How to Fake Tan.. prep and maintenance tips!

Now that the summer is finally upon us and we're all starting to get those pins out I thought I would go through a few hints and tips to help in the quest for the perfect fake tan!

Preparation:

So firstly I feel tan is all in the prep and as a therapist it can be quite frustrating if people don't follow the prep guidelines we ask them to do before coming in for spray tan. Equally if your doing your own tan at home the prep is the same;

• Exfoliate-you really need to get every last bit of your body scrubbed! I use a tan remover mitt to exfoliate, or you can use an exfoliating product but beware of any oil based ones as they leave a light film on the skin which will prevent the tan from taking.
• Hair removal- shave or wax at least 24 hours before a tan.
• Squeaky clean- make sure the skin is free of body lotion, deodorants or perfumes before tanning as again this will prevent the tan from taking or give you green underarms, NICE!
• Apply moisturiser- just to dry areas (e.g. knees or elbows)- if your having a spray tan the therapist will most probably do this for you anyway. If your using a gradual tan lotion this isn't as important unless the area is very dry!

Application:

So depending on the various different product whether it be a tan lotion, mousse or gradual tan the application is quite similar:

• Always wear gloves or use a tanning mitt to apply to prevent brown palms.
• Make sure you apply evenly and you have got it everywhere, especially with the gradual tan lotions that don't have a colour to them. I find if the tan goes patchy or streaky its due to applying inconsistent amounts of tan (so more on one leg than the other), not rubbing it in enough or missing bits so be really thorough. Ask someone to help with your back or you can buy gadgets to help reach.
• Apply less to the face and wipe over the eyebrows and around the top lip and hairline with some cotton wool to prevent orange eyebrows!
• Once you've finished and removed the gloves or mitts, apply the tan to some cotton wool and go over the backs of your hands and sweep lightly up the fingers. Also make sure its blended well around the wrists.
• If you've had a spray tan or used a tanning lotion the developing time is normally 8 hours so I tend to leave it on overnight. I have found most tans may mark bedsheets but don't stain.
• Wear loose dark clothing after a tan to prevent rubbing it off in places.
• Just be warned that the bronzer/guide colour in tans is often quite dark. The ingredient that actually turns you brown has no colour so a bronzer is added so you can see where its going. This colour will also intensify over the developing period but don't panic! It is just a guide colour and this is washed off in the morning. (Not applicable to gradual tan)

Maintenance:

• I have found that even though you want to keep your skin as moisturised as possible to maintain a tan, oil can strip a tan, and alot of body lotions will contain oil. I have found it is best to use the moisturiser that goes with the tan brand you are using, especially when it comes to spray tans. They are designed to pro long that particular tan. If your using a gradual tan lotion that moisturises anyway then this is fine.
• Only use shower gel on the bits that need it!
• When you get out of the shower pat yourself dry don't rub
• Most tanning lotions/mousses and spray tans last 5-7 days so after 5 days begin to exfoliate again just to ensure it all comes away evenly.
• Baths aren't great for a tan so stick to the shower.

Hopefully this has helped you in the quest for a golden glow!

In terms of tan brand preference I choose to use Fake Bake for spray tans at the salon as I find it gives a really natural colour and lasts well. I like the Lauren's Way Self Tan Lotion as its quite easy to apply and the smell is good and Fake Bake have such a good range of fake tans there's an option to suit all. In terms of gradual tan the Elemis Total Glow Bronzing Body Lotion is really hydrating and just builds up to a golden colour and the Bondi Sands is lovely too. And then for any last minute legs out occasions I use an instant tan and just apply it to the bits that are out! This washes off the shower the next day, both Lauren's Way and Fake Bakes are good for this.

Had a tan disaster?.... Use lemon juice or baby oil and rub with a towel over the area. Don't let it put you off though, practice makes perfect, learn from it and try again.

Happy Tanning!

Emma x