If youβre anything like me, you werenβt in Brazil or Thailand during the winter. You were in a very non tropical post-code, covering your milky complexion under things like leggings, coats, and a bright pink dressing gown (with matching slippers) and (no, thatβs not a joke).
However I prefer to challenge that reality come summer, and here at BWA, weβve put together the ultimate fake tanning guide to ensure that youβve got the tips, tricks, and knowledge to rock a truly flawless fake tan this summer.
First, pick your fake tan. Le Tanβs Fast Tan range is amazing for many reasons. They have mousses, sprays, crΓ¨mes, and have now just released one specifically for faces ($7.99). Mousses have a reputation as absorbing the fastest and thus being the best, however, the choice is entirely yours. I use Le Tanβs Fast Tan Mousse in Deep Bronze ($12.99): itβs instant, light, and is tinted so I can see where Iβve applied it. It also doesnβt smell too strong, and gives me a realistic colour after just one layer. Head to Letan.com.au for more info and their entire range.
St Tropez Bronzing Mousse is another great option, and is hailed by beauty experts around the globe. A little more pricey ($65.95 for 240mls), this baby dries in 60 seconds, is infused with Aloe Vera, and is more brown based as opposed to caramel based.
As for the actual method of application, consider investing in latex free plastic gloves instead of using your bare hands. Or…invest in an applicator mitt ($10.95, Saint Tropez). Its water resistant barrier ensures fingers remain unstained and claims to provide you with a flawless finish. Β Check out the full range here.
Now, for the important part:
1. Exfoliate in shower: This is crucial to ensure a flawless finish, as it gets rid of the dead skin cells and provides an even canvas for the tan to be applied to. This can either be done right before you tan or the day before. We love Model Co Tan Prep Body Polish, $24.
2. Shave: We all know hairy limbs can detract from the Brazilian Goddess look you were going for. However, be extra cautious not to nick yourself to avoid being stung into a state of swearing, and to avoid infection.
3. Apply moisturiser only on the DRY spots of your body. Elbows, knees, armpits, ankles, feet, and hands soak up fake tan like a sponge, and the result is doomed for streaksville. You also may want to apply some to your bellybutton, and any stretch marks of scars you may have. Many people moisture their whole body, however, fake tan is best applied to oil free, clean and dry skin. This allows it to sink in much more and will stay on for longer.
4. APPLY GLOVES OR TANNING MITT. Work from your feet upwards, doing your arms last of all. This lessens the risk of smudging, as your arms are the limbs that are doing all the work. Makeup artist Rachel Wood suggests that you βreally get between your toes and round the back of the ankles, and across the ears and under the armpits, as that’s where it really shows up as fakeβ. Note: why moisturising these extra dry areas is super important.
5. After your body is bronzed and beautiful, remove the mitt or your gloves and apply moisturiser to your hands, concentrating on knuckles, sides of the hands, wrists, and nails. Dot some fake tan on the back of one hand, and rub in with your other (exposed) hand. Get between the fingers, and donβt forget the side of the thumb. Repeat with other hand.
6. Carefully rub a tissue or dark coloured towel over your palms, and most of the tanner should come off (as it was sitting on top of the moisturiser). This is also when sweaty palms are a slight blessing. Note: in my opinion, its fine to have lightly tanned palms as this makes it look more real. The issue arises when your hands are more tanned than everywhere else.
7. Look at your body. If you see mistakes or darker patches, now is the time to fix them. Lightly dab some nail polish remover or lemon juice onto a cotton pad and press the darker area β do not wipe.
8. Avoid dressing until youβre dry. This is often not possible for the multi-tasker, but is very key to having an even tan. Avoid showers, swimming, sweat, white clothing, and anything else that doesnβt need a tan (like your grandmotherβs antique cream chair).
In the following days:
Prolong your tan with moisturiser, add to it, or get the best of both worlds and invest in Model Coβs Tan Extender, $24. Promising to add a light tan and moisturise, this product also claims to improve the skins tone and texture, and also has a summery, fruity smell. Shop the entire ModelCo range here.
If you plan to fake tan your face, itβs important to follow these tips too:
1. Before applying the tanner, put some moisturiser or Vaseline on your eyebrows to stop it staining them. Orange eyebrows donβt equate to sexy, summer goddess.
2. Blend the tanner right into the hairline and underneath the jaw line, just like foundation. Women with lighter hair should wipe their hair afterwards to avoid staining.
And always remember: if you simply donβt have the time or energy to DIY, but your heart yearns for a fake tan, a professional spray tan is always just a booking away!
What do you think of these tips? Do you have others youβd like to share?
Image: EnvySprayTanningΒ
68 Comments
Hello….. Am glad to read and awesome post. it’s really useful tips and thanks for sharing.
good tips to for newbie tanners like me!
love vani-t spray tans
Great tips or I could just move to brazil xD
Cool tips:)
Great Tips π I’m a big believer in “Fake it Don’t Bake it” – I’ll give the Le Tan Mousse a try on my milky white complexion…
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Thank you, I appreciate your comprehensive directions and will follow these instructions diligently as first time fake tanner.
st tropez is the bomb!
really great tips!
I love st Tropez been using it for years!
le tan in a can is also amazing.
Thanks for the helpful tips.
great tips
great article, thanks for the tips
Thanks for the tips. I’ve never used face tan before but might give it a go this summer
Thanks for the tips. Great
I have a bottle of fake tan but haven’t used it yet so thanks for the tips
eww fake tan!
great tips for summer π I really want that perfect natural looking tan
the only healthy tan is a fake tan. π
What’s the best way to get it off quickly?
Informative article.Thanks for the tips!!
π
π
perfect π
cool
Super excited that summer is here!!
bring on summer
Thanks for the tips.
just in time for summer! thanks for the tips:)
thankyou for the tips! i also like to use the mousse π
Good tips.
Great tips and in time for Summer.
i heard the dove gradual tanning lotion is really good too!
i prefer the moouse
i adore st. tropez! their products are a little bit pricy, but well worth the investment! at the moment i’m using the gradual tanning moisturiser in medium/dark x
really good tips, also just popped over to st. tropez link…didn’t realise they had such a range. thanks.
Great products and tips, thanks heaps π
Perfect article for summer! I LOVE the Le Tan mousse, one of the best tans I’ve tried!
Good tips!
Great tips! I’m awful at applying fake tan!
For spray tans, Vani-T is the best. It looks so natural and is organic full of vitamins to nourish your skin
I’m so pale, I think I might need to try some fake tan this summer, great tips!
Great tips and I’ll be recommending some to my friends – especially the latex free gloves! thanks >^..^<
Thanks for the tips! I don’t think I’ll need them though – I’m already naturally tanned.
Perfect timing!!
I’ve just bought some of the ModelCo Tan Remover – think I’m gonna need it in the next few months!
Great tips!
I prefer the Mousse tan as it seems togo on smoother and not streak. Great advise in the article
perfect for summer!
Some really helpful tips just in time for the warmer months! Thanks π