Nothing conjures up effortless vacation vibes year-round like warm, glowing skin. Whether you’re busy daydreaming about poolside lounging or craving a splash of sunlight in the depths of winter, a self-tanner is ready to help.
Now, standing in your bathroom with your bottle of liquid sunshine, you may be wondering how to apply self-tanner and emerge from the house looking like you just returned from a sunbaked trip to the Maldives. Luckily, we’ve got the steps to get that sunless tan of your beachy daydreams.
Steps For Self Tanning At Home
Selfless tanner application boils down to two key steps: pre-application prep and application. Following each step with care can turn your sunless tanning experience into a self-care routine (with luminous results). Pre-Application
Before you open up your bottle of self-tanner, you’ll want to prepare your body for the best tan possible. These steps may require a little planning ahead, but taking the time to schedule them will help you score that streak-free, all-over bronze.
#1 Shave Away
Shaving your hair away pre-tan can help create an ideal canvas for adding summer color. That’s because shaving removes the top layer of dead skin cells so that the tanner will be applied to a fresh layer of skin. This can help your skin look brighter and help your tan last longer.
For best results, shave 24 hours before applying the tanning lotion. This gives your pores time to tighten up to achieve a smooth, tanned look. Otherwise, you may risk the pigment collecting in the open pores resulting in little dark dots all over your body. This speckled self-tanner effect is sometimes called “strawberry” skin.
So trust us, shave, then wait a day.
#2 Shower Time
After that 24-hour waiting period, it’s time to jump back in the shower. A squeaky clean foundation is the start of all the best sunless tans. While showering, you’ll want to pay attention to two important cleansing steps in your shower ritual.
- Exfoliate – Self-tanner works by “dying” the outermost layer of your skin, so you’ll want whatever’s on top to be as fresh as possible (hence shaving the day before). An exfoliant helps shed any excess dead skin cells, so your tanner clings to a brand new layer of skin. You can use any gently abrasive scrubby, from washing mitts to loofahs, or our personal favorite, Ouai Scalp, and Body Scrub. Give special attention to spots with a thicker layer of skin, like your elbows and knees. These areas will benefit from a good scrub to encourage even coloring.
- Cleanse with moisturizing soap – Once you’re done exfoliating, it’s time to wash away the exfoliated build-up and reveal a fresh, clean canvas for tanning. Be sure to reach for a body wash or soap that hydrates and doesn’t leave behind a residue. Hold off on the oil-based washes, and instead, opt for a cream-based, scentless soap to create a clean, moisturized area for your tan.
#3 Dry Off
Grab your favorite fluffy towel and dry off. Be extra thorough—self tanner slides right off of wet skin.
For the most part, you can skip your usual post-shower moisturizer with a few exceptions. Add a little moisturizer to your absolute driest areas, such as:
- Ankles
- Elbows
- Knees
Dryer areas can absorb extra dye. Keeping them lightly hydrated ensures a uniform sunkissed effect.
Application Time
Your skin is supple, soft, and ready to glow. Familiarize yourself with these essential steps as you start your application for professional results.
#1 Gather Supplies
Make sure you’ve got everything you need close by for a practically mess-free experience, including:
- Gloves – Consider washing your hands frequently to prevent stains on your palms, or invest in a self-tanner glove for mess-free application. The acclaimed brand St. Tropez offers specialized gloves promising a smooth, silky application, but latex gloves from the hardware store work just as well.
- Hair ties – Picture it—you’re in a self-tanner flow when a lock of hair tickles your nose. You reach up to tuck it behind your ear and…wind up giving yourself a fun little self-tanner streak on your cheek. Have hair ties at the ready to prevent hair from getting in the way as you work on your glow.
- Beauty blender – If you’re looking for a head-to-toe bronze, break out your beauty blender. This handy make-up tool can help you smoothly apply self-tanner to your face. Just make sure you thoroughly clean it before using it in your self-tanner session so your any excess.
- Towels – Have some disposable paper towels or spare bath towels on hand to help wipe down any dribbles. Keep them ready on the counter of your bathroom sink, and save your streaky unset self a mad dash through the house.
Self-Tanning Tip: It’s easy for a self-tanning session to become a little messy. Grab some towels you don’t mind staining and keep them around as a backup.
#2 Get To Work
Take a deep breath and dive down into the warm waters of self-application. You’ll be vacation (or staycation) ready in no time.
Here’s how to apply your tanner:
- Read the box, bottle, or packaging – Before you begin administering your golden hues, take a moment. Self-tanners come in various application forms, from wipes to lotions. Read the packaging and follow any specific instructions on how best to apply your self-tanner.
- Work in sections – Section off your body and work on one area at a time, like your left arm or right leg, to maintain consistency. Focusing on different spaces in a methodical fashion (whatever your order might be) will keep you spot-free. Avoid the “sleeve” look by blending the self-tanner from your wrists and ankles with a dry paper towel.
- Use a small amount to start – Start small for your first dip into the container. Remember your tan will continue curing even after you’ve taken your first wash, so there’s no need to glop on massive amounts of pigment. Aim to evenly coat your skin without having to drag excess tanner along. When you reach your knees, elbows, and neck, go lightly to make sure these ultra-absorptive areas match the rest of your figure. Treat delicate skin with the care you so deserve.
- Apply consistently in strokes or circular motions – Generally, the most popular methods of self-tanner application are either long, light strokes or gentle circular buffing. Instead of pressing the product firmly into your skin the way you might a moisturizer, allow it to lightly cover the topmost layer.
Self-Tanning Tip: If you plan on adding tanner to your face, be sure to cover your eyebrows and hairline with moisturizer. This prevents the self-tanner from giving your hair an unexpected hue. You can even use a beauty blender to help create an even bronze over the planes of your face.
Post-Application
Now that you’re sufficiently covered in tanner, it’s time for some post-application care:
- Catch the excess – Give regions like your neck and knees a gentle swipe with a paper towel, removing any extra self-tanner clinging on.
- Let your skin breathe with comfy clothes – Wear loose, comfortable clothing to keep patches of tanner from rubbing off or dyeing your favorite sweatsuit.
- Avoid H2O – Any sweat or water will cause your self-tan to melt away, so consider this a sign you’re allowed to stay in tonight. You can take a shower about 6 hours post-application without washing away your handiwork.
After a solid 24 hours, you’ll be able to see your finalized transformation.
Helping Your New Tan Last
Your self-tanner will fade anywhere from 5-7 days after you apply. Pay close attention to however long your chosen product promises a tan. If you’re glamming up for a wedding a week away, you’ll want to apply your tanner close to the big day to ensure it lasts. That way, you can hit the minibar for some wine spritzers (or virgin strawberry daiquiris), feeling radiant.
Take warm showers with minimal exfoliating and heavy moisturizing to ensure your self-tan lasts as long as possible. You might notice some brown coloring slip down the drain on your first wash. It’s just the leftover DHA your skin doesn’t need.
Choosing Your Signature Self Tanner
Since self-tanners were introduced on the market by Coppertone in 1960, chemists have made strides in formulating inclusive, realistic tones. You’ll likely find vast options for self-tanners of your choosing.
When finding your signature self-tanner, you’ll want to consider a few of FabFitFun’s suggestions below.
Ingredients
Look for the best self-tanners with these tried and true ingredients to guarantee your most authentic fake tan.
- DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is found in all the best self-tanners. The chemical reaction between this active sugar and amino acids in your skin results in dependable color.
- Oils (like jojoba, almond, or coconut) help create a moisturized surface for even color deposits. This hydrating addition to product composition will help your skin absorb and retain its new tone, preventing unpredictable tan lines.
- Fragrance can impact your self-tanning experience. If you have sensitive skin, steer clear from any self-tanners touting unidentified perfume. DHA is known for a strong scent, so double-check the package and confirm there aren’t any added botanicals or synthetics that could trigger allergies.
Application
Thanks to their popularity, sunless tanners come in different styles like mousses, wipes, aerosol sprays, or creams.
- For a fluffy texture that blissfully bronzes all hues, check out BaliBody Self Tanning Mousse. This decadent product promises tans for all skin tones, making it a universal home staple.
- If you’d prefer a breezy-easy face glow up, gravitate towards Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Face Drops. Skincare enthusiasts will find these silky golden droplets reminiscent of everyday serums.
Explore different styles and ask yourself which application will be the most convenient for your home enjoyment. Self-tanners are self-care and should be stress-free to apply.
Find Your Glow with FabFitFun
FabFitFun is your one-stop-shop for the most innovative and beloved self-tanning products. This membership promises only the finest beauty and lifestyle must-haves, carefully curated by our experts. Amass the ultimate collection and choose a new favorite in each delivery. From bronzers and shimmer body oils to sunscreen and fluffy slippers, we’ve got everything you need to highlight your new tan.
Sources:
- Skin Cancer Foundation. Fake It to Make It: Sunless Tanning Explained. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sunless-tanning-explained/
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. How To Apply Self Tanner. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/apply-self-tanner
- Byrdie. How To Apply Self Tanner. https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-apply-self-tanner
- Real Simple. 7 Self-Tanner Mistakes Everyone Makes—and How To Fix Them. https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/self-tanner-tips
- Glamour Magazine. Forgotten how to apply fake tan? These hacks will ensure an even, streak-free glow. https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/how-to-apply-fake-tan
