Self tanning can go seriously wrong. Orange patches, uneven streaks and stained sheets are just a few of the fake tan faux pas that can happen if we don’t use the right products and techniques. With summer around the corner and holidays (hopefully) on the horizon, tanning expert and St Tropez ambassador Michaella Bolder shares her expert advice for mastering the bronzed glow…
By Michaella Bolder
The Best Way to apply Fake Tan: Foolproof Self Tanning Tips
Step 1: Prep the skin
To ensure the perfect fake tan, pay particular attention to skin preparation; start by removing any unwanted hair (ideally 24 hours before) then remove any leftover tan on the skin by lathering a layer of tan remover, such as the St.Tropez Fake Tan Remover & Primer Mousse (£14.50) onto dry skin, wait 5 mins then further scrub the skin using exfoliating gloves or a mitt in the shower. If you don’t have any leftover tan, you still need to buff the skin all over along with an oil-free shower gel to lift off unwanted dead skin cells. Finish your shower with cold water over your legs to close the pores.
Step 2: Moisturise
On the day of applying your tan, always use a fresh or clean tanning mitt and apply an oil-free moisturiser to all dry areas such as hands, wrists, elbows, knees, feet and ankles.
Step 3: Apply the tan
Use four pumps of self tan, such as the new St.Tropez Ashley Graham Limited Edition Ultimate Glow Kit (£38.00), on the mitt and start by gliding slowly in a long sweeping motions over the whole body (leave the hands and feet out for now). The key here is more product on the mitt rather than less, as this allows a smoother fluid application and even coverage. Once the body is covered, simply spritz hands and feet with a tanning mist. Easy!
Michaella’s additional do’s and don’ts:
DON’T use a dirty tanning mitt, this will cause your mitt to drag on the skin and leave behind traces of old tan on the skin
DO top up your tan using a hydrating formula such as St.Tropez Gradual Tan Watermelon Lotion (£14.50) It smells amazing too!
DON’T put on tight clothing after a tan — this can result in a streak appearance
DO add an illuminator or sheen to your gorgeous tan, this will enhance the pigment making it dewy and GLOW.
Like this? Check out our favourite facial SPFs
