Top Ways to Fake a Tan

how to fake a tan, top ways to fake tan, the best self tan products

 

We’ve all winced at someone who’s the wrong side of orange.  So how do we stay the right side and get that totally convincing glow?  It’s easy when you know how!

It’s All in the Preparation

Before self-tanning it’s vital to prepare your skin by exfoliating.   Tesco’s Finest Ginger Parfait Sugar Scrub is a delicious steal at just £4.49.  For best results, make sure your limbs are hair-free before beginning to tan.  Shave, use a depilatory cream or wax at least 24 hours before to allow skin to settle.

The day before you start applying, make sure your skin is well moisturised.  Rub a light lotion well in to dry areas such as knees and elbows.  Steer clear of body butters though as some contain heavy oils that can strip out your colour.

Top Tip:  Once you’ve applied tanner, wear loose clothes (to avoid tanner being absorbed) and dark underwear.

How to Tan

There are 4 main approaches to tanning:

1.    Wash off, instant tan.
2.    Gradual self-tanner
3.    Traditional Self Tan  
4.    Spray Tan Booths

Preparation is the same whichever method you choose!

Wash Off, Instant Tan

For convincing, instant one-day colour you can’t beat Loreal’s Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gel.  Great value at £11.99 for 150 ml.   It acts like a translucent veil of colour on your skin for a sheer bronzed effect.  It enhances the natural colour of the skin and is therefore suitable for all skin tones. Can be used on the face and the body.

Gradual Tanners

Gradual tanners are basically moisturisers which contain a little bit of self-tan.  They’re a great way to fake it because you build the tan gradually and there’s much less danger of putting too much in one place or ending up looking like streaky bacon!   They’re inexpensive and because they do two jobs at once, they’re exceptional value for money.  We reckon the original is still the best – Johnson’s Holiday Skin comes in a light or dark version and costs just £5.50.

Traditional Self-Tan 

Traditional tanners go on all at once and produce colour within approximately two to three hours.  Your ‘tan’ lasts 3-5 days before needing topped up and fades only gradually.  The obvious downside is that if you apply it badly, the results are all too-visible and don’t wash off.  


Use a tanning mitt to help you get a good even colour.  It’ll protect you from orange palms too!  Apply tanner in long movements, quickly but lightly.  It’s better to apply several thin coats than one thick one.    To apply some tanner to the backs of your hands (without getting it on your palms) press them to your body where lotion has already been applied.


If by any chance do end up over-orange, go for a quick swim in a chlorinated pool to take the edge of the colour!

For the best traditional and long-wearing self-tan you simply can’t beat Xen-Tan products .  Much loved by professionals and celebrities, they offer easy application, a very natural olive colour and a great scent.   Definitely some of the best self-tan products on the market.    Deep Bronze Lux costs £25.95 for 236 ml.  


Top Tip:  Try out a new self-tan lotion somewhere non-visible  e.g. your tummy.  If it doesn’t work out, you can always cover up your mistakes!

Spray Tan Booths


Though a bit pricey for constant use, spray tan booths are an ideal way to gain colour for a special occasion or holiday. 

The body is sprayed all over evenly and simultaneously with self-tanner then allowed to dry

A  booth’ tan can be a great way to kick off some summer colour.  You can then keep it going with either a gradual tanner or an occasional top up with traditional self-tan.




Spray Tan Booths in Edinburgh:

Norton House Hotel and Spa
Zen Lifestyle