See how often you need to apply self-tanner to get the perfect glow all summer, according to an expert (2023)

FAQs

How often should you apply self tanner? ›

Luckily for self tanning, applying a daily sunless tanner (recommended every 3-5 days for maintenance or once a week if you adore your color) can help you maintain an even tan.

If your tan is the exact shade you love and you want to keep the gorgeous glow, you typically only have to apply self-tanner about once a week. This applies to tanning solution you put on your body, which tends to be exposed to fewer products and washing than your face.

On average, self-tanners last 7 days. A professional application, I.e. a sunless tan received at a salon or spa, will last longer than an at-home application or in an automated spray booth. The "life span" of a sunless tan also depends on your skin's natural exfoliation.

Apply Moisturizer Before Tanner

You shouldn't apply self-tanner without moisturizing first, because skipping out on this prep step could potentially leave you with patchy color — this goes for your face and the rest of your body.

Do: Apply every other day. It's not necessary to apply self tanner every single day. Your tan will stay perfectly in tact after two days, but applying every other day is perfect to keep it up!

Moisturize everyday after applying your self tan. Use a MineTan Everyday Glow Gradual Tan so the tan is continually being topped up and your tan lasts longer. After day 5, exfoliate with a soft body polish on a daily basis, to help your skin absorb even more moisturizer and keep it looking and feeling gorgeous.

Apply one coat of self tan at a time, let that develop and then if you want to go darker re-apply in 12-24 hours. Don't re-apply too soon as this can affect the final result and the tan is more likely to flake off.

If you moisturize before your first shower, you may run the risk of streaking your spray tan (and no one wants to have a zebra tan!). After you moisturize that first time, you should begin to moisturize regularly to keep your skin hydrated. After day three, we suggest moisturizing at least two times a day.

Immediately after tanning, let it dry completely before putting on some loose, dark clothing to prevent your tan transferring. Either apply your self tan in the morning for daytime development, or apply before you go to bed to wake up looking bronzed and beautiful.

What do the Kardashians use for self-tanner? ›

Tropez self-tan express for a couple of years and I love it. I've tried other brands but always come back to this,” raved one Nordstrom reviewer. “Goes on beautifully, no streaking, gorgeous color, one application lasts a week and it gradually fades just like a real tan. Dries fast and doesn't stain.”

Apply your tan

The best time to self tan your face is in the evening, as it allows the product to develop overnight. Consider it a part of your evening skincare routine. Start by cleansing the skin and removing all traces of makeup. Next, lightly moisturize around your nostrils and other dry spots.

When you perspire, tanning solution will transfer to your hand, and cause staining. If you know you'll be sleeping with your hand between your knees, it's best to wear loose pajama pants and an oversized t-shirt. We also recommend laying a towel over your pillow to prevent any bronzer transfer from your neck.

Forgetting to moisturise daily is one of the key reasons that your sunless tan has faded faster than you'd hoped. When your skin becomes too dry, the skin cells on the surface begin to flake off, taking your golden colour that sits within them away!

It is possible to achieve a deeper result the longer you leave the tan on to develop. You can also achieve a deeper result by adding a second layer.

Applying tanning mousses and gels: Pump your self tanner onto a tanning mitt, then sweep over the skin using circular motions to achieve an even-looking and streaky-free finish. Applying tanning mists: Spritz onto the body, then blend with a tanning mitt to achieve a natural-looking bronze.

If your skin isn't sensitive or prone to breakouts, you can use a self-tan formulated for the body — but Evans recommends diluting it with your favorite facial moisturizer before application. Board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, agrees.

If you wish to maintain your glow and ensure an even fade, moisturising is a must. "A faux tan loves being hydrated, so treat it daily, if not twice daily to Sienna X Radiance Body Balm, which not only moisturises but makes your tan pop and is good for the skin as it's packed with vitamin E," says Carly.

Sweating, jumping in a pool or even taking a shower too quickly after using a self-tanner can ruin the look. Avoid streaks and premature fading by not getting your new tan wet for about eight hours after applying. When the time's up, take a warm (read: not hot) shower and rinse with clean water before lathering up.

Self Tanning and Skin / Face Exfoliation / Peeling explained

The secret to a longer lasting self tan! Answer: EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE and EXFOLIATE before, during and after your tan. glycolic works most efficiently, either in gel or lotion form.

Do you exfoliate every time you use self-tanner? ›

It's really good for your skin to exfoliate, regardless if you use self tanner or not, and is recommended at least once every two weeks. So do you want your tan to look darker, stay longer, and appear smoother? Then don't wait… EXFOLIATE!

Once you've washed off the colour guide and waited at least 8 hours, you can apply your favourite moisturiser to your entire body. Moisturising the skin everyday is the key to a longer lasting fake tan as it prevents the tan from cracking and flaking.

If you aren't able to apply before bed, you just need to wait 4-5 hours before showering or getting wet. JERGENS® Natural Glow® Instant Sun® Sunless Tanning Mousse is a one day application, so after the color develops, you will have a nice natural tan. If you want a deeper color, you can apply again the next day.

Just do a quick rinse and refrain from using soap or body wash . What is the best way to apply the product? If you are using the gradual tanning lotion, apply like you would a regular body moisturizer in a circular motion. Make sure you wash or wipe down the palms of your hands to avoid staining and discoloration.

"With all tans, apply two coats to the body and one to the face. Starting at the ankles and working your way up means that tan will be dry enough to apply a second coat after a couple of minutes; just start again at the ankles for the second layer," Jules told us.

You don't have to remove fake tan after every single application. 'I recommend tanning back to back for two weeks,' states Von Hep, 'then take a week's break and use the removal tips in between. ' This will maintain the golden glow whilst preventing too much product build up.

We recommend waiting at least 4-8 hours after your spray tan before you shower for the first time, but don't wait more than 24 hours.

In fact, it will only lead to streaks and blotches. "You can never use too much self-tanner because the skin can only absorb a certain amount of the tanning agent at once, so always apply enough to blanket the skin," Evans says.

For the best results and a bronzed glow that lasts, you should apply self tanner around one to two times a week. Whether you apply your self tanner once or twice will depend on your personal preferences. If you're looking for a richer bronzed glow, apply twice a week.

I actually self tan twice a week, 'cause I like to stay bronzed all the time. But you can do this once in a while when you're going to an event, or right before you leave on holiday. This way of tanning is completely 100% safe, so you can do it as often as you like!

Can I put another layer of fake tan on the next day? ›

There are different ways to go about layering, but no matter what, you want to make sure the previous tanner has dried before applying your next layer. You can put on multiple layers in one day or, my personal favorite, apply over 2 days. I like to apply, wait 8 hours, rinse (no soap), then apply another layer.

Hydrate and Moisturize

Once you've applied your self tanner, it is crucial that you keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. This will prolong the tan and keep you from drying out. Lotion, moisturizing body wash, and dry oil are all great ways to keep your skin quenched.

Another way to make your tan darker is to apply two layers of self-tan or to top your tan up the day after the initial application. However, this is probably best left to the more confident tanners among us.

Once you've successfully self-tanned, wait until the products have dried completely before attempting to put on any clothes. We recommend at least 10 minutes, but keep checking any problem areas, such as under the arms or behind the knees, to see how they're drying. If you're still tacky, it's too early!

The best time to self tan your face is in the evening, as it allows the product to develop overnight. Consider it a part of your evening skincare routine. Start by cleansing the skin and removing all traces of makeup. Next, lightly moisturize around your nostrils and other dry spots.