Question
I want to stay out of the sun this summer, but still want to have a bit of colour. How do I use fake tan and make it look natural?
Eleanor, via email
Answer
Start by choosing the right shade for your skin colour. Don’t go for “dark” or “deep” shades if your skin is on the paler side. Also, decide which formula will be easiest for you to use. If you’re new to fake tanning, lotions give you more time to play with than quick-drying gels or foams. Exfoliating in the shower to eliminate dry, rough skin patches helps your tan to go on evenly and prevent streaky patches.
Don’t apply body lotion or moisturiser immediately before you tan because it can interfere with the fake tan’s absorption. To protect your palms from going orange, wear disposable rubber gloves. Mix an equal amount of moisturiser and tanner, and apply lightly to dry areas, such as your knees and elbows, which can “catch” more colour. Then take a small amount of fake tan and start from the tops of your feet, working up.
Make sure to massage in the product well, so you can’t see it, to help prevent streaking. Once you’ve finished your body, take off your gloves and use a cotton ball to blend colour onto the backs of your hands and between your fingers. After your colour develops (about three hours), apply moisturiser.
Don’t use any products that contain AHAs or glycolic acid, as their exfoliating action will cause your tan to fade. To maintain your tan, moisturise at least once every day and reapply fake tan once a week.
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