5 Fake Tan Tips Everyone Needs To Know

Achieving the perfect fake tan can be a bit tricky.

Try as you might, sometimes there's just no escaping streaky legs, clumped tan on the elbows and strange, orange patchiness.

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However, with some preparation and a little bit of after-care, you can achieve a beautiful, even golden glow that will have people wondering if you’ve just come back from a tropical holiday.

We spoke to Fake Bake tanning specialist Sharon Blockley, who revealed her top tips to achieving the tan of your dreams.

Exfoliate
The secret to a perfect tan begins with exfoliation. About two days before you self-tan, Sharon recommends you exfoliate skin (with Jurlique Body Exfoliating Gel )from the feet up, massaging skin in circular motion as you go. Then rinse yourself with warm water and pat skin dry. To ensure your tan fades naturally, exfoliate after five days.

Perfect your hands and feet
For perfect hands and feet, add some fake tan and moisturiser together and use a make-up brush to glide the product over your knuckles, nails and cuticles.

Shave at the right time
Nobody likes those enlarged pores you get when you apply fake tan straight after shaving. To avoid this 'chicken-skin', make sure you don't shave your legs 24 hours before or after you tan. Shaving after you tan also works as an exfoliator and can make it patchy.

Don't rush
Map out your body in stages. Start from your feet and work your way up being careful not to miss anywhere. If you forgot to tan and are heading out tonight, don’t rush the application. Instead apply an instant tan (like Fake Bake Airbrush Self Tan) that will wash off in the morning. While your tan is developing, don’t take part in activities that make you sweat as this can result in uneven colour.

Moisturise
If you normally tan on a Thursday or Friday, chances are your tan will be fading by Monday. The more moisture in your skin means a tan will last longer so make sure you use a super-hydrating moisturiser every day to extend the life of the tan.