Eight things you must know before fake tanning for the first time

With so many sun-drenched holidays being postponed or cancelled, and more than our fair share of rain descending after a surprisingly bright spring, if it’s a tan you’re after this summer, there’s pretty much only one option: fake it ’til you make it.

It seems more people than ever are turning to bronzing products during lockdown, with searches for fake tan up 33%, compared to the same time last year on fashion and beauty discovery site Goxip.

For sunless tanaholics, it’s business as usual, but what if you’ve never faked it before? How can you ensure you don’t end up covered in brown streaks or – worse – coloured tangerine from head to toe?

Fear not, for we’ve got three tanning experts on hand to offer their advice on how to get a subtle glow at home, and suggest the best products for beginners who want to go faux.

Here are eight things you need to know before self-tanning for the first time…

1. Shave or wax in advance

“Hair removal treatments can strip your colour away prematurely, so always complete them prior to tanning,” says Sienna X founder Nicola Matthews. “And wait a day or so, to allow your pores to close up and prevent a dotty finish.”

2. Exfoliate and moisturise

“Extra dry spots can soak up more tanner, resulting in a patchy finish,” says Matthews, so exfoliation is essential.

“Using exfoliating gloves or an in-shower exfoliant that doesn’t contain oil, buff your skin to remove any dirt and dry skin,” says Boots beauty specialist Charlotte Horne.

“Rub a small amount of moisturiser or tanning primer over particularly dry areas, such as the knees and elbows,” Matthews adds.

Sienna X Express Q10 Tinted Self Tan Mousse, £13.99 (was £23.99), Superdrug

3. Remove make-up and deodorant

“Some of the ingredients in cosmetic products act as barriers to fake tan and can prevent it from latching onto the skin properly,” Matthews says.

“Therefore, bare skin, that’s free from fragrances, antiperspirant and make-up, is the perfect foundation for fake tan application.”

Dove DermaSpa Summer Revived Gradual Self Tan Body Mousse, £9.99, Superdrug

4. Use a tanning mitt

“Always use a fresh or clean tanning mitt,” says St Tropez tanning and skincare expert Michaella Bolder.

“Use four pumps of your chosen tanning product on your mitt and start by gliding slowly in a long sweeping motion over the arms – but leave your hands out to start with.

“Work your way down the torso and onto the legs, still using long sweeping motions and adding a few more pumps of product when needed – the key here is more product on the mitt rather than less, as this allows a smoother fluid application and even coverage.”

Velvotan Self Tanning Applicator Mitt, £3.99, Boots

5. Apply to hands and feet last

“Wash and dry your hands as soon as you have finished, then use any residual product on the mitt to swipe over the backs of your hands and your face,” says Horne.

“Remember to get the gaps between your fingers and the creases of your knuckles.”

Isle of Paradise Hyglo Hyaluronic Self-Tan Body Serum, £12.47 (was £24.95), Boots

6. Leave time for the tan to develop

“The best time for fake tanning is when you have plenty of time to let it develop uninterrupted – overnight is always a good idea,” Horne says.

Wear loose clothing while the colour develops, Matthews adds: “Take care to avoid strappy tops, tight underwear and jeans, as these can cause tan marks and lines.”

7. Wash off the guide colour carefully

Whether it’s a one-hour express formula or an overnight tanner, you’ll need to wash off the guide colour, rinsing with lukewarm (not hot) water until it runs clear.

“When drying, pat your skin dry to prolong your glow and follow up with a rich moisturiser, to protect and prolong your sun-kissed skin,” Matthews says.

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Body Mist, £20.66 (was £31), Boots

8. Moisturise to maintain your colour

“A healthy skin condition will keep your tan lasting longer,” Bolder says. “Using a nourishing shea butter moisturiser every day will keep the skin in good health, while maintaining your glowing tan.

“Taking cool showers and using oil-free shower gels – and no direct oils – will also help to maintain your tan for longer.”

Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto