Want a sun-kissed glow without the sun damage? Self-tanning is a safe, UV-free alternative to traditional tanning. Here's what you need to know:

• How It Works: Most self-tanners use DHA, a chemical that reacts with your skin to create a tan. Results appear in 2-4 hours and last 5-7 days.
• Choosing the Right Product: Match your skin tone to the right formula (light, medium, or dark) and pick a format (mousse, lotion, or spray) based on your needs.
• Application Tips: Exfoliate, moisturize dry areas, and use a mitt for even coverage. Avoid water and sweat for 6-8 hours after applying.
• Maintenance: Moisturize daily, use lukewarm water, and reapply every 5-6 days to keep your tan fresh.
• Safety: Self-tanners don’t protect against UV rays - always use sunscreen.

Quick Tip: Always start with a lighter shade and build gradually to avoid going too dark too fast.
Ready to perfect your tan? Let’s dive into the details.

How to Apply Self Tanner at Home Like a Pro

Picking a Self-Tanner

Choosing the right self-tanner is key to achieving a smooth, natural-looking glow.

Matching Products to Your Skin Tone

It's important to pick a self-tanner that works well with your skin tone and undertones.

• Fair to light skin: Opt for gradual tanners or light/medium formulas. These allow you to build color slowly, avoiding an orange hue.
• Medium or olive skin: Oil-based formulas add a deeper, radiant finish.
• Dark skin: Ultra-dark foaming options highlight natural tones for a more defined result.

"If you're stuck between shades, choose the lighter option. It's much easier to build a deeper tan with another application if the first one isn't quite right. You don't want to go too dark too quickly. It's easy to make a light tan darker. But it's pretty much impossible to make a dark tan lighter (outside of exfoliation and time)!" - Tanceuticals ^[1]

After finding the right shade, think about the formula - mousse, lotion, or spray - that works best for your application style.

Types of Self-Tanners: Mousse, Lotion, or Spray

Face and Body Products

Facial self-tanners are specially made to be lighter and less likely to clog pores, offering a natural glow without causing breakouts.

"I would not use body self-tanner on the face. It's much more comedogenic and oily and can often break you out." - David Kim, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology ^[2]

For the best results, use a mini application mitt when applying facial tanner ^[3]

How to Apply Self-Tanner

Proper preparation is key to achieving a flawless self-tan. Start by prepping your skin 24 hours before applying the product.

Application Steps

"Before applying faux tanner, your skin should be completely clean, dry, and exfoliated to remove any dead, dry skin." - Samantha Magill, Tanning Expert and Co-founder of Tournesol Beauty ^[4]

Once the basics are done, pay attention to areas that can be tricky to tan evenly.

Applying to Difficult Areas

Here’s how to handle those harder-to-reach or uneven spots:

1. For hands, treat the self-tanner like a regular moisturizer. Afterward, wipe your palms with a damp cloth and soap to avoid staining ^[5].
2. Skip applying directly to joints (like knees and elbows) at first. Instead, use the leftover product on your mitt to blend into these areas ^[7].
3. Bend your limbs while applying to ensure even coverage over areas like elbows and knees ^[8].

Preventing Streaks

To avoid streaks and achieve a smooth finish:

• Use a kabuki brush for precision on small or uneven areas, blending outward in circular motions ^[7].
• Mix the self-tanner with regular moisturizer for areas that tend to darken, like ankles and wrists ^[8].
• Lightly dilute the product on joints using a damp towel or a thin layer of lotion ^[6].
• Wash your hands frequently during the application process to prevent buildup ^[5].

"It's best to build your tan up over a few days so you never go too tanned." - James Read, Founder of Self Glow by James Read ^[4]

Making Your Tan Last

After perfecting your application technique, taking care of your skin afterward is key to keeping your tan looking great for longer.

Self-Tan Duration

A self-tan typically lasts 5–7 days, but this depends on factors like how you prepped your skin, the quality of the product, and how well you maintain it ^[10]. Proper aftercare plays a big role in how long your tan stays vibrant.

Here are a few things that can affect how long your tan lasts:

• How quickly your skin renews itself
• Taking hot showers or baths
• Sweating excessively
• The skincare products you use
• Whether you moisturize daily

Extending Your Self-Tan

To make your tan last longer, try these tips:

"To get your longest-lasting tan, you should start with a fresh base. That means, exfoliate and apply to clean, freshly showered skin." - COOLA ^[10]

Be mindful of products that can cause your tan to fade faster ^[13], such as:

• Retinol-based skincare
• AHAs/BHAs (like glycolic and salicylic acids)
• Heavy facial oils
• Oil-based moisturizers

In addition to daily care, regular touch-ups can help keep your tan looking even and fresh.

Touch-Up Schedule

Follow this routine to maintain a consistent glow:

1. Initial Application Phase
   Apply your self-tanner and let it develop for 24 hours. Avoid contact with water for the first 6–8 hours.

2. Maintenance Phase
   Reapply your self-tanner every 5–6 days to maintain an even, natural look ^[11].

3. Interim Enhancement
   Between full applications, use gradual tanners to stretch the life of your tan ^[10].

"Moisturising the skin everyday is the key to a longer lasting fake tan as it prevents the tan from cracking and flaking." - Bali Body US ^[12]

Fixing Common Problems

Even the best self-tanners can sometimes go wrong. Here’s how to deal with uneven color, patches, or other issues quickly and effectively.

Correcting Uneven Color or Patches

If your self-tan looks uneven or too orange, resist the urge to apply more product - it’ll only make things worse.

For patchy areas, try this DIY fix from Be Bronze Studio:

If these fixes don’t work, you may need to remove the tan entirely. See the next section for removal tips.

Removing Self-Tanner

When a full reset is needed, Sarah Burdge of Spray Tan in Ten NYC suggests:

"Mix lemon juice, a little baking soda and a small amount of baby oil. Let this sit on your skin for around five to 10 minutes." ^[14]

Other effective removal methods include:

• Taking a hot shower and scrubbing with an exfoliating mitt
• Soaking in a chlorinated pool or hot tub for at least an hour
• Using self-tanner removal products
• Gently rubbing a sugar-based body scrub in circular motions

Dealing with Dry Spots

Dry areas like elbows, knees, and wrists can be tricky when tanning. Courtney Claghorn, founder of Sugared + Bronzed, advises:

"Apply consistent pressure over dry areas, especially on elbows, knees, and wrists." ^[15]

To handle and prevent dry spots:

• Before tanning, apply a barrier cream like Aquaphor to rough areas ^[15]
• Moisturize problem areas regularly ^[16]
• Use a lighter touch when applying tanner to naturally dry spots

Prevention is key. Prepping dry areas before tanning can save you the hassle of fixing patches later. For existing dry spots, daily gentle exfoliation and moisturizing will help the tan fade evenly over time.

Safety Guidelines

Understanding self-tanner safety is key to achieving a healthy, worry-free tan.

Safe vs. Unsafe Ingredients

Pay attention to the ingredients in self-tanners. The FDA has banned or restricted only 11 out of over 10,000 chemicals used in cosmetics ^[18].

For a better option, choose products with skin-friendly ingredients. For example, Bondi Sands' 2024 Pure line combines its tanning formula with vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid to support sensitive skin ^[17].

Self-Tanning During Pregnancy

Self-tanners are usually safe during pregnancy if you take the right precautions. Dermatologist Dr. Anthony Rossi advises:

"I tell my patients to really be cautious. Pregnancy is a sensitive time." ^[19]

If you're pregnant and considering self-tanning, follow these tips:

• Opt for lotions or foams instead of sprays.
• Steer clear of tanning beds.
• Pick products designed for sensitive skin.
• Always do a patch test before applying.
• Check with your healthcare provider before starting any tanning routine.

Even while self-tanning, don’t forget that sun protection is essential.

Sunscreen and Self-Tanner Use

Self-tanners don’t protect your skin from the sun. Spray-tan expert Holly Furlong points out:

"Pale people may think they need an extra-dark tan, but as the DHA percentage is too high, your skin won't absorb it." ^[17]

To protect your skin while using self-tanner:

• Use sunscreen daily with at least SPF 30.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors.
• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to guard against both UVA and UVB rays.

Keep in mind that too much sun exposure can fade your self-tan faster and increase the risk of skin damage. Consistent sun protection will help you enjoy your tan longer while keeping your skin healthy.

Essential Tools and Products

Using the right tools is just as important as following proper application techniques. The right products can make all the difference in achieving a smooth, even, and polished finish.

Glow By Erin Finishing Powders

Glow By Erin offers two types of finishing powders:

These powders are hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and cruelty-free, making them ideal for sensitive skin. They are designed to enhance the overall tanning result and pair well with the prep and application tools listed below.

Prep and Application Tools

• Exfoliating Mitts: Our Glow by Erin's Exfoliating Mitt ($10.95) and Detox Charcoal Bar ($22) helps remove dead skin cells and old tan residue. Use it 6-24 hours before tanning for best results.

• Tanning Mitts: Our Sunless Tanning Application Mitt ($10.00) ensures an even application while keeping your palms free of stains, as recommended in the application steps.

"Always exfoliate and shave 24 hours in advance to applying your sunless tanner... This helps smooth rough areas [especially elbows and knees] and allows the tanner to go on more evenly." ^[20]

• Back Applicators: The Bondi Sands Back Applicator ($12.00) is a favorite among users, with a 4.4/5 rating from 900 reviews ^[22].

"The best tool ever created for self-tanning" ^[22]

• Blending Brushes: The Glow By Erin Custom Powder Brush ($25.00) has soft bristles designed for precise application on tricky areas like hands, feet, and the face.

Make sure to clean all tools with warm water after each use and allow them to dry completely to maintain their effectiveness and longevity.

Summary

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key tips for achieving a flawless self-tan, based on expert insights from earlier sections.

Getting a great self-tan comes down to picking the right product, applying it properly, and keeping it maintained. For fair skin, gradual tanners or light-to-medium shades work best. Medium to olive skin tones should go for medium to dark formulas, while darker skin tones can try ultra-dark foams ^[23]. Not sure which shade to choose? Start lighter - you can always build up your tan over time.

Different formulas suit different needs: mousses dry quickly for smooth results, lotions provide gradual color while keeping skin hydrated, and sprays offer fast, even coverage. For your face, stick to products specifically designed for delicate skin.

Preparation and technique are key for a long-lasting tan. Exfoliate 24 hours before applying to remove dead skin cells and ensure even color ^[25]. Use tools like tanning mitts and back applicators to avoid streaks.

"Exfoliating will remove any dead skin cells so the tan will last longer." – Abby Hunter ^[9]

After applying, stay away from water, sweat, and moisturizers for at least 12 hours ^[9]. To set your tan and reduce stickiness, consider finishing products like our Glow By Erin's powders.

Keep in mind that individual skin chemistry can influence how DHA reacts ^[1]. Always do a patch test when trying a new product ^[24] and adjust your tanning routine with the seasons for the most natural look.

Stick to these basics, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of self-tanning.