Applying Fake Tan

Epilating before fake tan
If you are hairy you may not be satisfied with the results, The day before tanning you should remove the unwanted hairs by shaving or waxing otherwise your new tan may look spotty.

Apply a moisturizing lotion
30 minutes before using the tanning product you should apply a moisturizing lotion all over your body – this will moisturize your skin, creating an even surface. Remember: on elbows, knees and fingers the color often becomes more saturated than desired.

Proper application of tanning products
Use latex gloves to avoid turning the palms of your hands orange. You should always apply a tanning product bottom up starting from the feet focusing on dry areas such as elbows, knees, heels and ankles.. Washing a tanning product could be very difficult, therefore you should try to apply it evenly especially on your face. It is very important to smooth evenly at the base of the hair and chin and do not forget the neck and the neckline. Do not forget to wash your hands every 3 or 5 minutes. Tanning products can be applied everyday to build up a deeper tan.

Removal of fake tan
About 1/3 of the fake tan is being washed while you are taking a shower. If you want to make your tan stay longer you should apply a tanning product every second day. If you are not satisfied with the results and want to get rid of the tan you should exfoliate your skin every time you are taking a shower.

IMPORTANT: Remember: the tanning products do not protect your skin from the harmful sun’s rays. It is essential to apply a product with SPF every time you are going out.

Useful Tips For Fake Tan:

• It is very important to exfoliate your body prior to applying tanning products - take a quick shower and exfoliate, concentrating on dry areas like knees, ankles, feet and elbows. If you do not brush off the dead skin cells then you may get strange flaky patches
• To avoid staining your hands, put on a pair of thin, disposable latex gloves.
• Remember: dry skin absorbs tanner at a faster rate, resulting in a patchy finish.
• You should wait for at least 15 minutes before getting dressed otherwise you can stain your clothes.
• Use a formula that gives a tint when you apply, so you can see where it’s gone on already and you can blend to avoid streaks.
• Make sure the tanning lotion match your skin tone , it should never be too dark or too light.
• Avoid contact with water for at least three hours after applying a tanning product.
• Before using a self-tanner or other tanning product you can rub Vaseline on cuticles and nails- this will protect your manicure and will keep fingertips and nails from staining.
• You can use a facial fake tan product for your face, if you don’t have one you can simply use your body product, diluted with a little moisturizer.
• Remember: most of the tanning products take around two to three hours to develop.
• Before applying the product read carefully the instructions on the bottle.
• The tanned look you get from products that contain DHA normally lasts about a week.
• If you use a fake tanning product you will still need to protect yourself from the sun using the different ways (wear a hat, sun-protective clothing that covers as much of the body as possible, wrap-around sunglasses, SPF 15+ sunscreen and seek shade especially during the hot summer months).
• To get the best coverage and avoid unsightly streaks, apply the tanner in circular motions.
• Although there are no known dangers of using tanning lotions, they can sometimes cause an allergic reaction if the skin is hypersensitive.
• To maintain your new tan and to make it last longer reapply the tanning product every week or every three days, depending on the color you want to achieve.
• Never apply tanner on your lips, nipples, around the bikini line, over moles or freckles.
• Don’t cleanse your body with too harsh soaps or shower gels – they may fade your tan faster.
• Use products that are appropriate for your skin type - if your skin is sensitive or dry look for a more moisturizing formula.
• Never wear foundation, face powder, eyeshadows or lipstick when applying self-tanner.

Recommended Fake Tan Products:

Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel ($32) - this lightweight and non-oily gel promotes a natural, golden tan for face and body without sun exposure. It’s instantly absorbed, so there’s no need to wait before dressing, with results in just two hours.

Dior Bronze Self-Tanner Natural Glow Body ($35) -  Recreates a radiant, sunkissed look in less than one hour, as it protects skin against harmful free radicals. Dior’s exclusive “pH Bronze Perfect” complex, an amazing breakthrough that identifies your skin type’s pH balance, works effortlessly to develop a glowing tan that’s more even, long-lasting, and perfect than nature.

GlowFusion Micro-Nutrient Face & Body Natural Protein Tan ($58) - A revolutionary new self-tanning technology that delivers your perfect shade of sun-kissed glow. The first ever clear, all natural, fast drying, odor-free, self-tanning mist. No odor. No streaking. No staining. No kidding. Lasts up to two weeks without fading. Dermatologist tested. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for all skin types.

Clinique Body Quick Bronze Tinted Self-Tanner Mousse ($18.50) - Get an instant glow while your long-lasting self-tan develops in less than an hour. Lightweight, tinted mousse makes blending a breeze, application skip-free. Comfortable, non-drying, oil-free formula.

Lorac TANtalizer Award Show Glow ($35) - a body bronzing mousse that firms your skin while adding a natural sunkissed radiance. The mousse contains a unique caffeine and anti-cellulite complex that helps smooth the skin as it tones, while providing a beautiful long-wearing golden glow.

Guerlain Terracotta Sunless Luxurious Self-Tanning Balm ($50) - adds a sunkissed effect to the body and face, without dryness or streaky color. Mimicking the effects of a body butter treatment, this richly textured formula is ideal for quenching sun- and wind-parched dry skin. Massage into skin to saturate every inch with a noticeable glow and subtle iridescence.

Lanc?me Flash Bronzer - Oil-Free Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion for Face with Vitamin E ($27) - This silky-smooth oil-free lotion glides on effortlessly, feels lusciously soft. Its state-of-the-art formula instantly tints your complexion while your sun-free tan begins to develop in under an hour.The Result: Leaves skin with a satiny smooth bronze glow.

MODELco Tan Self-Tanning Glove ($30) - Each glove contains the exact amount of self-tanner needed for a full body application or enough for a deeper bronze coverage for the arms, legs, and d?colletage only. Sunless tanning is safe, and provides a lovely coverage that reduces the look of cellulite and freckles. The Tan Glove has a heavenly cocoa butter fragrance, for a salon-quality treatment at home. The kit includes four conveniently portable single-use sachets, perfect for travel.

Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Quick Self-Tanning Gel ($30) - An extremely effective, translucent self-tanning gel for the face and body that quickly produces a deep, even, glowing bronze color. Smoothes on with a cool sensation, absorbs instantly, and feels light and silky on skin. Blends in effortlessly to promote a faster appearing, longer-lasting tan. Glides on with a pleasant scent and no sensation of stickiness or heaviness.

Sephora Body-Intense Moisturizing Bronzing Lotion ($18) - This non-oily body lotion contains just the right amount of botanical DHA for natural and gradual tanning results without unpleasant odors. Encapsulated AHAs (alpha hydroxyl acids) with a micro-peeling effect gently eliminate dead cells and facilitate the action of moisturizing and self-tanning agents. Skin is immediately illuminated and moisturized for an extended length of time.