Prep Your Skin
It might seem like an afterthought, but you don't want to be thinking about the fact that you should have prepped your skin after your self-tanner has been applied.
"It's an absolute must that you exfoliate before self-tanning if you want a flawless, natural-looking tan," says Jordan Cook, tanning expert, makeup artist and ambassador for St. Moriz. "For a longer lasting tan, I always recommend exfoliating every day for two to three days before your tanning application. This will make sure you're rid of any old tan, dead skin cells and perfect the surface of your skin for your tan to stick to."
Try St. Moriz Advanced Pro Exfoliating Skin Primer, $12.99. This advice also applies when using faux tanner on your face. A gentle product, like Versed Day Maker Microcrystal Exfoliator, $16.99, is the way to go.
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Start Small and Build Your Glow
In the same way you wouldn't go from brunette to platinum blonde in one sitting, a gradual approach to self-tanner is key to achieving gorgeous results. In fact, James Read of James Read Tan says one of the biggest mistakes is going overboard.
After exfoliating, apply the recommended amount of product, no more, no less. If you'd like to go darker, apply a second layer the next day. If you're afraid of going too dark with the first round, Cook says you can mix self-tanning lotion with moisturizer.
"Mixing your tanning lotion into your moisturizer bottle has been proven to work for a lot of people who really want just a tint of tan. This will of course be trial and error until you hit the perfect mix for the tone you are trying to achieve."
Some products are actually meant to be combined with your favorite lotion. Like Joah Beauty's Golden Daze Sunless Tanning Drops, $14.99, and James Read Tan Gradual Tan Click & Glow Tan Drops, $33, which both take some of the guesswork out of the process.
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Don't Wash Right Away
"After you have self-tanned make sure you don't wash your hands straight after as this will give you the white hands and brown arms look," says Read. Wait about 30 minutes, then wash. "Also, make sure you apply moisturizer to dry areas on the body before applying the faux tanning product. This will stop the tan from going too dark on these areas and help your tan look flawless."
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Fix Mistakes ASAP
Made a mistake? No worries. Just make sure to correct it right away.
"Let's say you have a streak and it seems to have dried and won't blend in. Apply another thin layer to help move the product along," suggests Cook. For dark spots, "apply lemon or lime juice to a warm cloth," explains Read. "The warmth will active the AHAs in the juice and help to break down the unwanted tan. Steam is also great to break down your tan." (You can also try Tanologist Self Tan Eraser and Primer, $14.99.)
Missed a spot? Simply go back in with your faux tanner of choice. Just try not to overlap.
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Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Maintaining your tan and allowing it to fade more seamlessly is the sign of pro-level application. One of the best ways to master the fade out is to moisturize like you mean it.
"Patchy skin comes often from skin dryness. If you moisturize every single day, morning and night if you can, then you are helping the process of a smoother, seamless transaction..." says Cook. "Then once you think 'OK, it's time to exfoliate to get the lasting tougher areas off' then go for a super long hot soak in the bath. Let your skin subtle up and without any abrasive motions you will notice the skin just allows the tan to easily wipe away with a flannel."
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