Advertisement

How to fake tan like a pro

Photo credit: Unsplash
Photo credit: Unsplash

From Red Online

Bronzed bare legs in tailored shorts, sun-kissed shoulders revealed in a strappy dress... It’s easy to pull off a subtle, all-over glow for everyday, says self-tanning expert Jules Von Hep. Here he shares his top tips for achieving the perfect streak-free fake tan. Plus, what to do if it goes wrong...

HOW TO FAKE TAN LIKE A PRO

1.For the smoothest canvas,exfoliate the night before you tan. A glycolic acid speedily removes dead cells on the skin's surface, or mix sugar with Neal's Yard Remedies Almond Oil to create a homemade scrub.

2. Tanning drops, like Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops, are easy to add in to your routine. Aim to use them twice weekly, and think of them like fruit cordial: the more you add, the more concentrated the tan will be.

3.Add four to eight tanning drops to your body cream (like Liz Earle Skin Replenishing Beauty Balm) or butter per arm, and five to 10 for each leg. Start with three to four drops each for your face, torso and back; the number can be increased or decreased depending on how dark you want your tan. Always combine the products in your palm and rub hands together before applying.

4. It doesn’t matter where you start or finish, but do use long, sweeping actions to apply the product to the skin, followed by smooth, circular motions to really blend in the colour.

5. For streak-free colour, drag the product on to the tops of your hands, sweeping in between your fingers, then rub a baby wipe over your palms: there is no need to rinse them.

HOW TO REMOVE STREAKY FAKE TAN

If you wake up with a streak, don’t panic scrub, as this will make the skin look more uneven. Instead, go over the area with a light layer of the same self-tan or grab an instant tan and apply it with a make-up brush or sponge to patch up the colour.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAKE TAN LOOKING FRESH

Retinols and AHAs can eat away at self-tan, so if you use them before bed, apply your tan in the morning. That way, you will benefit from your PM routine and won't compromise your tan. Keep a tanning water or spray in the fridge and mist it over your make-up just before you leave the house.

Subscribe to Red now to get the magazine delivered to your door. Red's latest issue is out now and available for purchase online and via Readly or Apple News+.

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.


You Might Also Like