Fake Tanning 101

The phrase "practice makes perfect" was the key phrase when I started tanning. The first few times were a disaster, but over time I have picked up some tips and tricks along the way that could help you when using fake tan.

 Pick The Right Colour   

If you are pale, pick something marketed for people with pale skin tone. If you have a darker or medium skin tone, pick something aimed at your skin tone. 

If you are just starting to fake tan, don't head straight for the darkest of the dark if you the colour of Casper The Friendly Ghost right now.

You can build up over time, so once you have have gone from pale to a little less pale trying going for a slightly darker colour.  

Olive Undertones

Olive undertones are great because they counteract orange.  If you are scared of looking like a TOWIE extra or like you've been tangoed, try and pick a tan that has an olive undertone rather than an orange undertone. 

The Xen Tan lotions are the best example of this, and while expensive they are raved about left right and centre by bloggers.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare 

You need to exfoliate your skin before you even think about tanning. I would suggest doing it the night before and then moisturizing really well after that. Ensure that you are extra heavy handed on areas like knees and elbow to make the skin smoother and moisturized so the tan goes on evenly.

Be Patient 

If you are using a tan that doesn't wash off, remember that it takes time to develop. Most tans, even if they have a colour guard in them, take 3-4 hours to develop. 

If it's the first time tanning, or using a particular tan for the first time, wait at least 12 hours before slapping on more layers. 

Grab A Mitt and Apply In Circular Motions 

If you are going to be tanning, please invest in a mitt. They are really inexpensive items but make all the difference. They give you a smoother application and help avoid tan hands, which are never attractive. 

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To avoid streak, apply the tan in circular motions that overlap slightly. Don't apply in up and down motions, because it's pretty much a way to guarantee streaks.

I hope these tips help, even if it's just a little! Keep and eye out soon for me next tanning post, all about how to avoid common mistakes like orange hands, yellow legs or the "nothing's different" look!

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