These 8 Self-Tanner Hacks Will Keep You Glowing All Summer Long

Our Ultimate Self-Tanning Tips & Tricks

1. Exfoliate Before Applying

To avoid rough patches or uneven color, you’ll want to exfoliate before applying your tan, especially if you’re dealing with old self-tanner from previous sessions. Beauty influencer Aurora Lovestrand recommends prepping your skin the night before your tan by using a body scrub or a dry brush, which will give you a great base to start with. We like using this top-rated A-Beauty Body Scrub from FRANK BODY, which tackles hyperpigmentation and cellulite with exfoliating coffee grinds and nourishing macadamia oil.

Remember, a self-tan settles based on the pH balance of your skin. Exfoliating and washing your skin at least eight hours beforeHAND will allow your pH to neutralize for a smooth tan development. 

2. Make Sure Skin is Completely Dry

Showering before your tanning routine makes sure your skin is clean and free of any oils that could interfere with how your tan applies and develops. That said, you don’t want to rush into tanning straight away. We recommend waiting at least 10 minutes after your shower—that way, your skin will be dry and ready to absorb your tan. 

3. Apply Moisturizer Carefully

Still, there are certain areas that may benefit from a little moisturizer. For an even glow, consider adding a bit of hydration to your elbows, ankles, and knees. “These areas tend to be some of the driest, so you want to protect them with a bit of moisture,” says content creator Ava Conti. While a good self-tan will hydrate your skin, you’ll want to incorporate a non-oil-based lotion into your routine, taking care to apply some to your knees, your feet (especially the back of your heels), your elbows, and your hands. If you have any super-dry skin or eczema, moisturize those areas as well to prevent the tan from developing too dark on those patches. Good skincare = a good tan.

4. Skip the Tanning Mitt and Use Gloves Instead

Using a tanning mitt prevents streaky application and orange hands, but it may not be the best option to apply your fake tan. TikTok self-tanning experts Jacqui and Victoria Hondrou recommend using gloves instead, since a tanning mitt can soak up product and leave you with a less concentrated tan. Gloves, on the other hand, will ultimately use less product and make sure your self-tanner goes the distance. 

5. Apply Your Self-Tanner in Sections (and Don’t Skip the Small Spots)

If you want a believable-looking tan and an even application, apply your self-tanner in sections, making sure to massage the formula onto your skin in a uniform circular motion. You may think skipping over someplace small won’t make a major difference, but it can be a dead giveaway that your tan came from a bottle.

For smaller areas like your hands, face, and ears, you can use a makeup brush—like this large powder brush from REALHER—to work the product into your skin a little at a time. Just make sure to wash your brushes and gloves after you use them to avoid product and bacteria buildup. 

6. Save Your Armpits, Hands, and Feet for Last

Self-tan beginners, take note: Saving your armpits, hands, and feet for last will make sure you get an even and natural-looking tan. These areas have creases that can absorb too much product (or none at all), so be careful in your application. To ensure you’re not applying too much, you can even use whatever product is leftover from your gloves or mitt.

When tanning your hands, make a claw shape to avoid pasty knuckles when you move your hands, then blend, blend, blend using a large makeup brush or kabuki brush. Don’t forget any crevices like in between your fingers or toes, and protect your nails from looking splotchy by dabbing them with petroleum jelly beforehand.

7. Correct Your Mistakes

If you’ve accidentally applied too much product in one area, don’t worry—streaks can happen even if you’re diligent with your application. Your best bet is to exfoliate the excess product off, which you can do by gently rubbing the area with a scrub or an exfoliating pad. (If you’re feeling adventurous, Jacqui and Victoria Hondrou have even experimented with using a combination of salt and toothpaste to remove their tan). Whatever method you choose, don’t overdo it, or you could end up with a dark spot that’s also irritated. 

In a pinch, bronzer can be your best friend. Just swipe some on your lighter zones and blend well with a makeup brush to disguise dark spots and streaks. 

8. Use Baby Powder to Set Your Tan

Just like using a fine-milled powder to set your makeup, using a baby powder can set your tan. After applying your fake tan, dust some baby powder onto areas that are prone to creasing and sweating, like your armpits and elbows. The baby powder will keep your skin dry and lock your tan in place.