How To Prep Before Self Tanning
The secret to a flawless fake tan starts long before the application. A little preparation goes a long way in helping your tan develop evenly, last longer and fade beautifully. Follow these simple steps for your best glow yet.
Start with Exfoliation
For the most even result, it's best to start with as little existing tan as possible. Applying a fresh layer of self tan over old, patchy colour can lead to an uneven finish.
The day before tanning, exfoliate your skin from head to toe to remove dead skin cells and any lingering tan. Our Glycolic Peel Tan Remover is perfect for the job, helping to lift away old colour while creating the ideal canvas for your next glow. For even better results, pair it with exfoliating gloves to help smooth the skin and speed up the removal process.
Shave in Advance
If you shave, try to do so 16 to 24 hours before applying your tan. This gives your pores time to close and helps prevent the appearance of dark dots or a speckled finish after tanning.
Moisturise Dry Areas
Just before applying your tan, moisturise any areas prone to dryness, such as your elbows, knees, ankles, feet and hands. These areas tend to absorb more product, which can result in a darker, uneven appearance.
If you have particularly dry skin, apply a light layer of an oil-free moisturiser to help create a smooth, even finish.
Top Tanning Tip
For the easiest and most seamless application, always apply your tan from your feet upwards. This helps prevent transfer onto areas you've yet to tan when bending and moving around during application.
For example, if you tan your stomach before your legs, you may accidentally transfer product onto untanned areas while bending down. Starting from the bottom and working your way up helps keep your glow even and streak-free.
Now your skin is prepped, primed and ready for the perfect tan.
