We all know how tempting it is, especially after being cooped up for so much of the last year when we finally get a sunny hot day here in the UK to rush outside and bask in the rays. But whether you like your skin ever-so-slightly sun-kissed or you want a deep bronzed glow, a fake tan is by far the better option to achieve gorgeous glowing skin, the safe way.
The key to nailing a natural-looking colour at home? A little bit of know-how, a few of Salon Trusted’s expert tips and a commitment to proper preparation. Keep reading as we present the top 10 tips for the perfect fake tan. Follow them closely and avoid being caught with the dreaded tell-tale orange palms.
Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells leaving your skin soft and smooth and creating the perfect surface for your tan to be applied to. This will ensure that when you apply your fake tan, it’s evenly applied, dries faster and has a gorgeous consistent colour. Top tip: steer clear of exfoliators that contain oil as these can act as a film on the skin and leave an uneven finish. The Insight Skin Body scrub with its natural and gentle formulas making it suitable even for the most sensitive skin is our personal favourite.
Do hair removal 24 hours before
Whether you wax or shave, make sure that any removal is carried out at least 24 hours before tanning as this will give your skin the chance to calm down and allow your pores to close. If your tan sinks into open pores this can create dark spots. And avoid any hair removal whilst you have a faux glow as it’ll whip the tan off in no time.
DON’T moisture your body on the day of tanning…
On the day you tan don’t apply moisturiser to your whole body before, as this can leave an oily residue that can cause the tan to slip off some areas, and cling to drier areas. Definitely not the desired effect. It’s best to avoid body perfume or deodorant as well.
But DO moisturise those awkward dry areas
Whilst you should leave the rest of your body moisturiser free, feel free to moisturise those particularly dry areas of your body to your heart’s content. This includes your hands, elbows, knees, feet and anywhere else you feel needs a moisture boost. Try the Insight Skin Nourishing Body Cream a rich cream that’ll nourish the skin deep down and leave a velvety finish.
Choose the right tan for you
Perhaps the most important piece of advice – make sure you choose a tan formula and a shade that suits your skin type and your desired finish. You can choose from a gradual tan which is a great way to slowly build from a subtle glow to your desired depth, a tanning lotion or oil which is very hydrating to the skin or a fake tan mousse, recognised as the easiest to apply and the quickest to dry. The He-Shi Rapid Edit Gift Box includes the Rapid 1 Hour Liquid Tan as well as a travel size Tanning Gel and Rapid 1 Hour Mousse, the perfect opportunity to see which tan formula is your favourite.
Always use a tanning mitt
For a streak-free tan and stain-free hands always apply a fake tan with a tanning mitt. Apply to the skin using big sweeping motions (not circular motions) to ensure an even finish. Top tip: start at your feet and work your way up. We are currently giving away FREE He-Shi Tanning Mitts with every full-size He-Shi product so now is the perfect time to snap one up and ensure a flawless streak-free tan!
Allow your tan to dry before dressing
Allow your tan to air dry first before dressing. Then dig out your oldest comfiest pyjamas or your comfiest onesie, anything loose or dark is perfect to prevent the transfer of your tan onto your clothes.
Depending on the tan you’ve chosen, you can either leave it on all day. Instant tans are perfect for a last-minute glow that will simply wash away with soap and water when you get home. Gradual tans will build up during the day to develop into a deeper glow, and there’s no worry over streaks. Self-tans can be popped on before bed, left for anything from 4 to 8 hours and washed off in the morning.
The He-Shi Rapid 1 Hour Tanning Mousse is a luxurious mousse for those last-minute tan emergencies. Control the intensity of your tan by washing it off after 1 hour to reveal a golden glow, leaving it on the skin for 2 hours for a medium to dark tan and for just 3 hours for an ultra-dark tan.
MOISTURISE
I know we said not to moisturise, but that was just before you tan. Now you’ve applied your tan, rinsed off with cool water (avoiding scrubs or perfumed soaps as these can prematurely fade your tan), moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. This will lock in some hydration to maximise your newly bronzed glow. He-Shi Souffle Moisturiser is not only a daily moisturiser but the secret to prolonging your flawless looking tan with its moisture lock technology to rehydrate the skin.
Keep your glow
Now you’ve achieved a flawless tan, make sure you exfoliate every 2-3 days and moisturise daily. This will help your tan to last for longer, as well as helping it fade evenly, to ensure it remains to look natural as it wears off.
Tanning Thursdays
To prime skin for a fresh tan application, be sure to remove all traces of your previous tan. The quickest and easiest way to do this is with a tan remover. The He-Shi Tan Remover and Primer removes tan in just 5 minutes, with no need to scrub harshly and perfectly primes your skin for your next tanning application.
Follow these 10 fake tan tips, and you’ll achieve a gorgeous golden finish whether it’s your first time tanning or you’re a seasoned fake tanner! Check out our full range of tanning products here, that’ll help you achieve a flawless fake tan. For more information or more handy hips, get in touch with our friendly team today.
