Top Fake Tanning Tips

In preparation for the summer months, we have launched a few new fake tan products on Face the Future, including Madame LA LA and Tancream. Self tan is the perfect way to achieve that bronze goddess look without causing harm and premature ageing to your skin. That's fine for some but for a lot of us, tanning brings back teenage memories of streaky legs and an orange face. If your younger self vowed never to hit the bottle again, here are our tips to ensure you can have a gorgeous tan the safe way.

Plan Ahead

It's always best to plan ahead so you can prep yourself before you wreck your self tan. Any hair removal, be it waxing, shaving or epilating, should be done 24 hours before. Not only does this give the skin time to heal, but if you're a waxer it will fade your tan straight away.Give your body a good moisturise the day prior to tanning so you don't have to use it just before. You should also avoid deodorant and perfume to day of tanning as well.

Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate

If you only do one thing, make it this. The main issue many of us have with tan is the patchy effect it can have, especially around the elbows, knees and feet. It's important to remove any dead skin cells that the colour may cling to so you can ensure an even finish.We love the Jan Marini Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub as it comes glycolic acid and polished granules for a tough yet safe approach to exfoliation. Skin will feel silky smooth and perfectly prepped for tan application.

Give Yourself A Cold Shower

So you've just done your pre-tan exfoliation in the shower. Unfortunately, now is the time to give yourself a shock. To shrink the pores and reduce the chance of them becoming clogged, turn down that heat and give yourself a blast of cold water.

It's Time to Apply

When it comes to applying tan, always use a mitt. You may able to get away with hands using a gradual tan moisturiser, but application is pretty much fool-proof with a mitt.A top tip for applying tan to the face is to mix it with a little moisturiser to soften the colour and prevent an orange face.

Written for you by: Ellie, Face the Future