Are you new to the world of self-tanning and feeling a little nervous about diving in? You’re not alone! Fake tanning can be intimidating for beginners, especially with all the horror stories of streaks, orange tones, and patchy results. But don’t worry; with the right preparation and a few expert tips, you can achieve a flawless, natural-looking tan that will leave you glowing with confidence. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about fake tanning for the first time, from choosing the right product to application techniques and aftercare.

Why Choose Fake Tanning?

Fake tanning is a fantastic way to achieve a beautiful, sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds. Not only does it protect your skin from premature ageing and skin cancer, but it also gives you complete control over the intensity and evenness of your tan. Whether you want a light, golden sheen or a deep, bronzed look, fake tanning allows you to customize your glow to match your preferences.

Step-by-Step Guide for Nervous Newbies

1. Choose the Right Fake Tan Product

The first step to a successful fake tan is choosing the right product for your skin type and tone. There are various options available, including mousses, lotions, sprays, and serums. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Mousses and Whips: Great for beginners as they're easy to apply and dry quickly. They're also buildable, allowing you to control the depth of your tan.
  
• Lotions: Ideal for those with dry skin as they provide extra hydration. They may take longer to dry but leave the skin feeling soft and moisturised.
  
• Sprays: Offer an even application and are perfect for hard-to-reach areas, but require a bit more skill to avoid streaks.

• Serums: A lightweight option that combines tanning with skincare benefits, such as hydration and anti-ageing properties.

For nervous newbies, gradual tanning lotions such as our Body Glow range is a safe bet. These products build colour gradually, allowing you to achieve a subtle tan over a few days, minimising the risk of mistakes.

2. Prep Your Skin for a Flawless Finish

Preparation is key to achieving a streak-free tan. Follow these steps to ensure your skin is ready:

• Exfoliate: Use a gentle exfoliating scrub such as our Miracle Tan Eraser with our Exfoliating Mitt to remove dead skin cells and old tan, focusing on rough areas like elbows, knees, and ankles. This helps create a smooth base for the tan to adhere to.

• Moisturise: Moisturise your skin, particularly dry areas such as knees, elbows and ankles, with a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser. Avoid using heavy or oily lotions just before tanning, as they can create a barrier and cause patchiness.
• Hair Removal: Shave or wax at least 24 hours before applying self-tanner to avoid irritation and ensure an even application.

3. Apply Your Fake Tan Like a Pro

Now for the fun part—application! Follow these steps for a streak-free, natural-looking tan:

• Use a Tanning Mitt: A tanning mitt is essential for an even application and to protect your hands from staining. Apply the chosen tan onto our Pink Velvet Tanning Mitt, and apply in small sections to your body. We find it easier to work from top to bottom, but the choice is yours! Be sure to use circular motions to blend it into the skin effectively, using a mirror to see where you may have missed.

• Blend Well: Use the dry side of your mitt to remove any excess product and use our Body Buffing Brush to blend knees, elbows, ankles and wrists - helping to avoid these areas from going too dark.

• Face and Hands: Use the leftover product on your mitt to lightly sweep over your face, hands, and feet. These areas tend to develop color faster, so a light touch is key.

Common Fake Tanning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Streaks and Patches: To avoid streaks, always exfoliate before tanning and apply the product in circular motions using our Pink Velvet Tanning Mitt or Body Buffing Brush. If you notice streaks after application, use Miracle Tan Eraser or Exfoliating Mitt to even out the colour.
• Over-tanning Hands and Feet: Hands and feet tend to absorb more product, leading to darker or uneven results. Use less product on these areas and blend well with our Miracle Brush.

How To Keep Glowing

Now you’ve got that golden glow you always dreamed of, you want to look after it so it lasts as long as possible.

• Avoid Water: Stay dry for at least 6-8 hours after applying your tan. Avoid sweating, showering, or swimming during this time to allow the color to develop fully.
• Moisturise Regularly: Keep your skin hydrated by moisturising daily. This helps prolong your tan and prevents it from fading unevenly.
• Exfoliate Lightly: After a few days, gently exfoliate to ensure your tan fades evenly. Avoid harsh scrubs that could strip away your color too quickly.
• Top Up: There’s no harm in using a little of our Body Glow Gradual Tanner as the colour starts to fade, helping to keep your glow lasting for longer. 

Final Thoughts

Fake tanning doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience! With the right preparation, product, and technique, you can achieve a beautiful, natural-looking tan that boosts your confidence without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the method that works best for you.

Ready to give fake tanning a try? Follow these tips, take your time, and embrace the glow! Your skin will thank you for it.

By following this guide, even the most nervous newbies can master the art of fake tanning and enjoy a radiant, sun-kissed look all year round. Happy tanning!