Tan? Maintenance.
Daily moisturising is key. Do a very light scrub on the third day after tanning. This will help the tan to fade evenly and prepare your skin for more tan should you fancy a top up.
Should you want to completely remove the tan for a fresh start, I recommend using a flannel in the shower or bath. They are great at lifting the colour. If you have a lot of tan to remove, soak in a bath with lots of lovely bath oil, and then get scrubbing with a flannel. Be prepared for a scary ring of tan around the bath.
My Ride-or-Die Fake Tan Products
I’ve tested a lot of tans over the years. These are the ones I always come back to, or fall in love with instantly. Stay tuned for more reviews too, as I have some new ones to test.
- Vita Liberata The Mousse Tinted Lasting Tan Ultra Dark Review
- Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse Ultra Dark* (use code REALLYREESPH for 20% off
- Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Review & 30% Off Discount Code
- Self Glow By James Read Sunbright Tinted Tan Drops Review
- Fake Bake Flawless Self Tan Liquid Review
My Top Tip – The Booster
I love tan. I always want to be tanned, and sometimes I want to take my fresh tan a step further, especially when I am prepping for an event! So after I have done a complete tan from scratch, the very next day after I have rinsed off the colour guide, I go in with a very generous layer of gradual tan (Gatineau Golden Glow).
This just takes my tan to the next level and literally leaves me feeling like a golden goddess. You don’t need to do this, but if you try it, you may never look back!
Final Thoughts
Fake tanning doesn’t have to be scary or high-maintenance, it just takes a little prep and the right products and hopefully this guide on how to apply fake tan will help. Once you find your rhythm, you’ll never look back.
Let me know if you give my routine a go, or if you have any tanning tips of your own.
