I’m a tanning expert – here are my top tips to get the perfect tan…including how to get fake tan out of your bedding
WHETHER you prefer to stay out of the sun or want to keep that heatwave glow a little longer, self tanning products are the safer way to achieve the bronzed look.
But they are notoriously difficult to use. Mollie Davies gets expert answers to the biggest tanning mysteries…
How can I make my fake tan last longer?
“TO maintain your bronze colour, apply a gradual tanner which has nourishing ingredients, in order to hydrate the skin,” explains tanning expert Jill McLean.
The brand educator from Vita Liberata, which carried out the research to find these most Googled tanning questions, adds: “If you exfoliate your skin before applying your choice of tan, you will ensure a good base for the tan to adhere to, making it last longer.
“Moisturising your skin every day after applying the tan, will also help as this prevents shedding, which is what gives you the flaky look.”
Why is fake tan giving me spots?
BODY artist and tan expert Amanda Harrington, says: “Most fake tan contains harsh chemicals, which can have the effect of irritating skin, making it oilier and causing breakouts by blocking pores.
“If you suffer from acne on your face or body, use products that are oil and alcohol-free.
“I spent four long years creating water based, alcohol-free, non-comedogenic formulations to ensure this was a thing of the past for all tan fans.”
Most read in The Sun
Which fake tan is best for swimming?
CELEBRITY makeup artist and tan expert, Olivia Todd, says: “The chlorine in swimming pools can strip and lighten the tan in areas and dry out the skin, so the key is to use a gradual tan that is highly moisturising.
“Swimming also speeds up the exfoliation process, so it’s important to moisturise right away after swimming and avoid rubbing at your skin with a towel.
"The beauty of a gradual tanning lotion like St Tropez Watermelon Infusion (£11.60 on Look Fantastic) is that it is a tan-moisturiser hybrid so it helps you achieve a deeper shade and also hydrates the skin.”
How do you use fake tan on your hands?
AMANDA says: “The key to hand tanning is a great barrier cream, like any rich- moisture body butter.
“Use on the insides of your wrists as well as across the knuckles to avoid the DHA – tanning agent – catching in these dry areas.
"Then simply use a ‘tot’ of tan mousse on the brush and apply all over, ensuring coverage along the fingers, avoiding nails, for an even colour.”
How can I remove fake tan from my skin?
“THE best way to remove tan is to use a body scrub and gently exfoliate in circular motions to break down the tan and remove dead skin cells, leaving skin prepped for a fresh application,” says Jill.
“Some brands sell tan erasers, or recommend using an oily product like baby oil, but if using these be careful as some ingredients could make you more susceptible to sunburn.
"Read the labels.”
How can I stop fake tan transferring to clothes?
AMANDA says: “If you skip exfoliation and have a layer of dry/dead skin which is then mixed with the tan, it will be more likely to rub off and transfer.
“Properly prepping your canvas really is the key here.
“You should always allow the product to dry fully prior to getting into bed or putting on your clothes.
“The weather makes a difference too as your body’s own moisture will impact the transference.
"A water-based tan should dry in no time.”
‘How can I stop hands and feet looking streaky?'
JILL says: “Avoid using oil-based hand and body moisturisers as this can act as a barrier to tan, preventing the DHA being absorbed properly.
“Exfoliate away any dead skin cells and use an oil-free moisturiser at least 24-hours prior to tanning to ensure your skin fades evenly, especially if you’re prone to dry skin.”
And Olivia’s tip is: “Use a large fluffy makeup brush, with a smaller amount of tan, to buff smaller areas such as hands, face and feet in circular motions.
"This will give your tan an even finish.
“Blend out any tan lurking around your knuckles, thumbs and in between fingers.”
Why has my fake tan turned green?’
AMANDA says: “When DHA overheats or oxidises over time it will go green due to the destabilisation of the tint it sits in, so most tanning products have an expiry date.
“If your tan is out of date, or you’ve stored it in sunlight or in a hot area, it can alter the quality of the product, and may turn skin a greenish colour rather than a golden brown.
"If this keeps happening, you’re best binning your bottle and getting a new one.”
‘Why does my fake tan look like tiger bread?'
OLIVIA says: “You could be missing out on some crucial pre-tan preparation.
“Never forgo a quick exfoliation the day before you tan as this will buff away rough, dead skin cells, leaving a silky-smooth finish for your tan to glide on to.
“Tan clings to dry skin so don’t forget the moisturiser either.
“Using a tanning mitt with a thick, fibrous texture, which gently releases the tan as you brush over your skin, will give a more even finish.
"Be generous with the product and use long gliding motions when applying.”
'How can I get fake tan out of carpet & bedding?'
OLIVIA says: “Fairy Liquid – I prefer the Fairy Liquid brand to own-brands – and warm water is great at removing tan spillages.
“Alternatively, makeup remover or micellar water work effectively to lift the fake tan stain out of carpets.
“Dab and scrub the area with a wet towel a couple of times and leave to soak for around ten minutes before scrubbing it off, for the best results.”
'Why does fake tan smell?'
JILL says: “The distinctive ‘biscuit-like’ odour of a tan is caused by the tanning agent.
“Technology in skincare and tanning formulas has evolved drastically to eliminate the unpleasant scent.
"It’s down to a chemical reaction taking place between your skin and the DHA but there are lots of tans on the market which are now odour free.”
However, even neutral or pleasantly fragranced tans can start to whiff after a few hours.
Experts recommend showering once the tan has developed, or dusting baby powder all over the skin to absorb the odour.
'How can I cover up tan lines?'
AMANDA says: “You should totally avoid sitting in the sun without SPF where possible.
"The dangers from UV are very real and can be devastating.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More on The Sun
“However, should you find yourself with tan lines, I suggest a full body gradual tan application followed by a full tanning mousse application.
“This will even out your skin tone, bringing it closer to an even tan.”