Achieving a sun-kissed glow has never been simpler, or safer, with the developments in fake tan. No longer are there streaky, orange disasters; newer formulas are available that are meant to look natural on the skin. This comprehensive guide will take you through every step from start to finish achieving that radiant, healthy glow without the harmful risks of UV damage. The perfect tan is now at your fingertips with this tanning bed in a bottle.

Prepping for Perfection

The key to a flawless fake tan comes down to painstaking preparation. Begin by exfoliating your body a full day before the tan and pay extra attention to dry areas such as ankles and hands. This exfoliates dead skin cells, making a nice smooth surface for application and it’s in good defense for patchiness. 

After exfoliating, be sure to moisturize well; moisturized skin will absorb the tan more evenly resulting in a more even instant tan and a longer-lasting, more natural-looking finish. Once again, focus especially on those dry regions so that they are fully satisfied, and return to the forehead.

Finding Your Product 

There are so many fake tan products on the shelves now that choosing the right one for you is really important. Mousses and lotions are good for those who have no experience they are easier to apply, and they have a guide color that lets you see if you’re missing any spots. 

Aerosol sprays provide a mist of color for an airbrushed finish but can be more finicky to control, while gradual tanning lotions allow for a buildup of color over a few days. Take into account your skin tone and how intense of a tan you’re after when selecting your shade. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the product.

The Art of Application

Apply your tan in a well-lit room and ideally use a tanning mitt for an all-over, even tan. This guards your hands from getting smeared with marks and guarantees an even dispersion of the product. 

Begin at your feet then smooth the rest over the body in long strokes, layering as needed. Then, with whatever is left on the mitt, sweep it over hands and feet, paying particular attention to knuckles, wrists, and around the ankles to ensure a natural finish. And keep in mind less is often more and you can always add on color with future applications.

Post-Tan Care for Longevity

Once your tan is dry, wear loose, dark clothing to avoid smearing and wait for your new radiant glow. Minimize showering, sweating, or any activities that will compromise the coverage of your tan after application for 6-8 hours after application or as per product instructions. 

To keep from getting flaky and fading faster, make it a point to moisturize daily, since dry skin will cause your tan to peel and fade unevenly. Opt for a lukewarm shower and pat (don’t rub too roughly) your skin dry.

Correcting and Removing

Even the best intentions sometimes don’t work out as planned. If you see any streaks or unnecessary patches, a tanning remover mitt or a very soft exfoliate will help to blend or remove the color. 

A paste made from lemon juice and baking soda will have your sink looking like new for tougher spots. A warm bath with a gentle exfoliating is going to help break up the rest of the pigment allowing you to begin your tan anew.

The skill of getting beautifully glowing skin with a fake instant tan is something that starts as an art but once you get the hang of it, can become second nature. Enjoy the confidence of healthy, radiant skin with the assurance that you are doing so without risking your health or well-being.