How To Get A Flawless Faux Tan

Get a flawless faux tan with my step-by-step application guide and list of the best, most recommended self-tanners for face and body.

Who doesn’t love the healthy looking, sun-kissed glow from a few days at the beach? Keep your glow going all year long and spare your skin from the sun’s damaging rays by using self-tanners.

To get a flawless, natural-looking faux tan, you’ve got to trust the process and use the right products. I’ve researched the best, most recommended self-tanners for face and body and found them for you at the best prices. Plus, I’ve got a step-by-step application guide for a flawless faux tan.

How Self-Tanners Work

Sunless tanning products contain an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colorless carbohydrate made from natural ingredients, such as beets or cane sugar, or chemically manufactured. The DHA reacts to the amino acids in the top layer of your skin, creating a production of pigments and a color change occurs over the course of two to four hours. The process is known as the “Maillard” reaction and the resulting pigments are called melanoidins, which are similar in pigment to melanin.

Since our bodies naturally shed dead skin cells, your tan will start fade in the process. Most sunless tans will last anywhere from three to seven days. Personally, I find a professional spray tan lasts the longest. But applying self-tanner at home is more convenient and economical.

Application Guide for a Flawless Faux Tan

Getting a streak-free, natural-looking tan requires a little prep, some finesse, and a lot of patience.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the guide below, it goes quickly once you get the hang of it. I promise.

1. Plan Ahead

If you have other treatments planned, such as getting waxed or having your hair color, do them a few days before applying self-tanner because those treatments can remove your newly applied tan. They also remove dead skin cells so those areas will absorb the self-tanners differently, leaving you with an uneven tan. You should shave and exfoliate a day or two before (more on that in #2 below), and moisturize in the days leading up to your self-tanning application so your skin is hydrated.

2. Exfoliate & Shave

It’s best to shave and exfoliate a day or two before applying self-tanner, which gets trapped in dry or dead skin leaving dark patches that look unnatural. If exfoliating just before applying self-tanner, use one that is oil-free or cleanse with glycolic or salicylic acid to slough away dead, dull skin. Concentrate on the elbows, knees and ankles. You want clean, product-free skin so there’s no barrier to inhibit the DHA from reacting with the amino acids in your skin, which is what causes the temporary darkening.

My favorite body exfoliator is Dove’s Exfoliating Body Polish, I love the Crushed Macadamia & Rice Milk but it comes in other scents. It’s available at most drugstores or at Amazon. Afterward, I wash with a gentle body soap or cleanser to be sure I’ve removed all the exfoliant and any remaining oils.

For face, my two favorite exfoliators are Clinique’s 7 Day Face Scrub and Dr. Brandt’s Pore Dermabrasion (it’s pricey but I fell in love with this exfoliator after getting it in one of my FabFitFun boxes). Again, I cleanse afterward to make certain I’ve removed all the scrub and any oils.

3. Dry

Before applying self-tanner, give your skin time to dry after showering to ensure even application and absorption. Water and self-tanner do not mix. Water left on the skin will dilute the tanner and lead to streaks. Once dry, you will need a bit of lightweight lotion as a barrier around dry spots, like ankles, knees, elbows, and nostrils…more on barrier cream, #5, below.

4. Apply Self-Tanner with Gloves or a Mitt

Always wear latex-free gloves or use a mitt to apply self-tanner or you will have very dark palms. I prefer gloves to a mitt, which I find clumsy to use, but lots of people love them. This inexpensive St. Tropez Double-Sided Velvet Luxe Self-Tanner Applicator Mitt is highly rated on Amazon. I like these nitrile gloves with extended cuff so I don’t accidentally get self-tanner on my wrists. I also use them when I prepping dinner to save my hands and nails.

5. Barrier Cream

Apply a small about of cream or lotion to dry, rough spots and calluses, such as elbows, ankles and knees, to keep them from getting too dark. I also put lotion on my heels, around the perimeter of my feet and the tops of my toes. On my face, I apply a bit around my nostrils. No need to get fancy here, any daily moisturizer will do, such as Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($12 for 18 oz at eCosmetics) or, if you want something heavier, I like Curél Dry Skin Therapy Body Lotion ($11 for 12 oz on Amazon).

6. Dilute

If you’re concerned that your self-tanner might be too dark, dilute it with a little lotion. This is when it’s easier to wear gloves. Put the lotion and the self-tanner in your gloved hands and rub together to mix before applying.

7. Apply in Sections

Start low and work your way up, applying self-tanner to your body in sections so you don’t get blot-marks from body parts touching when you bend over (trust me, it happens). Feel free to start or end with your face but save the back of your hands for last.

I suggest beginners use a tinted self-tanner that will act as a color guide so you can see where you’re applying the product. Use about a teaspoon of self-tanner per section and apply in a circular motion. Take your time and be thorough, but don’t rub too much.

– Blend each section into the next as you work your way up your body.

– Body – Begin with your lower legs and blend down to the tops of your feet. Use the barrier cream you applied to feet to blend the sunless tanning product for a flawless, streak-free finish.

Work your way up, applying self-tanner to your body in sections. When tanning your arms, apply on the tops and then blend down and under. Do not apply additional product to the underside of your arms.

Don’t forget to tan the back of your neck, shoulders, sides of your torso, and even go into your armpits a bit.

– Face – Be sure to blend sunless face lotion up into your hair line, ears, neck and chest. If you’re worried about looking “too” tan, mix the self-tanner with your face moisturizer to customize the intensity. Just be sure to use a moisturizer that is not oil-based or it will act like a barrier and stop the self-tanner from getting through.

Note: The face naturally turns over cells more quickly than your body. As such, you will most likely want to reapply self-tanner to your face every few days. Simply exfoliate, cleanse and reapply.

– Back of Hands – To apply self-tanner to the back of your hands, take your gloves off and apply some moisturizer as a barrier to your fingers, thumb, knuckles, and between the fingers. Then use just one finger of the glove to apply a small amount of product to the back of each hand. Be sure to blend lightly up into the arms and down to the knuckles. Give the product a few minutes to dry and then use the barrier cream that’s already on your hands to blend the self-tanner from the back of your hands into your knuckles to you don’t have a line.

8. Mistakes

Don’t panic, mistakes happen. Use cleansing or baby wipes to remove any tan where it doesn’t belong. For an overall faulty tan after the fact, see How To Remove a Faulty Tan, below.

9. Dry

Wait until your self-tanner has completely dried before laying down or getting dressed. Then wear loose fitting clothes so the product doesn’t rub off. If using a tinted tanner, I recommend wearing dark clothing that won’t stain. Also, avoid skin-on-skin touching, sweating, showering, or anything that may smudge or transfer the tanner. Some self-tanners are more forgiving than others so read and follow their instructions. Talc-free powder for body and translucent powder for face help to set the product and keep the self-tanner from transferring to clothing or bedding. For body, I like, Gold Bond Talc-Free Body Powder with soothing aloe and chamomile and for face I use Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Translucent Pressed Powder, which is not only talc-free but paraben-free and contains SPF.

10. Prolong

After all that hard work, prolong your tan by taking warm (not hot) showers, using a gentle cleanser, and pat your skin to dry. Harsh cleansers and rubbing with a towel will make you shed dead skin cells and shorten the life of your faux tan. Moisturizing daily with a hydrating body/face lotion is a must.

11. Maintain

To maintain your healthy glow, reapply self-tanner as needed.

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TIPS

• If you’re new to self-tanning, start with a lighter shade made for fair to medium skin.
• Use a tinted self-tanner with built-in color so you can see any areas you may have missed and to avoid streaks.
• I like to apply my self-tanner at night so it has ample time to develop while I sleep and I can shower in the morning if I have that “self-tanner-smell”. Some do, some don’t.
• Set self-tanner with talc-free powder to speed drying and avoid smudging, see #9 above.
• Remember, most self-tanners do not include sun protection, so be sure to use an SPF if you’ll be outdoors.

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Everything in Moderation

Self-tanners, like everything, are best used in moderation. While DHA is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it is restricted to external use only. So avoid inhaling DHA or getting it in your eyes, nose or mouth. If you plan to self-tan regularly, consider using a non-spray/non-mist product.

How to Remove a Faulty Faux Tan

Mistakes happen. If you end up with streaks, an uneven tan, unflattering shade, or you made yourself too dark, there are a few things you can try to lighten or remove your faulty faux tan:

• St. Tropez Tan Remover Prep and Maintain Mousse ($18 at eCosmetics, $19 at Amazon)
• St. Tropez Tan Build Up Remover Mitt ($6 at eCosmetics)
• Tanologist Tan Eraser + Primer ($13.55 at Ulta)
• Isle of Paradise Over It Magic Self-Tan Eraser ($30 at Amazon)
• Body Scrub – Have none at home and need a quick fix? Make your own with baby oil & sugar.
• Try a solution of lemon juice, baking soda & baby oil.
• Sit in a hot tub, pool or sauna.

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Best, Most Recommended Self-Tanners

Sunless tanners come in many forms: lotions, creams, gels, drops, mousses, mists, sprays, waters, and wipes. Self-tanners should not be confused with bronzers, which provide a faux glow only until they are washed off with soap and water, like makeup.

Lotions tend to last longer than sprays, However, sprays and mists reduce the risk of blotching and streaking. Mousses and gels have a faster drying time. Mousses contain less moisture so they can be better for those with oily skin. Drops give you the most control since you can add more or fewer drops to your moisturizer to create a custom tan. Whichever self-tanner you use, apply with a mitt or gloves.

I read through over a dozen of the top beauty publications to compile a list of the best, most recommended self-tanners for the face, body and those that can be used on both face and body, with subcategories for drops, gradual and immediate tanning results. I also found some highly recommended self-tanning kits. Then I researched where you can buy each of product at the best price.

Best Face Self-Tanners

When applying sunless tanners to your face, remember to blend up into your hairline, ears, down your neck (back of neck too!), and décolletage.

Best Self-Tanners for Both Face & Body

Best Body Self-Tanners

Best Overall Self-Tanners for Body

It was even split across beauty books with editors loving all three of the above self-tanners.

1. L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Water Mousse (Medium) – Editors agree that this sunless tanner is the best bang for your buck. It’s quick-drying and transfer resistant so there no need to worry about it coming off on clothes or bedding. L’Oréal’s lightweight mousse delivers streak-free color while simultaneously softening your skin with vitamin E and real coconut water.
   • Best Price: $16 at CVS
2. St. Tropez Self-Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse or Mist (Both are Vegan-Friendly and Free of: Parabens, Formaldehydes, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Sulfates) – Editors say the light and airy tinted mousse doesn’t have a strong smell, produces streak-free results, and the color that adapts to your skin tone is very natural looking. Thanks to the tinted formula you get an instant bronze glow and it’s easy to see where you’re applying the product, so it’s great for beginners. It must be amazing because it has 4.6 stars from over 15,000 reviews on Amazon! The easy-to-apply 360° tinted aerosol mist is ideal for quick fixes and hard to reach areas, like your back. Editors say it goes on streak-free, isn’t sticky, there’s no “self-tan smell,” and it produces a natural looking tan for all skin tones.
   • Best Price for 8 oz Mousse: $38 at eCosmetics, $42 ($35.70 on sale) at Amazon
   • Best Price for 6.7 oz Mist: $35 at Sephora and Amazon
3. Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water Spray (Vegan & Cruelty-Free) – This self-tanning water comes in three different shades (light, medium and dark) that contain color-correcting “actives” to reduce redness, dullness and uneven texture. Editors say the sprays are super hydrating. I love that you can buy refills so you can reuse the same spray bottle. Isle of Paradise sells a Pro Glow Spray Tan Kit that includes a refillable mist bottle with a self-tanning water spray refill for $30 at Sephora.
   • Best Price for 6.7 oz Spray: $30 at Sephora and $24 for refills

Best Self-Tanning Kits with Mitts

1. Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil (Vegan & Paraben Free) – Name sound familiar? Josie Maran is a former supermodel so she knows a thing or two about beautiful, camera-ready skin. Her self-tanning body oil was on almost every beauty editor’s list. They love how hydrating and nourishing it is thanks to ingredients like coconut water, calming aloe juice and, of course, pure argan oil. They said you can even use it on your face. The included mitt makes it easy to apply and keeps your hands clean. The oil dries quickly and builds to a medium caramel tan over four to eight hours.
   • Best Price: $39 at Josie Maran
2. Tarte Brazilliance PLUS+ Self-Tanner (Vegan & Hypoallergenic, Safe for Sensitive Skin) – Tarte is a brand known for their makeup and skincare products, so it’s no surprise they’ve created an efficient self-tanner. They created a formula that smooths and exfoliates your skin (key for an even tan) with a blend of aloe, citric acid and squalene as the color develops within four hours of application. Thanks to the included smooth mitt, editors said this tanner goes on evenly and won’t streak.
   • Best Price: $36 at the Tarte Store on Amazon, $39 at Ulta
3. Beauty by Earth Self-Tanning Kit (Vegan & Paraben Free) – This kit comes everything you need for a natural-looking faux tan, from face to feet. It includes a self-tanner for face, a self-tanning lotion for body, an exfoliating mitt, a tan applicator mitt, and a small application mitt for face and back of hands. The exfoliating mitt can also be used to help remove bronzing slip-ups. The set is available in 2 shades. If you are fair skinned with no base tan, choose the fair to medium, and if you have olive undertones or a base tan, get the medium to dark tanner. All mitts are packaged in a zippered waterproof pouch for storage and travel.
   • Best Price: $65 for 5-piece set, includes face tanner, body tanner and three mitts, at Amazon. Also available is a 4-piece set with just the body self-tanner and the same three mitts for $41.
4. St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Mini Kit (Vegan) – A great way to try three terrific self-tanning products and the bottles are the perfect size for travel. This kit contains a Bronzing Water Face Mist (0.47 oz), Bronzing Water Mousse for body (1.69 oz) and Velvet Lux Applicator Mitt.
   • Best Price: $25 at Amazon and Ulta

Remember, most self-tanners do not include sun protection so be sure to use an SPF if you’ll be outdoors.

All prices are accurate and items in stock (unless noted otherwise) at time of publication.