A seamless fake tan starts with the right prep. From exfoliating and shaving to application, aftercare and removal, getting the timing right can help prevent streaks and patchiness. Here's how to fake tan at home, including tips for beginners, sensitive skin and face tanning.

Fake Tan Routine: Step By Step

• 24 hours before: Remove old tan, exfoliate, shave and moisturise.

• Before tanning: Start with clean, dry skin and moisturise dry areas.

• Apply: Blend evenly, using less tan on hands, feet, knees and elbows.

• Develop: Follow your tan's recommended development time.

• Maintain: Moisturise and top up with gradual tan if needed.

• Reset: Remove your tan once it becomes patchy or flaky.

How Does Fake Tan Work?

Most fake tans use DHA, which reacts with the skin's surface to temporarily deepen its colour. Some also contain a guide colour to make application easier, which washes away while the developed tan remains.

Development times vary by formula, so always follow the product instructions. Fake tan also doesn't provide UV protection, so SPF is still essential.

What Type Of Fake Tan Is Best?

The best fake tan depends on how quickly you want colour to develop and how much control you want.

• Mousse and foam: Easy to blend and often comes with a guide colour. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam is a good traditional option.

• Express tan: Develops more quickly. Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan is designed for faster results.

• Clear and no-rinse tan: Ideal if you want to avoid a visible guide colour. b.tan Glow Your Own Way Clear Self Tan Gel is a clear, no-rinse option.

• Gradual tan: Builds colour slowly and can help maintain an existing glow. St. Tropez Gradual Tan Body Lotion offers a more controlled result.

What's The Best Fake Tan For Beginners?

Gradual tan is one of the easiest options for beginners because you can build colour slowly. Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk is a good choice for a subtle, buildable glow.

What's The Best Fake Tan For Pale Skin?

For pale skin, gradual or light-to-medium tans make it easier to build a natural-looking result without going too dark too quickly. Start lighter and build until you reach your preferred depth.

What's The Best Fake Tan For Dark Skin?

Deeper self tans can add warmth and enhance an existing glow on darker skin tones. Look for deeper shades or formulas created with richer skin tones and undertones in mind.

What About Fake Tan For Sensitive Skin?

If you have sensitive skin, choose a suitable formula and patch test first. Grays Glowjob You Make Me Foam Self Tanning Mousse was developed with sensitive skin in mind. Avoid applying fake tan to irritated or broken skin.

How Do You Avoid Orange Fake Tan?

Choose a shade suited to your skin tone, build colour gradually and avoid applying layer after layer of tan. Good exfoliation and even application can also help prevent overly concentrated colour on dry areas.

How To Prep For Fake Tan

Start your prep around 24 hours before tanning.

Should You Remove Old Fake Tan First?

Yes. Fresh tan can look uneven over patchy or flaky colour. Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser can help loosen old tan before you gently buff the skin.

Should You Exfoliate Before Fake Tan?

Yes. Exfoliate around 24 hours beforehand, focusing on dry areas such as knees, elbows, ankles, hands and feet.

How Long After Shaving Can You Fake Tan?

Aim to shave or wax around 24 hours before tanning to give your skin time to settle.

Can You Fake Tan Over Dry Skin?

You can, but tan is more likely to cling to dry skin and develop unevenly. Moisturise beforehand and use a small amount on particularly dry areas immediately before tanning.

Should You Shower Before Fake Tan?

Yes. Start with clean, completely dry skin free from deodorant, perfume and body oils.

How To Apply Fake Tan At Home Without Streaks

Work in sections using long, sweeping or circular motions, starting at your legs and moving upwards. Blend as you go and use less product over knees, elbows, wrists and ankles.

What's The Best Fake Tan Mitt?

A tanning mitt helps distribute body tan evenly while protecting your palms from staining. The Bondi Sands Application Mitt is a reusable option designed to help create a smoother, streak-free application.

How To Fake Tan Your Legs

Apply tan in long, even motions from the lower legs upwards. Use less product around the knees and ankles, where tan is more likely to build up, and blend carefully into the feet.

How To Fake Tan Your Hands And Feet

Use only leftover tan from your mitt rather than adding a fresh pump. Blend lightly around wrists, knuckles, ankles and toes.

A Sienna X Self Tan Body Brush can give you extra control over smaller areas.

How To Fake Tan Your Back

A Bondi Sands Back Applicator can help reach the centre and sides of your back. Use a small amount of product and long, even movements.

How To Fake Tan Your Face

Face-specific tanning products can make it easier to control colour and fit tanning into your skincare routine.

• Mist: St. Tropez Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist for quick, buildable application.

• Drops: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops for a customisable result.

• Serum: Grays The Morning After Facial Tanning Glow Serum for a skincare-style application.

• Gradual tan: Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Face Lotion for slowly building colour.

Always follow the instructions when using tanning drops, as quantities and application methods vary.

Why Does Fake Tan Fade Faster On Your Face?

Cleansing, exfoliating acids, retinoids and facial scrubs can all speed up fading, so face tan may need topping up more often.

How Long Should You Leave Fake Tan On?

Development time depends on the formula:

• Express tan: Often develops in one to three hours.

• Traditional tan: Usually needs several hours before rinsing.

• No-rinse tan: Develops without the usual shower-off step.

Do You Have To Wash Fake Tan Off?

Not always. Some tans need rinsing, while others are designed to stay on, so always follow the product instructions.

How Long After Fake Tan Can You Shower?

Wait until your tan has reached its recommended development time. For rinse-off tans, use your first shower as a gentle rinse with lukewarm water to remove excess product and guide colour. Avoid scrubbing and pat skin dry.

Your tan may look lighter afterwards because the temporary guide colour has washed away.

Can You Moisturise After Fake Tan?

Yes. Once your tan has developed, moisturising regularly can keep skin hydrated and encourage an even fade.

How To Use Gradual Tan

Gradual tan can build colour from scratch or maintain an existing tan.

How Often Should You Apply Gradual Tan?

Apply as directed until you reach your desired colour, then use less frequently to maintain it.

Do You Need To Exfoliate When Using Gradual Tan?

Yes, but gently. Light exfoliation can help prevent uneven build-up.

Can You Put Fake Tan Over Old Fake Tan?

If your existing tan is still smooth and even, gradual tan can help top it up. If it is patchy or flaky, remove it first.

How To Make Fake Tan Last Longer

To extend your tan:

• Moisturise daily

• Avoid very hot showers

• Limit exfoliation

• Be gentle when shaving

• Pat skin dry

• Use gradual tan for top-ups

• Be aware that swimming, chlorine, sweat and friction can speed up fading

Why Is My Fake Tan Patchy?

Patchiness can be caused by dry skin, old tan build-up, uneven exfoliation, too much product, shaving too close to tanning, sweating or friction.

How To Fix Patchy Fake Tan

Gently buff small patches and blend with gradual tan. If your tan is heavily built up or flaky, remove it and start again.

How To Remove Fake Tan

Soften the skin with a warm shower or bath, then apply a dedicated remover such as Rose & Caramel Purity Excel 60 Seconds Tan Removing Scrub.

Gently buff stubborn areas such as hands, ankles, knees, elbows and feet. Once the old tan is removed, moisturise and allow your skin to settle before tanning again.

Fake Tan FAQs

How Long Does Fake Tan Last?

Most fake tans last around five to seven days, depending on the formula, skin and aftercare.

Can You Sleep In Fake Tan?

Yes, if the recommended development time allows it.

Can You Apply Fake Tan Without A Mitt?

Yes, depending on the formula, but a tanning mitt can make body tan easier to distribute evenly while keeping your palms clean.

Can You Shave After Fake Tanning?

Yes, but shaving exfoliates the skin and can make your tan fade faster.

How Often Should You Fake Tan?

Reapply once your existing tan has faded evenly rather than repeatedly layering over patchy colour.

How Do You Get Fake Tan Off Your Hands?

Use a tan remover or gently exfoliate the palms, knuckles and between the fingers.

Can You Exercise After Fake Tan?

Avoid exercise while your tan develops, as sweat and friction can cause streaking.

Can You Swim With Fake Tan?

Yes, but chlorine and prolonged time in water can speed up fading.

Can You Fake Tan When Pregnant?

Fake tan creams and lotions are generally considered safe during pregnancy, but spray tans are usually best avoided. Patch test first and speak to your midwife or GP if unsure.

Does Fake Tan Protect You From The Sun?

No. Fake tan doesn't provide UV protection, so continue to use SPF.

Your Fake Tan Routine, Sorted

Ready to perfect your tanning routine? Shop fake tan at Justmylook to discover self tan, gradual tan, face tan and prep essentials for a smoother, more even glow from start to finish.