A self-tanner that goes on evenly and dries quickly lends the skin a healthy glow. People who have experienced streaks or dark blotches know just how right this statement is; putting the product on cannot be straightforward.
If you want your tan to look even and natural, you’ve got to do a little prep and take your time. Here’s the proper way to apply self-tan for outstanding results without all the hassle and mess.
Prep Your Skin First
Before you even think about tanning, make sure your skin’s ready. About a day before, use a body scrub or exfoliating mitt in the shower. The goal here is to concentrate on rough spots like knees, elbows, and ankles.
The treatment removes dry skin that can soak up too much product and lead to patchiness afterwards. After exfoliating, moisturise a bit with some gentle cream in any overly dry areas. But don’t apply it right before tanning, as it can prevent the tan from setting.
Start with Clean, Dry Skin
After the base coating, it’s time to apply the self tan. Make sure you wash up and your clothing is dry. Before coating, do not use deodorant, perfume, or body lotion immediately, as these may affect the outcome.
To get the best results, put the mitt that came with your applicator in its middle. Don’t forget to start at your ankles and work up, in long circular motions throughout.
Be Gentle with Tricky Spots
Your elbows, knees, wrists, and ankles, for example, may absorb much more product and so become brown faster than other parts. Don’t heap them up with tan. After you have smoothed out the tanner on the rest of your body, just rub in whatever is left from your mitt. Any colour will look good there so long as you cover them all.
If you are going to use it on your face, use a special, gentle formula specially prepared for that area. Apply the product to the hairline, ears, neck, and all other areas to ensure a smooth and soft finish.
Let It Dry Before Getting Dressed
Nothing should rub against your skin as you wear anything dark and loose. Most self-tanning products dry in seconds, but it is often worth checking the bottle to see the specific drying time for each product.
A shade policy in the early part of the day is not to sweat, get wet, or lie down after use. The greater patience you can summon forth while implementing this step, the more successful your tanning efforts will be in the end.
Pick the Right Type for Your Skin Tone
Not all self-tanning products work for everyone. If you have fair skin, start with a light or medium shade. For individuals with a deeper skin tone, there are also self-tanning products available in bronze and dark shades. You may want to test a small area first to make sure. In this way, one isn’t startled by what happens.
Choose the Timing That Suits You
So, you have two options: overnight tans or express tans. If you are at home or don’t mind waiting for several hours, overnight tans are perfect. Express tanning, on the other hand, is quick—some can be completed in as little as one to two hours—so it’s useful if you’re pressed for time. Regardless of your choice, be sure to rinse off as instructed to avoid turning too dark.
Glow Without the Stress
Getting a flawless fake tan doesn’t have to be tricky. A bit of prep, the right tools, and a little patience can give you smooth, natural-looking results every time.
Journalist Chloe Rivera studied at the University of Missouri and has covered mindful, stylish living since 2013. She joined us in 2025 to curate realistic routines, budget-friendly décor, and community stories that help readers craft balance without perfection pressure. When offline, Chloe volunteers at urban farms, photographs street style, and hosts weekend swap parties for preloved clothes and books in her neighborhood.
