Fake Tan Tips

Fake tanning is definitely an area I know well. Naturally I have quite fair skin and though I can tan, I choose to wear sun screen and try to stay out of the sun because it is so bad for your skin. Instead, to make myself a natural looking golden shade, I use fake tan. I have been fake tanning for about 7 years now, and I think I have perfected the technique! People can never tell that I use fake tan, and I when they find out they are shocked because it looks so natural!

Fake tan has a lot of misconceptions about it: having an orange "oompa lumpa" look, having streaks, patchiness, and getting orange hands after use. While these things can all happen, if you use the right products in the right way, you can avoid all these things. So read on to find out my top fake tan tips to getting a natural looking fake tan.

                         

First timers:
Try using a gradual tan to begin with. This is a great way to start with because it is only a hint of colour, so mistakes such as streaks are not as obvious. It is a great way to get used to applying it carefully and gives you an idea of which areas you need to concentrate more on. My favourite gradual tan is Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze. This gives a very natural colour and is so good for your skin because it has Cocoa Butter in it.

Products I recommend:
Depending on what type of application you prefer, these are the products I recommend with some positives and negatives:
Mousse formula - Le Tan Foaming Mousse. Comes in two shades. Can see where you apply it and there is instant colour. Not quite as natural looking as spray option.
Spray formula - Le Tan in Le Can (my favourite option). Comes in two shades, most difficult to apply but easier when you spray and rub it in. Can see where you have applied and you have instant colour. Most expensive option as the can only lasts about 1.5 applications.
Gradual tan - Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze. Easy to apply as there isn't much colour. Cannot see where you have applied. Need to wait about 8-10 hours to see colour difference. Low chance of streaks.

Before tanning:

• Thoroughly exfoliate your skin all over, especially around dry areas such as ankles, knees, elbows and the front of your shoulder crease.
• For hair removal, I recommend waxing at least 2 days prior to allow your pores to close, and shaving within 24 hours prior to fake tanning to avoid needing to shave to many times after which takes off tan.
• I find it best to wait about 30 minutes after a shower before I fake tan. This is because the hot water opens up your pores and if you apply it straight away you will get the tan going into the pores on your legs, making them look spotty.
• Apply some moisturiser to the dry areas of the skin to avoid the fake tan concentrating in these areas. This includes the ankles, knees, elbows and the crease at the front where your arm meets your body.
• Tan before bed so that your tan can develop without any issues.
• Brush your teeth before. Accidentally splashing water on your tan will ruin it.

Applying tan:

• When applying tan, there are a few options for avoiding orange hands. One is to use a fake tan mitt, one is to wear gloves and the last option is to thoroughly wash your hands after.
• Start from the bottom and work your way up. This is so that you don't cause creases in your upper body if you do your legs last.
• Use circular movements to ensure it is rubbing in and that you won't have streaks.
• Fake tan everywhere - this includes your neck, bum, boobs and back of hands(last). This makes your tan look the most natural.
• If you are worried about breaking out on your face, buy a face specific tan as well.
• Use sparingly when you are applying to the dry areas that have been mentioned above.

After tan:

• When you have finished tanning, allow it to dry before dressing.
• Wear dark colours to bed because it can rub off onto clothing.
• Wait till the tan has fully developed before getting wet- about 8 hours.
• When you shower the first time after applying tan, the guide colour will come off, leaving only the tan making you look slightly lighter. 
• Moisturise daily to keep the tan staying fresh.
• When you notice the tan going blotchy from rubbing off in certain areas, or not looking as good, exfoliate it all off really well and begin again!

Last tip - fake tanning takes practice to get it right, so don't expect it to be perfect your first time. Sometimes getting it right could just be a matter of finding the right products and formula for you, or practicing application to know what areas you tend to get streaks. Don't give up!

Please leave any questions your have in the comments and I will be happy to help!

Enjoy your newly tanned body,
Xoxo Yvonne - Be Beautiful