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Your Tanning Questions Answered
Gone are the days of orange, streaky tan; self tanning has become preferable for many to the real thing. Achieve a bronzed glow, without any damage to skin, and without having to sit in the sun for hours.
Self-tanning doesn't have to be the minefield some of us think it is. Whether you're new to self tanning, or a long-time fan, Brown Thomas is here to answer your questions. Want to know what kind of tan to use? Or how to maintain an even, natural glow? Read on.
1. Should I Exfoliate Before Tanning?
Yes! Exfoliating before tanning is an essential step to a natural, even glow. Exfoliation will remove dead skin cells or dry, flaky skin that the tan would otherwise cling to. Exfoliation also ensures a longer lasting tan, that isn't going to fade in a matter of days as these skin cells naturally shed.
Pre-tanning exfoliation is best done in the shower. Opt for a body scrub such as Poco Beauty's Exfoliating Body Polish. Rub all over your body, particularly focusing on anywhere with flaky skin, then wash away.
2. Should I Moisturise Before Applying Tan?
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Yes! But no less than 24 hours before you plan to apply your tan. Moisturising is as important as exfoliation, allowing for a smooth and even base when applying your tan. Make sure to use an oil-free moisturiser like The Ordinary's Natural Moisturising Factors + Inulin Body Lotion. Our top tip: moisturise and exfoliate 24 hours before applying tan for best results. Do not moisturise on the day of tanning!
Note: if you are shaving or plan on doing some other form of hair removal, make sure you also do this 24 hours before tan application.
3. What Is The Best Self Tan Brand?
Well, the only difficult thing about this question is picking just one brand! From Bare By Vogue to Bali Body, Loving Tan to Poco Beauty, we've got a range of tans from instant coverage to buildable glows from the very best brands on the market.
4. What Type Of Tan Should I Choose?
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For a natural glow: we recommend a gradual tan you can build up day by day. If you're new to tanning, gradual tan is a good option as you can control how darrk or light you go.Try out Poco Beauty's Hydrating Gradual Tanning Moisturiser.
For an overnight tan: for a longer lasting tan, we recommend using a tanning mousse and leaving to develop overnight. Loving Tan's Bronzing Mousse is a salon-inspired formula that will develop into a deeper, darker tan. Simply apply, get some sleep, and rinse off in the morning.
For an instant bronze: the perfect choice if you're short on time. Choose an instant tan like Bare By Vogue's Couture Instant Tan for a sun-kissed look delivered in minutes.
5. How Should I Apply My Fake Tan?
Using a mitt, dispense your tan of choice onto the tanning glove and buff into your skin evenly. We love the tanning glove and blending brush from Poco Beauty. Be careful when applying tan to places like elbows, knees, hands and feet. If you're worried about your tan sticking to these places, you can apply a little moisturiser to these spots before tan application. After application, leave your tan to dry before re-dressing. Shower off after the specified amount of time has passed.
When self tanning, you might want to adapt your approach when you get to tanning your face. You can mix some tan with moisturiser, or opt for a tanning water like Bare By Vogue's Face Mist for a more subtle approach.
6. What Is The Secret To Perfect Tan?
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Exfoliate and moisturise 24 hours before applying tan. Apply moisturiser to dry areas where tan may cling to to prevent this from happening. Apply tan in a well-lit room, preferably with natural light in early evening, so you can see that you are applying evenly all over.
7. How To Make Your Fake Tan Last Longer?
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Make sure you hydrate your skin morning and night with an oil-free, fragrance-free moisturiser to keep skin plump and hydrated. To prolong your tan, reapply a gradual tan every few days to maintain an even and sun kissed glow.
8. How To Remove Fake Tan?
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When you're ready to remove your tan, we recommend reaching for an exfoliating tan remover such as Loving Tan's Deluxe Tan Remover. For more stubborn tan that's harder to get off, it's recommended you draw a nice warm, oil-infused bath and soak for at least thirty minutes, exfoliating skin gently with a sponge.
