This helps avoid your carefully applied tan fromsmudging as you snooze. Now it’s time to show how to prep skin for self tanner. Contouring is an optional step thatyou apply the same way you would with a blush or bronzer. While it’s notcompletely necessary, contouring your tan helps you create a ‘full-face’ vibe,adding more dimension to your complexion.

Now you know all of the tips and tricks from the experts, it’s time to get bronzed. As well as picking the right clothes to wear after your tan, you’ll also want to follow some hard and fast aftercare rules when it comes to getting the best result from your colour. These will give the active ingredient in self-tans, Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a chance to develop on your skin without ruining your favourite clothes. Simply spritz onto bare, prepped skin and BUFF in using our TAN & BUFF BRUSH. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at beauty website Powder.

What makes these drop even more versatile is that they can be applied to the face and the body. Then, use a rich moisturizer to hydrate your elbows, knees, ankles, and other dry areas to help prevent patchiness. I found that the best self-tanner for beginners is easy to use and creates a flawless, natural-looking tan. So in the name of journalism, I decided to tackle my fear of self-tanning for an instant bronze once and for all. While a gradual tanner is usually a safe bet for subtle color (I'm a Jergens Natural Glow girlie for life), I needed some instant gratification that really packs a punch. Spray tanning isn’t just about achieving that beautiful bronze color—it’s also about taking great care of your skin.

Achieving a flawless self-tanner application requires proper skin preparation. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prep skin for self tanner to ensure a smooth, even glow.

Self tanner can be a learning curve but can easily replace spray tans once you get the technique down. Both are great options and ultimately depend on your skin needs and preference. You may experience dry skin after self-tanning as some products that are used in the formula can be quite drying. Once your self-tan starts to fade away your skin may appear on the dull side. It’s very important to moisturize your skin with an ultra-hydrating product and give it lots of care post-tan removal. Try soothing your skin with a natural oil, or hydrating cream like Tush Cream.

An easy-to-use glove that can be used in the shower to remove dead cells and quickly reveal smooth skin underneath. One side exfoliates, the other side can be used to apply your tan. PLUS, a good exfoliation routine is also key for helping your skin care products penetrate deeper into your skin! Since PM skincare products have higher active ingredients, the timing is great to maximize the benefits of these products. You’re already spending a ton of money on skin care products, so you might as well be making the most out of it. My formula actually has less ingredients than any other mousse on the market, which is a good thing, you do not want more ingredients in a skin care product when you don’t need it.

In your quest for a flawless complexion, you’ve likely heard plenty of tricks of the trade regarding powder foundation. One should be very similar to your skin tone, and can be used to cover dark spots, pimples, and other facial blemishes. The other should be lighter than your skin tone, and can be used to highlight certain areas of the face or add clarity to your makeup look.

Steps to Prep Your Skin

Once you are done exfoliating, cleanse your skin with a non oil based product (a gentle soap is great) to take away all the exfoliation residue, leaving your skin fresh and clean. If you are planning on waxing or sugaring, we recommend at least 48 hours before so that your pores have time to close. Looking for a sunless tan that looks natural and won’t streak?

If you want your tan to stick around, you must prep your skin correctly. If you need a wax or manicure, to wash your hair or shave your legs, do it before applying the tan. These treatments can remove the tan or prevent it from fully developing. We recommend doing these activities at least 24 hours before applying your tan.

Now that you have all your self-tanning supplies ready and have properly prepped your skin, it's time to apply your self-tanner. In addition, remember to moisturize in the days leading up to your self-tanner application so your skin is soft and evenly hydrated. On the day of, shower and completely dry off before cracking open that self-tanner. After you've exfoliated and revealed your smoothest, most baby-soft, flake-free skin, it's time to grab your lotion. Self-tanner is less likely to look patchy or streaky when applied to moisturized skin.

Then be sure to reapply every 2 hours, especially when swimming or sweating. This is also a great technique if you want to achieve an even more subtle, sheer result. This is to ensure the product is evenly dispersed across your desired area. Finally, refrain from wearing tight clothing or anything that could cause friction on your skin, as this can cause your self-tan to wear off faster.

Follow these steps to get your skin ready for self-tanning:

Don’t worry though, we’ve broken down how to self tan your face step-by-step, and will introduce you to the best face tanners so that you can achieve a flawless, bronzed complexion – every time. For the added punch of skin-loving ingredients we recommend Pure Gradual Tanning Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, Vitamin C for radiance and Vitamin E for repair. Pick out your favorite Bondi Sands self tanner and apply a small amount to your mitt. We love all our self tanners, but our self tanning foams are perfect for beginners.

Baked Balance-n-Brighten carries the National Rosacea Society Seal of Acceptance, and was the first foundation to earn a seal of approval from the National Psoriasis Foundation. Keep an eye out for formulas featuring hardworking ingredients such as hydrating hyaluronic acid, retinol and plumping collagen. Our convenient skincare gift sets are perfect for those with busy lives, making it super-simple to establish and maintain a beneficial skincare routine. For on-the-go, explore our travel-size toiletries and miniatures, so you can easily take all your skincare favourites on holidays and business trips. Both spray tans and self-tanners offer safe, sun-free ways to achieve a glowing tan, but each has its advantages and drawbacks.

Do not use a darker colour shade because you want to go darker. The ABC shade system has been formulated specifically considering the melanin in one’s natural skin tone and the amount that will work best to deliver a natural looking tan. “Keeping your skin moisturised helps to lock in the tan and keep it looking natural. Look for a body lotion that is specifically formulated for self-tanners with ingredients such as aloe vera or vitamin E, which will help nourish the skin. That means that your self-tanning products will react to literally any type of skin it comes into contact with, whether you want it to or not (think orange palms and patchy elbows).

It’s a versatile option if you can’t always commit to the prep and maintenance of self-tan. Development time differs from product to product, but on average, the longer you leave it on the deeper in color your tan will be. Our signature long-lasting and non-drying formula is infused with natural extracts of Aloe Vera and caffeine rich Guarana Seed Extract, delivering a result so natural nobody will know you're faking it. Get that holiday glow you've been dreaming of, with our most fool proof and natural looking tan ever. If you don't love them, we'll give you your money back no questions asked.

Developing a routine that includes exfoliation, hair removal and a moisturizer will be the perfect recipe for the glowing skin you've always wanted. The Tan-Luxe Glyco Water features glycolic acid, which works to exfoliate away the tan how to prep skin for self tanner also cleansing the skin. Vitamin C works to brighten the skin and the added aloe vera will leave you feeling extra hydrated.

1. Exfoliate

Then, “Jump into a hot bath or shower and exfoliate,” says Evans. Since you’re rubbing baby oil all over your body, things may get a little messy. Make sure to have a towel nearby for any spills, and rinse your shower afterwards so it’s not slippery. If you need a super quick fix, Evans recommends using hair removal cream since it will remove all of the self-tan in one quick go. She suggests leaving it on half the time the product says for hair removal.

Begin with exfoliating your skin to remove dead cells that can cause uneven color.

Once you are done cleaning your skin, let the skin soak in the warm water. This will make the process easier by loosening up rough, dead, bumpy, or callused skin. It will also soften the pumice stone's texture, which will make it feel less rough and easier to use. Here are safe ways to use self-tanning products to attain stunning radiance from the comfort of home. But the return of self-tanner is about more than just a summer-ready aesthetic how to prep skin for self tanner.

• Use a gentle body scrub or an exfoliating mitt.
• Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees, and ankles.

Alternatively, fake a full body winter glow by targeting only the areas showing. Most winter days are spent in jumpers and pants so consider tanning only the face, neck and hands. Adding warmth and colour into the face is easy with face tanning drops, water or mist. Adding a few tanning drops to your facial moisturiser is the quickest way to warm the complexion. Face how to prep skin for self tanner waters or mists are also ideal because they won’t stain the sheets. The journey to picking the perfect self-tanner can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

• Exfoliate at least 24 hours before tanning.

2. Shave or Wax

If you notice your facial tan starting tofade sooner than a week, you can apply self-tanner more frequently. Our products all contain a signature scent with our Unity unisex range having a designer inspired scent. So, you don't have to worry about how to prep skin for self tanner that dreaded fake tan smell. For more skincare tips from the experts at Dr. Dennis Gross, check out our blog’s newest content today.

With MineTan you can customize your bronze glow based on your skin type, tone and desired skin finish. Below, a list of  how to prep skin for self tanner my most tried-and-true products, plus exactly how (and when) to use all of them. Perch your laptop on your bathroom counter and queue up episodes of something fun and frothy — we’re gonna be in there a while.

If you plan to shave or wax, do this before exfoliating.

Additionally, avoid putting on clothing and shoes for at least 15 minutes after application to avoid staining or streaks. You can exfoliate in a number of ways including using an exfoliating mitt or a homemade scrub. Make sure to how to prep skin for self tanner in areas like elbows, knees, and neck and move mitt or scrub in a circular motion to clean the skin as well as possible. We hope you can’t wait to reach for your Bondi Sands tanning products and try out your new self tanning routine!

The areas around your joints will need particular attention, as this is where product tends to settle, giving you suspiciously orangey-brown elbows and knees. Because your joints often have drier skin and absorb more of the self-tanner, it’s important to dilute it ijn these areas with plenty of moisturiser. Whether you’re moisturising or self-tanning, getting your back is always a tricky thing to do. If you want to get that summer glow but you don’t have a helpful partner or friend nearby to help you apply your self tan to your back, there are some tips and tricks you can use to get those tricky areas. If you’re using a tanning mitt, try turning it round the other way, so that you are applying the tan with the back of your hand.

If you ever feel like you've picked up too much product, simply grab the excess with your mitt and rub it into a place on your body with a larger surface area like your stomach or your back. Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for skincare and self-care, the latest cultural hits to read and download, and the little luxuries that make staying in so much more satisfying. To help you out, we’ve put together this quick guide and video at the end for how to self-tan your face to maintain a natural-looking tan no matter what time of year. Kelsey is Seventeen.com's fashion expert and resident Harry Potter nerd. At the office, she spends her day writing about style, beauty, and literally every move Kylie Jenner makes. On the weekends, you can find her sifting through vintage shops and hunting for the perfect burger.

Using a tanning mitt how to prep skin for self tanner a smooth and even distribution of your chosen self-tanner, eliminating the risk of streaks or patches. It's a must-have tool to achieve that seamless, professional-looking bronze while also preventing stained palms. Beginners should not attempt to do a spray tan at home—leave that to the professionals. “Use something with a guide color, so you can see where you are applying,” Hogg recommends. We all know that this is the most annoying part of applying self tanner.

• Shave or wax at least 24 hours prior to self-tanning.
• This helps to avoid irritation and allows the skin to settle.

3. Cleanse

Ensure your skin is clean and free from any product residue.

• Use a mild body wash, avoiding products with oils or moisturizers.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

4. Moisturize Strategically

Moisturizing is essential, but apply it wisely.

• Hydrate your skin after cleansing and exfoliating.
• Avoid thick creams; use a lightweight lotion or oil-free moisturizer.
• Focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, and feet.

5. Avoid Fragrances and Oils

Before applying self-tanner, steer clear of heavily fragranced products.

• Fragrances and oils can create barriers, leading to uneven tanning.
• Check ingredient labels for non-comedogenic options.

Application Tips

Once your skin is prepped, follow these tips for applying self-tanner:

• Wear gloves or use a tanning mitt to avoid staining your hands.
• Apply in sections, starting from the lower body and moving upward.
• Use circular motions to blend the product evenly.
• Pay special attention to areas prone to streaking, such as wrists and ankles.

FAQs

What if I don’t have time to exfoliate the day before?

If you're short on time, exfoliate in the morning of your tanning session, but allow your skin to rest and hydrate for a few hours before applying the self-tanner.

Can I use self-tanner on my face?

Yes, but use a product specifically formulated for the face and ensure your facial skin is clean and hydrated beforehand.

How how to prep skin for self tanner?

Self-tanner typically lasts between 5 to 10 days, depending on your skin type and maintenance routine how to prep skin for self tanner.

By properly prepping your skin, you can achieve a beautiful, even tan that looks natural and radiant. Follow these steps to enhance your self-tanning experience!