How to Achieve a Good Fake Tan

Fake tans reduce the risk associated with sun exposure.

A fake tan can give your skin the sun-kissed glow of summer without the health risks of sun exposure. Sunless tanning products are available in cream, gel or spray form and can easily be applied at home. It takes some practice to get an even, streak-free tan that looks natural but, with the right technique, you'll be golden and glowing in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Loofah sponge
• Moisturizer
• Sunless tanning product
• Rubber gloves

Instructions

1. Rub your skin gently with the loofah sponge while in the shower. The loofah will slough away any dead skin cells and even out the surface of your skin. This is essential to achieving a smooth, even tan.

2. Moisturize your skin by smoothing lotion over your entire body. Moist, supple skin will produce a more even, natural-looking tan. Dry skin can result in an uneven, patchy tan.

3. Put on your rubber gloves. Sunless tanning products contain potent dyes that can stain your skin so avoid tanned palms by wearing gloves.

4. Squirt a dime-sized amount of fake tanner into the palm of your hand. Rub your palms together to distribute, then apply the product to your legs.

5. Massage the tanning lotion into your skin using small, circular motions. Move swiftly upward from your legs to your face. Avoid streaking by rubbing the product into your skin quickly and smoothly.

6. Move lightly over your ankles, feet, knees, wrists and hands. Fake tanning products can concentrate in these areas, making them appear darker than the rest of your body. Use swift, light movements to distribute the product over these regions.

7. Blend fake tanner into your hairline to avoid an unnatural-looking delineation.

8. Remove your gloves and swipe the backs of your hands across the palms of the gloves. The tops of your hands require very little tanning so the lotion remaining on the gloves after applying product to your whole body will be sufficient.

9. Allow your body to air-dry. Avoid putting on clothes or sitting on furniture for at least 10 minutes. Tanning products can stain your clothing, so allow time for the lotion to fully penetrate your skin.

References

• Today MSNBC: Ready, set, glow! Sunless tanning tips
• Fashion Magazine: Pro Tips: Self-Tanner How-To
• Cosmopolitan: How to Score Glowy Skin Even in Winter