Not that it’s apparent from the current grey sky, but summer is fast approaching! That can only mean one thing – getting fabulous sun kissed skin. We’re all too aware of the damaging effects of the sun and sun beds, which is why self tan brands have been upping their game to help you achieve a flawless tan without risking your health. Self-tanning became a growing phenomenon in the 1990’s and since then formulas have developed to make the end result look more natural.
Fake Bake products are a known celebrity favourite and are available from many high street stores including Boots. Their products boast a combination of DHA, DMI and Erythulose which help the skin colour change more even and leave the skin far smoother. The products will not turn you orange as they only go two shades darker than your natural colour.
The mantra at Fake Bake HQ is “never tan without P.A.M.” which stands for preparation, application and maintenance. Follow these top tips along with suggested Fake Bake products to get that gorgeous summertime glow.
Prepare
Tanning occurs in the top layers of your skin called the epidermis. Therefore it is so imperative to properly prepare your skin before applying any tanning products. Exfoliation is a vital step in the tanning process that is often overlooked. It is important to invest in a gentle but effective exfoliation product but do make sure it is oil-free. Any oil on the skin will leave a barrier and affect the tanning results.
The ‘Passion Fruit Body Polish’ from Fake Bake smells fruity and absolutely divine, is both gentle and oil-free with loofah particles to help remove any dead skin cells without damaging the newly exposed layers. Use this product on damp skin and gently massage with warm water – pay particular attention to dry areas such as hands, feet, elbows and knees. Your skin will be left feeling refreshed and super smooth, creating the perfect foundation for a gorgeous tan.
If possible, waxing or shaving should be completed 24 hours before application; the skin can become irritated if tan is applied shortly after shaving. Additionally, shaving or waxing after tanning will remove some of the layers of skin off which will affect the finished look of the tan.
The next step prior to application is moisturising certain areas in order to dilute the tan and achieve a more even result. Oil-free moisturiser should be your best friend when tanning, as it is used when preparing the skin and maintaining the tan. There are two oil-free moisturisers available from Fake Bake, but my personal favourite is the ‘Mistifier Body Spray’. It smells fresh and light and application couldn’t be easier. The spray nozzle works at all angles which allows you to get to those hard to reach areas. This should be applied to hands, feet, knees, elbows and any other dry areas before tanning. It absorbs quickly into the skin and the product lasts 18 months after opening.
Apply
To avoid those pesky tell-tale orange palms, always use gloves or a mitt when applying any tanning product; these are usually inexpensive and widely available. However, Fake Bake products include either gloves or a mitt which are reusable and a step-by-step guide for application. All Fake Bake tanning products come with a ‘show where it goes’ guide colour to ensure you don’t miss any areas. Always start application at the feet and work upwards to avoid any streaks from bending down.
The ‘Original Self-Tan Lotion’ from Fake Bake is the most well known and popular product in the range. Less is more with this particular product and it should be applied in circular motions using the enclosed reusable gloves. The development time is 6-8 hours, however for best results apply at night and sleep in your tan allowing it to develop. Rinse off the guide colour with warm water. This tan should last 7-10 days with proper maintenance and the product will last 10 months after opening.
A more recent addition to the Fake Bake range is ‘Flawless Self-Tan Liquid’. It is very similar to the Original lotion but is a spray liquid and has a tropical coconut smell. This product comes with a mitt that you simply need to spritz with the product and apply in a downward motion.
Maintain
So now you have a beautiful tan that should last between 5-10 days if you take care and pamper your skin. You can help to prolong the life of your gorgeous tan by using an oil-free moisturiser after bathing. This will help lock in the colour and leave your skin sumptuously soft. Additionally, never rub your tanned skin with a towel as this will disrupt the tan and leave your skin looking patchy.
At around day five of your tan, start using your exfoliation product to gently lift some of the tan off and allow the tan to fade more naturally.
So there you have it ladies, top tips and selected products to help you get that tan you desire.
Remember: always use oil-free exfoliants and moisturisers. Happy tanning!
By Claire Hickmott
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