With the right techniques and a clever self-tan, you can fake a glow all year round, says editor Trudi Brewer. Here she shares new innovations to transform your. DIY tanning, from facial mists to customisable drops and colour-correcting mousse. And how to make the beauty duty of self-tanning more user-friendly and precise. Here are the tips she has gleaned over the years from some top tanning pros.
Image BeautyEQ
DIY tanning is easy and believable these days, so if you’re researching for a new self-tanner, today’s innovations are brilliant and have come a long way from the tanners we used in the '90’s. Tanning agents first hit the market in the 1920s, but didn’t gain consumer trust until the ’60s and ’70s. However, those formulas often left skin with an orange hue or those tell-tale streaks. It wasn’t until American beauty brand Jergens introduced the first gradual tanning product in 2005 that getting a natural-looking fake tan became accessible to everyone. It was all down to that magic tanning ingredient: DHA (dihydroxyacetone). Derived from sugar beets, it’s the base of all self-tans today. So how does it work? When it comes into contact with the skin’s surface, it creates a chemical reaction that turns the skin brown. To set the record straight, DHA does not stimulate melanin production; it works on the melanin already on the skin's surface, which is why exfoliating is key to keeping that tan from looking patchy as your skin sheds. Below are my tried-and-true tips, along with the experts who shared them, to help you achieve a seamless-looking golden glow— ASAP.
Invest In The Right Tools
Top tanning experts swear by getting the right tools before you attempt to tan. A tanning mitt is a must-have for DIY tanning, helping blend mousse, liquid, or lotion tans. Always apply it in long, sweeping movements from your feet upward. Tan guru Jamesharknett_tan swears by this technique and says it will ensure you get a balanced, natural finish on the wrists and ankles, as the tan is thinned out as it reaches those areas. His other great tip is to use a make-up brush to apply your tan in delicate areas. “We all know self-tanners will turn darker on the knees, elbows and feet, so the lighter touch of a brush is ideal for creating a more believable glow.”
Azure Tan Kabuki Brush, $24
Beyond mitts (if you don’t use one, once you do, you will never look back), body brushes are a great way to blend self-tan. Azure Tan has nailed its brush. Made with soft, synthetic bristles to help buff and blend any streaks you may have created when applying tanners. The curved shape allows you to reach between fingers and toes and to smooth around wrists and ankles (the spots we often rush over), giving you flawless coverage and zero telltale signs of DIY tanning.
Don’t forget to prep
Prep can make or break self-tan. In the world of beauty innovation, many self-tans contain more than just a tanning agent; they are packed with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients. Body positive brand Isle of Paradise, founded by the world’s leading tanning expert and body confidence champion, Jules Von Hep (who counts the likes of Sienna Miller, Millie Mackintosh as his regular tanning clients), says put in the effort before your tan and you’ll reap the rewards during your self-tan’s lifecycle. His advice: “Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. This will remove dead skin cells and create a smooth and uniform surface on the skin for the tan to be applied to, which will, in turn, result in an even golden colour,” recommends Von Hep. He adds: “Steer clear of exfoliators that contain oils, as these will only act as a film on the skin, and while wonderful for locking in moisture, they aren’t ideal for seamless tanning.”
Sunescape Gradual Tan Extender, $41
For anyone who hasn’t mastered the art of tanning, or who has fair skin and is nervous of a dark bronze result, this three-in-one formula is your moisturiser, gradual tanner, and a great tan extender if you spray tan. Stacked with antioxidants like goji berry and Kakadu plum, as well as nourishing oils like macadamia, avocado and argan. As well as soothing vitamin E, green tea and aloe vera extracts. Consider this your daily dose of moisture primed with self-tan.
Adopt The ‘Ski Tan’ Technique
Tanning expert James Read swears by the ‘ski tan’ look. Not a full-body tan, by applying self-tan only on the areas of your body that are on show. In that instance, in summer, a sleeveless dress or T-shirt requires some tan on the arms, face, hands and neck. His best advice: “Always leave tanning the hands until last. This way, you can work the leftover product from your arms downwards for a natural fade. You can also use facial mists on your hands if you’re nervous about it turning too dark.” – James Read.
James Read Tan H2O Tan Mist Face, from $25
The brand calls this a holiday-worthy tan and a mess-free, cooling self-tanning mist for your face. Designed to use daily until you are happy with your tan depth, the formula is stacked with organic rose water (smells divine) and coconut oil to soothe, boost hydration. It also works well as a makeup primer and summer skin refresher.
Make Subtle Tweaks
Tanned hands and blotches on bony bits like knees and wrists are the giveaway of DIY tanning. However, a good hand sanitiser on the palms and fingertips will remove any excess colour seamlessly, James Read suggests. “Likewise, use a cotton bud drenched in micellar water to get rid of patchiness in delicate areas like the eyes, hairline and on your wrists. You should also use a tiny amount of moisturiser on any dry patches pre-tan – this will stop colour turning darker in these areas.” – James Read.
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Oil Liquid Gold, $29
One of my go-tos for multiple reasons. First, the scent—a tropical coconut—masks the tanning aroma, then the argan oil dries to the touch in seconds. But what makes it a standout is the no-transfer of bronze on clothing or sheets —just skin left with a shimmery, hydrating sheen from a tan that develops in a few hours. It’s an affordable summer essential.
Treat Your Face Differently
When it comes to the face, tanning drops are the easiest self-tan to use and give the most subtle, buildable result. Mixing into your night cream will add enough warmth to your complexion that you will wake sporting a healthy glow. Tanning expert James Harknett swears by tanning drops as a natural boost to the skin that doesn't look like fake tan. “You can control the glow or extend it if needed. Plus, there’s no chance of the residue staining your sheets. Make sure you run it down your neck for natural-looking coverage.”
Isle of Paradise Hyglo Self-Tan Face Serum, $42
These serum-like drops have a cult following in gradual tan circles, thanks to the subtle glow they impart and their intense hydrating ingredients. Available in a one-suits-all formula, apply a few drops (anywhere between 1 and 12, depending on your desired result). Ideal mixed into your go-to face cream for a more gradual colour, and best applied to clean, dry skin. The ingredients speak to us. For hydrating, these include hyaluronic acid, avocado, coconut, and chai seed oils, which help strengthen the skin and improve firmness. They really are goof-proof for self-tanning your face.
Speedy tan without streaks
When Azure Tan founder Roula Guta set out to create the perfect self-tan, she aimed for benefits beyond just a bronzed glow. Her tips for mastering streak-free self-tan application require regular exfoliation. “Smooth skin serves as the ideal canvas. After applying tan, use a blending brush to soften harsh lines, particularly on ankles, knees, neck, ears, wrists, and hands; this ensures a seamless finish.” Her clever Tan Drying Powder was created with the help of tanning professionals. “Feedback from spray tan professionals was that they needed a powder that wouldn’t leave white residue on the skin. So, we created a solution with natural Moroccan lava clay powder, which leaves no white cast and has anti-inflammatory properties that benefit the skin. It allows you to set your tan in place, preventing streaking or sweat-induced fading, and you can comfortably dress and carry on with your day while your tan develops,” says Guta.
Azure Tan Tan Drying Powder, $30
If you are pressed for time and need to tan fast, this powder is worth its weight in gold. It allows you to set your tan in place, preventing streaking or sweat-induced fading, and you can comfortably dress and carry on with your day while your tan develops. It’s genius.
Trust in technology
Tanning technology has come a long way, even in the last decade. According to Azure Tan founder Roula Guta, "Understanding your skin's undertone is the first step to achieving the best self-tan results. “Skin undertones can be classified into three categories: warm, cool, or neutral. Warm undertones are shades of yellow or gold (you have green-looking veins under the skin). This is where a violet base colour-correcting mousse comes into play. At the same time, cool undertones (you have blue-looking veins under the skin) benefit from a green base colour that corrects by cancelling high colour or redness, unveiling an olive-brown tan. Neutral skin tones can use either the violet or green base tanning mousse. If you are unsure what colour base suits you, we have a quick Ace Your Base quiz to find your perfect mousse match.”
Azure Tan Colour Correcting Self Tan Mousse, $28
You can expect five to seven days from this clever skintone-correcting tanning mousse. With dihydroxyacetone, the active tanning ingredient, this tan treats your skin, too, with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins B3, B5, C, and E, and a ceramide complex that helps keep your skin's surface in top shape.
I have learn’t from the pros.