The GH Beauty Lab constantly scans the market for the best self-tanners, spanning from affordable drugstore picks to high-end formulations. In the Beauty Lab’s most recent self-tanner test, scientists first surveyed 701 members of our panel of consumer testers and evaluated 115 self-tanner products. These formulas are easy-to-use, smell good and won’t leave you looking orange. If you are trying to fix a self-tanner mistake and there is no way to buff out a streak or blotchy application, you can always use a self-tanner remover https://us.ioniqskin.com/blogs/blog/how-to-prep-skin-for-self-tanner
She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in how to prep skin for self tanner esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less). Getting wet or applying any sort of lotion will interrupt the process and may result in streaks and blotches, and affect the longevity of your tan. Exfoliating dry skin away will prevent it from absorbing more self-tanner in some areas of your body than others, so you get an even tan. Pay special attention to exfoliating areas that tend to build up excess dry skin, like knees, heels, and elbows. This is a crucial first step right before you apply your self-tanner because you are getting rid of the skin cells that are closest to shedding.
Before applying self-tanner, it’s a good idea to know how to prep skin for self tanner by cleansing and exfoliating . Dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin, and these can cause your self-tanner to go on patchy—which we have a feeling is something you’d like to avoid. Again, I prefer a fragrance free product to avoid any interaction with the self-tanner color. When you do shower, be sure to avoid scrubbing your skin and also any type of coarse cloth, loofah, or exfoliator towel because this will cause the color to quickly fade. To apply facial self tanner drops, you will mix 3-4 drops with your facial moisturizer in the palm of your hand. After the products are mixed thoroughly, spread it over the face and neck.
Traditionally done with makeup, there’s a new trend in town that’s going viral on TikTok—contouring with self tan. This innovative technique allows you to wake up with a naturally contoured face, no makeup required. You may think skipping over someplace small, like your ears or the tops of your feet, won’t make a major difference — but it can be a dead giveaway that your tan came from a bottle.
It helps gently yet effectively buff away color from self-tanners. This bronzing water feels light and refreshing when you glide it onto the skin. After one application, it develops into a light, natural-looking tan. This self-tanner imparts a natural-looking glow while defending skin from environmental aggressors and pollutants.
You also need to ensure that you rinse off your body THOROUGHLY after exfoliation to remove any residue from the exfoliating and shaving products you used. And when you get a fake tan, the tan also sits on the outermost layer of your skin. The reason why you must apply a moisturizer is that dry skin doesn’t hold the color well. Why do you need to know your undertone before selecting a self tanner? Using color theory, I have selected self-tanners that counter-balance undertones.
If you are in a hurry for one reason or another you can try using a hair dryer on a cool setting to blow over the skin. Of course, if your skin is more dry the self-tanner will absorb more quickly into the skin, and it will dry more quickly. Some brands of self-tanner will dry more quickly than others thanks to their ingredients make up. Look at some of the reviews of your self-tanner if you haven’t used it before to see how long you can expect for it to dry. If you’re a beginner, use a product with a guide colour (such as the Self-Tanning Mousse we used here) to help show you where you have and haven’t applied it.
You start to think, “what if you miss a spot or what if my hands look weird? Trying something for the first time can be nerve racking no matter what it is and self tanning is no different. However, I promise that if you follow my exact steps to applying self tanner you will have a flawless application. Nobody wants to look orange after shelling out cash for a spray-on tan, which is why choosing the right shade for your complexion is a must. The right spray tan color for you might differ from what works for a friend. Besides the fact that someone with paler skin will want to go lighter than someone with a darker skin tone, the undertone of their spray tan should also be different.
When it comes to application mitts, I really love using the ones that have a separate thumb. I just feel like the thumb gives you that extra support and grip on a completely new level. However, you can try both ones and see which one works the best for you. I also tan my face since I don’t really use any type of foundation, I only use concealer, and I swear whenever I use self-tanner people keep asking me which foundation I am using. Alternatively, try using a product that you can add to your moisturiser. You add a few drops to your moisturiser and apply it over your face and neck as normal.
Just make sure to thoroughly rinse off any lingering product, as you don’t want any residue to buffer the tanning solution. Finally, remember that there’s not a set time frame that your self-tan will last for. “The longevity of your tan really depends on your skin type and habits,” Von Hep explains. Factors like how often you shower, whether you swim in a pool with chlorine, or use chemical exfoliants can affect how long your faux glow stays intact — which is why it helps to reapply often. “I personally tan my face every third day to keep my glow looking its best, but I also cleanse and exfoliate often,” says Von Hep. When applying a thicker tanning product to the face, Agresta advises doing so with a makeup brush for all-over coverage.
This ensures that the tanner doesn’t look too orange, brown, or green on the skin. Using the color wheel, color theory suggests that colors can cancel each other out. So for example, reddish tones can be cancelled out with green.
By gently scrubbing away the top layer of dead skin cells, you can effectively diminish the appearance of your tan. There are many commercially available exfoliating scrubs on the market, but you can also make your own at home using simple ingredients. To ensure long-lasting results, try to avoid activities that involve excessive sweating or water contact for at least 4-6 hours after applying your self tanner. This includes activities such as working out, swimming, or taking a hot shower. By giving the self tanner enough time to fully develop and set, you can enjoy a beautiful and even tan that lasts. When it comes to achieving a beautiful, sun-kissed glow with your DIY self tanner, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve long-lasting results.
So, make sure you keep applying sunscreen to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and your glow going strong. While showering, use a poof or washcloth to lightly slough off the top layers of your tan. This will not just leave your glow looking more even, but also start to prep your skin for any future self-tanning sessions. The agent that delivers a sun-free tan is dihydroxyacetone, or DHA.
I did use a bit too much product so my legs ultimately developed to a shade or two darker than I wanted but luckily the tan hue lasted only around 3 days before it started to fade. Since then, a lot has changed in the world of at-home tanning, In fact, in 2025, choosing the best self tanner is easier than ever before. With an array of new formulations — from bronzing mousse to wipes to drops to traditional creams — there’s a sunless tan method for most everyone, no matter your skin type or shade. To do that, rub the area with oil (baby oil, coconut oil, body oil, whatever you have on hand), then take a warm shower and use your exfoliating gloves to buff the skin gently.
Don’t forget to include often-overlooked areas like your neck and hairline. These areas will help your tan look natural and blended with the rest of your body. This is great for sensitive areas, like the pubic region and underarms. You can even use it to address dead ends or hydrate your scalp. Self-tanning wipes can be tricky, but these are by far the best option how to prep skin for self tanner the market if you like the ease of a pre-soaked pad. Infused with exfoliating ingredients, it brightens skin while it delivers a streak-free, even tan.
Alternatively, if applying self-tanner to the face is too intimidating, makeup will usually suffice. For beginners, Blafer believes bronzer drops are great for novices. According to Sophie Evans, St. Tropez skin finishing expert and celebrity tanning specialist, timing is just as important as sloughing.
With that, I have tried several different self tanners and my self tanning preferences have changed over the years. However, my two current favorites are Beauty by Earth and Sol Bar. You can check out their websites to learn more about their products and ingredients. Mousse and tanning water products do not apply evenly to my face, therefore I use tanning drops formulated specifically for the face. You may not need to do this, but this is what works best for me. That means it can actually be a good idea to shave before applying self-tanner.
Self-tanning your face can feel taboo and scary, especially if you haven’t done it before. Not with the right product — grab a self-tanner intended for the face like the aforementioned Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Bronze Mist. Then, spray 10 how to prep skin for self tanner from your décolletage and neck in a sweeping motion. The result is a customizable, natural glow that’s free of orange hues and sticky textures.
If your veins look blue, you have cool-toned skin with pink undertones. Trust us, it’s easy and you’ll be contouring like a pro in no time. The Kardashians stand behind St. Tropez products, with one of Kim’s favorites being the Jumbo Self Tan Express Mousse. For a non-toxic tanner with natural ingredients, go with this hydrating cream. If you’re looking for a good mist to start with, the St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist is very gradual and smells amazing. For a splurge that works more like a daily moisturizer (or every other day) try this self tanner from Sisley.
Tyrosine plays a crucial part in producing melanin how to prep skin for self tanner, which gives color to skin, hair, and eyes. “Moisturizing is key for a tanner to work on your skin,” Trujillo says. Keeping your skin moisturized helps slow down the natural shedding process to help extend the life of your tan. Despite the well-known dangers and repeated warnings about UV damage, some people can’t resist the allure of a suntan. For those who love the look of bronzed skin but want to avoid the health risks of sun exposure, self-tanners are the answer. So in a nutshell, exfoliate your skin by dry brushing, shave, shower to have clean skin, skip the moisturizer, and wear loose clothing.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient in how to prep skin for self tanner self-tanners is considered safe for topical use. Really, I just want to look sun-kissed, especially with winter in full swing—and without the wrinkles, sunspots, or UV damage that come with extended sun exposure. That’s where self-tanners have come in, giving me the perfect bronzed look year-round—no sunburn required, just some serious testing. I tested 12 popular self-tanning products in a two-month period to determine the formulas that are truly worth the hype.
I was worried the mist wouldn’t cover my hands evenly so I used a foundation brush to apply, spraying it a few times and then buffing in between my fingers and all over my hands and wrists. I definitely used too much and my hands were a shade too dark but this is going to be my go-to method to get my hands and toes covered without weird lines or splotches. This one lasted a pretty long time, especially considering how lightweight it felt on the skin. I’ve used a few different tanning waters over the years and this one is definitely a keeper. It gave me a super subtle tan after one day, with no funky smell or streaks. I added three to four drops to my moisturizer after my serums all dried down completely, and then waited five minutes before topping it with sunscreen.
With SunFX products, you can trust that your skin is in good hands. Isle of Paradise is another great self-tanner, but Peta Jane offers a more straightforward, easy-to-apply mousse without the color-correcting ingredients. Isle of Paradise provides a customizable color, but Peta Jane’s darker shade gives an instantly gorgeous, sun-kissed glow with no fuss. Peta Jane’s formula is also more focused on skin-friendly ingredients. This helps distribute the product evenly and prevents your hands from staining. I usually apply it in sections, starting with my legs and working my way up to my arms and torso.
This will give you a more natural-looking result and reduce the risk of any mishaps. However, keep in mind that it’s important to give your skin time to fully absorb the product before you apply another layer. Gradual tanning lotion is a great option if you’re new to self-tanning or looking for a more subtle, natural-looking tan. Gradual tanning lotion is a self-tanner that allows you to build up a tan gradually over time. “Start at the ankles and work your way up, I’m a fan of one coat in the winter and two in the summer – but tanning is all about you and your personal preference!” says Von Hep. “When it comes to your back, flip the mitt back to front, you’ll find it easier to apply or use a self-tan spray with 360° technology meaning it will spray at whatever angle you put it how to prep skin for self tanner.”