Seamless, Streak-Free Self-Tanning? Here Is Your Genius Guide!

Whether you’re looking to feign a bronzed beach babe look or just want to add some sun-kissed radiance to enliven dull skin, a self tanner is your way to go. And if nailing a flawless faux tan is on your beauty bucket list, we’ve lifted the lid on how to DIY, et voila! To prevent your self-tanning experience from turning into a DIWY beauty project, master these tanner tips (because nobody wants to look like Flamin’ Hot Cheeto IRL) — trust!

Tanner Tip #1: Get groomed right away

If you need to shave your body hair, touch up on greys, get a manicure, or wax your bikini line, now’s the time to get the job done as all these treatments can remove self-tanner. Pleasure!

Tanner Tip #2: Next, prep your skin

Dry or dead skin cells not only trap the self-tanner on the surface of the skin, but also leave dark, uneven patches that look unnatural. That said, skimping on exfoliation is probably the No. 1 beauty faux pas when working with a body self tanning lotion. The same holds true for your face. Cleanse and then exfoliate before applying a facial self tanner. Bonus tip: Just like pretty much all things in life, timing is everything. For the very best results, polish skin to perfection with an oil-free scrub eight hours before self-tan application as this helps neutralize skin’s pH balance, which is the secret sauce for the tan to develop.

Tanner Tip #3: Spot treat key areas

Did you know certain areas of your body, like the elbows, knees, ankles, and knuckles absorb self-tanner more quickly? So, get ahead of the game and moisturize luxuriously to create a barrier between these telltale spots and self-tanner.

Tanner Tip #4: Pick your go-to potion

For an instant bronzing effect, reach for a mousse with an in-built bronzer. For beginners, self tanning moisturizer gradually develops into a natural-looking tan. For tanning hard-to-reach areas, trust a tanning spray. For working on dry, sensitive skin, lotions or gels are your holy grails.

Tanner Tip #5: Apply like a pro

For the face, mix tanning drops or water with your moisturizer for a lasting golden hour glow. For the body, use a mitt that provides a flat, smooth surface for even, streak-free coverage.

Tanner Tip #6: Wipe away excess formula

Let’s admit it: Mistakes happen. Use oil-free micellar wipes to clean things up, especially on the palms, hairline, jawbone, and the cuticles of the fingers and toes.

Tanner Tip #7: Kick back and chill

A quick beauty riddle: Why in the world did your tan not last long? You might want to blame yourself. As a rule, do not shower, sweat or swim for the next couple of hours to help avoid streaking and splotching. Also, your tan needs at least eight hours to fully set, so consider yourself under house arrest, pop on a chillax playlist, and revel in the “me-time”.

Tanner Tip #8: Perfect the self-tan aftercare

ICYMI, dry and flaky skin is a self-tan foe. After showering, load up on hydration to keep your tan as gorgeous and fresh as possible. Not to mention, always keep your guard up by layering sunscreen if you’re going to head out after using self-tanner.

Got the complete lowdown on how to transform yourself into a bronzed bombshell? Go ahead and shop self-tanners, stat!