When it comes to fake tan, the formula and application are important, but really the results also hinge on one key element: the prep work. Applying fake tan onto dry, dehydrated skin will undoubtedly result in a patchy, uneven, and potentially disastrous tanning job—and we’ve all been there.
But put the effort in ahead of time and you’ll be rewarded with a smooth, glowing, even tan that looks more like you’ve spent two weeks in the Mediterranean than the work of any bottle.
So, how do you prep for fake tan? Here’s the ultimate five-step skin prep routine that will majorly improve your fake tan game.
Step One: Exfoliate
We all want our fake tan to look believable, but the most tell-tale sign of an at-home job is patchiness. The cause? Dry, rough skin. That’s why a sturdy exfoliator is the cornerstone of every tanning routine.
Around 48 hours before tanning, make a date with a body scrub. In the shower, use circular motions to buff a gently exfoliating body scrub onto the limbs, paying particular attention to the stubborn areas of dry skin on the knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists. Enriched with natural grains, these scrubs will leave skin feeling velvety smooth.
Step Two: Moisturise
After exfoliating, the next step is to replenish the skin’s moisture stores which is where a buttery body lotion comes in. Massage Kiehl’s Crème de Corps, enriched with shea butter and avocado oil, over your entire body to nourish and soften the driest of skin. Repeat 24 hours ahead of your tanning session to top up the hydration.
Step Three: Cleanse
Right before tanning, cleansing the skin will create a smooth base that allows the fake tan to adhere evenly. The key is to avoid anything too oily, lather up with a bath and shower liquid body cleanser, which softens and gently cleanses the skin.
Step Four: Moisturise again
Adding a dab of body lotion to drier regions such as the elbows, knees, wrists, and hands right before tanning will stop excess product from gathering in these areas and giving the game away. However, moisturising post-tan is vital too. Once the tan has developed and you’ve washed the guide colour away, moisturise the whole body. It will give skin a healthy glowing sheen and increase the lifespan of your tan by keeping your skin hydrated, especially if you apply every day.
Step Five: Refresh
As the top layer of skin cells start to dry out, the tan will begin to break down, which can leave skin looking patchy. At this stage, exfoliation will speed up the cell regeneration process and ensure the tan fades evenly. A few days after tanning, scrub the knees and elbows to lift away dead skin cells, and when you’re ready to tan again, simply exfoliate the entire body and restart the whole process.
