10 Tips for a Great Self Tan

Article by BR Natalie

Think of us as your loving, but over bearing beauty godmother.  We lecture your about sun safety through the winter, so you know we're only going to amp up our safe-tan mission now summer is here riht?

We keep a pretty unbiased stance on most things, but when something is important to us, by Dior we will shout it from the top of BR HQ.  So brace yourself for some tough love.

There is only one safe tanning option - faking it.  You'll never find us telling you how to achieve a 'natural tan', nor will we ever recommend the use of tanning beds / solar tan tubes.  No, no, no.  If you want golden skin this summer we will help you get it - without the very real health risks (so real they should be 'health certainties') that come with UV tanning.

How fake tans work, is that they generally all contain  an ingredient alled Dihydroxyacetone (try saying that without your teeth in!) or more commonly, DHA.

DHA is a colourless 3-carbon sugar that when applied to the skin causes a chemical reaction with amino acids in the surface cells of the skin producing a darkening effect. This means that when you use a fake tanning product you will "tan" to a colour genetically programmed by your skin. So 3 people could all use the same fake tan product and all get 3 different results.

Whether you choose a professional spray tan, or do-it-yourself with lotions, mousses or gels, follow our Top Ten Tips and you'll be looking like a bronzed goddess this summer!

Before:

• De-fuzz.  Wax / Epilate 48 hours before your tanning session.  Shave 24 hours before your tanning session.  This will give your skin time to recover from the hair removal and ensure an even tan.
• Create a clean canvas.  If you're a regular tanner, remove all traces of your previous tan by using tan remover or an alcohol based wipe.  This will help prevent streaks and dark patches.  Don't use oily products or deodorant before your tanning session.
• Protect areas of hair.   Apply a thick moisturising cream or something like petroleum jelly to your hair line and over your eyebrows to prevent staining.
• Scrub, scrub, scrub.  Use a body scrub or a gentle facial scrub to remove dead skin cells and dry skin.  Super smooth skin will ensure an even application.
• Watch out! Be wary of where you apply the product especially if you are using a spray.  Fake tans will generally colour ALL porous things they come in touch with. That means not just you. Put an old towel down. Don't apply it standing on natural fibre carpet, unglazed tiles, or any natural surface that you may not want to colour as well. 

During:

• Use gloves... Use a specially designed tanning mitt for an easy and even application.  If you're not using a tanning mitt wear latex gloves so you don't end up with orange hands.
• Hands and Feet.  Mix the tanning product with a little of your usual moisturiser for those areas that are notoriously difficult to tan.  Think dry areas like your hands, feet, knees and elbows.   It will prevent the tanning product from accumulating on those areas.

After:

• Don't give up the routine.  Don't fall in to the trap of thinking using products on top of your tan will make it fade faster!  Continue to moisturise twice a day to keep your tan glowing.  Do not assume that because your skin looks darker you're protected from the sun.  Continue to use sunscreen daily!
• Avoid swimming in pools.  Chlorine will strip the tan.
• Separate your colour from your whites.  Bear in mind for the first few hours you can expect some product transfer.  So be warned!  Don't sit on pale sofas, wear pale clothing or get in to your beautiful cream bedsheets, unless you want them streaked with tan.

So there's our top tips for a great self-tan.  If you want to find out more about faking it, check out our Fake Tan 101 article.

Are you a regular faker?  What tips do you have to share with us?  Get chatting below!