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Although the warmer weather certainly improves our mood and makes us eager to wear our favourite swimsuit and a cute hat for women and go to the beach, spending too much time in the sun can result in skin damage. You can still get a golden tan without exposing yourself to the sun’s harmful rays by opting for sunshine in a bottle, otherwise known as fake tan products. These goodies are the best way to fake a healthy glow, especially now that we are stuck inside most of the day due to the pandemic, which can lead to dull, lacklustre skin.
Many women fear entering the world of fake tanning due to orange shades, streakiness and patchiness. However, with brands developing innovative formulas such as correcting mousses and hydrating gels, these issues aren’t so common anymore. Investing in the right products for skin prep and maintenance will also help you achieve the best finish.
Choosing the Right Fake Tan Formula
What is the best fake tan product? It will depend on a number of factors, such as your skin type. Still, no matter what kind of skin you have, when shopping for fake tan products, look for ingredients that will nourish and make your skin glowing. These ingredients include coconut water, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil. If you have acne or oil-pone skin, avoid oil-based formulas.
Gels and Serums
If you have dry skin, look for water-based formulas which are generally called gels or serums. These will hydrate your skin and prevent tan clinging to dry areas, which in turn will give you a glow without any patchiness. Products that include hyaluronic acid in their composition are particularly beneficial for intense skin hydration and soothing. These fake tan products tend to be more subtle in colour than others, but are buildable. This makes them suitable for dry skin types as other formulas can appear patchy and could also irritate the skin.
Mousses and Lotions
If you are after instant colour and/or you’re an experienced tanner, go with a mousse or lotion formula. These products are harder to use but deliver the most impact and tend to last longer. You’ll need to use a mitten when applying them.
Gradual Self Tan
For a lighter, more natural colour, choose a gradual tanning lotion. This is another great hydrating option that also gives you the chance to get the colour you specifically want as these products are buildable.
Face Tan
The skin on your face is very different and more sensitive than the rest of your body. This means you should use a formula specially designed for your face. Face tans often come in the form of serums or drops. You can apply this product with your hands, but make sure to wash your hands right after. If you’re worried about tell-tale signs, use a clean make-up brush to buff the product into the skin.
Finding the Right Base Colour for You
Much like your own skin, sunless tanning products feature different undertones. The fake tan base shades, however, work to counteract unwanted colouring. For example, if you have pale or pink-based skin, you should go for a green-based tan to counteract redness. But if you have darker skin or want the deepest colour, you should choose a violet-based formula to avoid orange tones. Caramel-based tones are the happy medium between a light bronze and serious tan, which means they will give a golden glow for all skin types. Some products now contain colour correcting ingredients that do all the hard work for you, evening skin tone for the most natural finish.
Preparing Your Skin for Fake Tan
The secret to a flawless-looking tan is skin prep. This includes shaving at least 24 hours before you plan to tan and exfoliating your skin using an exfoliating glove or brush and body scrub (try these DIY recipes). This will offer the tanning formula a smooth and clean base to work on, helping you achieve the most natural-looking results.
When your skin pH’s balance is at its optimum, your tan will not only apply perfectly but will also last longer. The skin’s barrier, known as the acid mantle, is what keeps in fatty acids and moisture while blocking out outside aggressors like toxins, pollutions and bacteria. When your skin pH is too alkaline, it can become sensitive and dry, leading to eczema in some cases. A priming spray can also help prep your skin for tan application. This product will lower your skin pH, helping the tan penetrate deeper into the skin. Consider following up with an aloe vera based moisturizer, making sure to apply it to any dry areas on your body like dry hands, feet elbows and knees to prevent the tan settling in these areas.
I suggest you to always use a mitt to apply your tan. Make sure it is clean before using it as a dirty mitt can lead to streaks. Tanning mitts have a texture that helps buff and blend any tanning products into the skin with ease. And contrary to what many think, these mitts don’t absorb all of the product. And because they are large, they make it easier to cover wider areas.
