Summer is almost here and you're ready to get your tan on without having to spend hours and hours in the sun. Self-tanner to the rescue! However, it can be tricky to apply self-tanner so that you get an even tan all over. In this article, we will give some tips on how to apply self-tanner evenly and achieve the best results.

How To Avoid Patchy Skin With Your Sunless Tan

The biggest challenge is often getting even coverage. If self-tanner is not applied evenly, it can result in patchy skin, streaks, or uneven color. The key to achieving a natural-looking self-tan is to take your time and make sure that the self-tanner is applied evenly over the entire body. It may also help to use a self-tanning mitt or gloves to ensure that the self-tanner is distributed evenly. With a little practice, you should be able to achieve a beautiful, natural-looking tan with a self-tanner.

How To Prepare Your Skin Before Applying Self-Tanner

Cleanse your skin thoroughly. Use a mild cleanser and warm water to remove any oils, makeup, or dirt from your skin. This will help the self-tanner to absorb evenly into your skin.

Exfoliate your skin. You want your self-tanner to go on as evenly as possible, so it's important to exfoliate your skin about 24 hours beforehand. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and smooth out rough patches. This creates a more even surface for the self-tanner.

There are a few different ways to exfoliate your skin but we recommend using our In The Buff Exfoliating Mitt. It's a great way to buff away dead skin cells and clogged pores for the ultimate pre-tan prep. It's two-sided, so you can use it with your left or right hand! Just be sure to focus on areas that tend to be dry or flaky, such as the elbows and knees.

Shave. A common mistake people make when applying self-tanner is skipping the shave. Shaving before you apply self-tanner may seem counterintuitive, but it's actually an essential step in the process. Just like exfoliating, when you shave, you remove dead skin cells and give the self-tanner a smooth surface to cling to. Otherwise, the self-tanner will cling to the hair on your legs and create an uneven, patchy finish. Just be sure to shave at least 24 hours beforehand. Otherwise, the self-tanner may creep into the pores causing dark spots.

Apply moisturizer. This helps to create a smooth, even surface for the self-tanner to bond to. Dry patches of skin will absorb more self-tanner, resulting in an uneven application. Moisturizing will also help to reduce the risk of your self-tanner streaky or patchy. Pay special attention to feet, hands, knees, and elbows for an overall smooth look and feel.

Use An Application Mitt For Even Coverage

Getting even coverage doesn't have to be challenging. You just need the right tools because the application is key here. Using an application mitt helps to ensure even coverage, which will result in a more natural-looking tan. The mitt also prevents your hands from getting stained, and it makes it easier to apply self-tanner to hard-to-reach areas. Overall, using an application mitt is the best way to achieve a smooth, even self-tan.

We have two awesome tools that will help you get the job done:

• Ultimate Tanning Application Mitt. Getting a salon-quality tan at home is easier than you think when you have a Fake Bake Tanning Mitt! This mitt was designed to work with any of our self-tanners. Slide your mitt on and apply the product for perfect distribution in all the toughest spots.
• Body Mate 360°. What about your back? Fake Bake has solved that problem with our self-tan back applicator, which allows you to spread self-tanner evenly along your back and other hard-to-reach areas for a smooth, seamless glow and perfect distribution.

Buff Away Excess Self-Tanner

No matter how careful you are, excess tanner is likely to get in dry areas like your hands, elbows, knees, and feet. As a result, many people end up with some patchiness in these areas. Fortunately, there is an easy way to fix this problem. Simply buff away the excess self-tanner with a dry towel. The towel will absorb any excess self-tanner, leaving you with a smooth, even finish. Just be sure to use a gentle circular motion so as not to damage your skin.

Fill In Any Potential Trouble Spots

No matter how diligent you are during the application process, there's likely to be an area or two you just can't seem to get. This is where you may need to call on a friend for some help. Thankfully we have a product that makes it super easy to fill in any gaps or darken lighter areas.

• Airbrush Instant Self-Tan. The fast-drying formula will develop in 6-8 hours and the refined 360 degree nozzle gives a continuous spray that works at any angle, so it makes it easy to fill in any spots you missed or darken lighter areas.

Wait For Your Tan To Develop

The spray tan will take about eight hours to fully set. During this time try to wear clothes that are loose and comfortable and try to stay dry.

Sweat and humidity can disrupt the spray tan process, preventing it from setting properly. Additionally, excess sweat and moisture can accelerate the fading of a spray tan, leaving you with uneven color or patchy spots.

To help your spray tan stay even and last as long as possible, it is important to avoid sweating or being in humid conditions for at least 6-8 hours after getting spray tanned. This will help ensure that your tan stays put and looks great for as long as possible.

Applying self tanner can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right tips and tools, you can achieve an even, natural-looking tan. We've provided some helpful advice on how to apply self tanner evenly and avoid any streaks or patchiness. Be sure to read through our tips carefully, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. With a little bit of practice, you'll be a self-tanning pro in no time!