HOW TO FAKE TAN: BEGINNER’S TOP TIPS

Self tanning needn’t be stressful. In fact, the at-home solution is quick safe and a efficient way to achieve a golden glow – home or away.   

So, whether you’re looking to keep your holiday glow going or want to achieve sun-kissed skin without travelling overseas, here at Cult Beauty we caught up with TAN-LUXE founder, Marc Elrick, to uncover the best tips and tricks on how to fake tan – streak free!  

HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT SELF TANNER FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE 

The first step when learning how to fake tan? Picking the right tanner for your skin. Contrary to popular belief , “you should choose your self tanner based on your existing skin tone, not your desired result. That’s why we formulate more traditional tanning products like face and body drops, mousses and waters in two different undertones (AKA light/medium and then medium/dark). This allows the products to adapt to the different undertones, giving the most natural result possible no matter what your skin tone” says Marc.  

HOW TO APPLY SELF TANNER ON YOUR BODY  

Now you’ve selected the right self tanner for your skin type, it’s time to discover how to fake tan and achieve a sun-kissed skin in seconds (sans UV rays). Simply follow Marc’s three streak-free steps for that just-stepped-of-the-plane sign off… 

STEP ONE: EXFOLIATE  

“Prep is important! I recommend using a tanning exfoliant before you tan. Formulas such as TAN-LUXE's Glyco Water contains an effective level of glycolic acid and mists directly onto the skin, making it very easy! It’s hydrating, smoothing and softening all in one.” 

Kopari Beauty Body Bumps Be Gone 250ml

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33

33.90€

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Drunk Elephant Sugared Koffie Almond Milk Scrub

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19

38.00€

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Tan-Luxe Glyco Water Self-Tan Eraser Exfoliating Tan Remover and Primer 200ml

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1

27.10€

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Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish 490g

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72.00€

490g

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Paula's Choice 2% BHA Body Spot Exfoliant (210ml)

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56

38.00€

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frank body Original Coffee Scrub 100g

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38

7.85€

100g

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STEP TWO: MOISTURISE  

“Then moisturise any dry areas (think hands, elbows, knees and feet) as drier areas are a magnet for tan and not moisturising them can lead to an uneven finish.” 

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait Urea 5+ Lotion 400ml

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30.50€

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Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream 200ml

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26

26.56€

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Herlum Hand and Body Lotion Sandalwood and Grapefruit 500ml

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7

39.10€

500ml

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Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Body Crème 50ml

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29.38€

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Weleda Skin Food Body Lotion 200ml

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3

16.80€

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STEP THREE: APPLY YOUR TAN 

“It’s best when tanning to start from the bottom of your body and work your way up to the top. Depending on the formula you use – whether it’s tanning drops, a mousse, a water, a serum or a lotion – you’ll want to apply it in sweeping motions and blend out with your mitt as you go along. I recommend to applying two to six pumps per body part” 

Tan-Luxe The Butter Illuminating Gradual Tan Butter 200ml

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28.20€

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Tan-Luxe Express Mousse 200ml

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4

RRP: 41.81€Current price: 33.45€

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Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops 50ml - Medium/Dark

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49.70€

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Tan-Luxe x Paris Hilton The Future Airbrush 360 Self-Tan Mist 150ml

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5

RRP: 44.07€Current price: 35.26€

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Tan-Luxe Super Glow Body Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum 150ml

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40.60€

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Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion 250ml

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60

28.20€

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HOW TO APPLY FACE TANNERS  

Now we know how to fake tan the body, how about your face? When tanning your face, it’s essential to opt for a face tanner – rather than your body tan. Why? Because face tanners are designed to boost skin care benefits along with your desired colour. “It’s best to synch up and match the colour you used on your body. The ethos behind all Tan-Luxe products is that they start life out as skin care products; so, all that hyaluronic, superfood goodness acts as the base of our formulas. We then work backwards to incorporate tanning actives once we know the benefits we want the product to deliver to the user. A case in point? The Super Glow collection is all about rejuvenating, hydrating, plumping and delivering glow.” 

For gradual face tanners, “use the dropper to measure around 4-12 drops and massage it to both your face and décolleté in circular motions. We recommend using this morning or night on clean, cleansed skin in place of your hyaluronic serum. Drier skin types should follow up with their daily moisturiser once the product is absorbed. And always remember to wash your hands thoroughly after applying any self tanner.” 

Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum 30ml

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36

40.60€

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Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops - Light 30ml

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17

27.95€

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Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops 30ml (Various Shades)

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13

RRP: 24.86€Current price: 19.89€

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St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist 80ml

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18

24.80€

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Tan-Luxe THE FACE Medium/Dark 10ml

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24

16.90€

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8 EXPERT TIPS ON HOW TO FAKE TAN 

1. The best time to apply your self tanner is typically in the evening. This allows the product to develop overnight without interference.  
2. Skin dryness can play a factor when it comes to streaking, so always look for ingredients you know and love from the skin care you already use. 
3. More is more! Ensure you’re using enough product by saturating the skin fully as this guarantees an even finish – eliminating the risk of having to reapply.  
4. Change your application motions depending on your formula. Use long sweeping motions when using a mousse, but for more skin care-based formula like a tanning serum or mist apply it like you would your regular body moisturisers or serums. Don’t overthink it!  
5. Allow yourself enough time to tan, as it’s essential to leave the formula on for the recommended time before showering to achieve the desired depth of colour – don’t get too hasty. 
6. To extend the life of your tan moisturise regularly – we’re talking every morning or evening.  
7. Because we wash and apply various skin care products on our face more regularly the tan can often fade more quickly than on your body. As a result, you may need to reapply here more frequently.  
8. Always remember to wash your hands after use! 

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR TAN  

Now you’ve achieved the golden goal and are a pro on how to fake tan, it’s time to make sure that the glow lasts as long as the real thing. “Your tan should last up to one week, and fade like a natural sun tan. The ultimate trick to making your tan last longer is to moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Using an aloe vera-based solution daily to keep your tan hydrated ensures an even fade. Then as the tan fades, top up with a gradual product if you're worried about losing colour.” 

Yes, it really is that simple…