The Tan Commandments: How To Achieve The Perfect Tan

Whether you're a self-tan novice or a seasoned glow-getter, achieving an even, streak-free tan comes down to good preparation, the right product, and a little know-how.  

Follow our Tan Commandments to discover how to get a tan without sun, apply fake tan evenly, and keep your glow looking flawless for longer. 

Commandment 1: Prep Your Skin Properly 

If you're wondering how to get smooth skin before self-tan, preparation is everything. 

Dry patches and lingering dead skin can cause colour to develop unevenly, so start by exfoliating 24 hours before tanning. This helps create the perfect canvas for a seamless application. 

For best results: 

• Exfoliate the day before tanning 
• Focus on elbows, knees, ankles, and hands 
• Complete any shaving or hair removal 24 hours beforehand 
• Avoid heavy oils immediately before tanning 

Face Smooth Nourishing Polish is ideal for preparing facial skin, while Body Smooth Refreshing Polish helps buff away dullness from head to toe.

Commandment 2: Moisturise Wisely

One of the most common tanning questions is: should you moisturise before fake tan? 

The answer is yes – but only where you need it most. 

Lightly moisturising dry areas before application can help prevent excess colour from developing on elbows, knees, heels, and hands. Body Love Firming Buttercream is perfect for helping smooth these areas and encouraging a more even-looking result.

Commandment 3: Always Use A Tanning Mitt

If you're looking for the best way to apply fake tan, don't skip the mitt. 

Applying tanning products with a Tanning Mitt helps distribute colour evenly while preventing stained palms. Dispense the product onto the mitt first, then blend into skin using circular motions for the most seamless finish.

Commandment 4:  From The Feet Up

Applying tan from your feet upwards helps avoid accidental transfer onto freshly tanned areas and gives you greater control over your application. 

Take extra care around ankles, knees, elbows, and wrists, blending thoroughly for a natural-looking finish. A Full Coverage Kabuki Brush helps effortlessly buff and blend product into these areas for a beautifully seamless glow.

Commandment 5: Use A Dedicated Facial Tanner 

Your face deserves a tailored approach. 

For effortless facial tanning, Sun Spritz Facial Tanning Mist delivers buildable colour in an ultra-fine mist that fits seamlessly into your skincare routine. 

Prefer a more personalised deeper glow? Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum can be mixed into Skin Feast Nourishing Moisturiser, allowing you to customise your colour drop by drop. 

Not sure which facial tanner is right for you? Explore our facial tanning guide.

Commandment 6: Choose The Right Tan For Your Glow Goals 

The best self-tan is the one that suits your routine and desired finish. 

For a gradual glow 

Sun Spritz Facial Tanning Mist: Creates a soft, natural-looking bronze with a healthy-looking glow.

Summer Skin Gradual Tanning Serum: Builds a believable bronze over time and helps maintain smooth, hydrated skin.

For deeper colour 

Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum: Delivers a richer, streak-free tan that can be customised to your preferred depth of colour. 

Sun Drench Overnight Tanning Mousse: Develops into a deep, long-lasting colour overnight that stays radiant for up to a week.

For instant radiance 

Instant Glow Perfecting Leg Serum: Delivers immediate warmth and luminosity that washes away with your next shower. 

Looking for a deeper dive into our tanning collection? Explore our guide to finding the right tanning product for your desired glow.

Commandment 7: Know When Your Tan Has Developed 

How long does tan take to develop?  

Most self-tan products begin developing within a few hours, with full colour appearing overnight. 

If you're using Sun Drench Overnight Tanning Mousse, the guide colour provides instant colour during application to help ensure even coverage. This guide colour washes away when you shower the following morning, revealing your developed tan underneath.

Commandment 8: Maintain Your Glow

Want to know how to make fake tan last longer? 

Here are our top self-tanning tips for maintaining your glow: 

• Moisturise daily 
• Avoid harsh exfoliants 
• Pat skin dry after showering   

Whipped Body Velvet and Skin Feast Nourishing Moisturiser are ideal for maintaining hydrated skin and prolonging your tan. 

Commandment 9: Elevate Your Tan

A great tan creates the perfect base for enhancing your natural features. 

For added definition, sweep Jet Set Bronzer along the cheekbones, temples, and jawline to create soft, sun-kissed contour. The buildable powder formula adds warmth and dimension while complementing your glow. 

Looking to dial up the radiance? Sun Glaze Illuminating Bronzing Drops can be applied to the high points of the face, including the cheekbones and bridge of the nose, for a luminous finish. You can also blend a few drops across the décolletage, shoulders, and collarbones to enhance your tan and create a healthy-looking glow. 

Whether you prefer subtle warmth or all-over radiance, these glow-enhancing staples help take your tan to the next level.

Commandment 10: Maintain Your Glow

As your tan begins to fade, gentle exfoliation can help remove lingering colour and create an even base for your next application. Use our Exfoliating Mitt or Body Smooth Refreshing Polish to buff away old tan and encourage a more even fade.

To keep your glow looking its best, reapply gradual tanning products regularly to maintain your desired depth of colour, or refresh deeper tans every few days as needed.

Whether you're planning ahead or need a last-minute glow, there's a tanning solution to suit every occasion.

For tomorrow: Sun Drench Overnight Tanning Mousse

For gradual colour throughout the week: Summer Skin Gradual Tanning Serum

For instant radiance: Instant Glow Perfecting Leg Serum

If you're tanning for a special occasion, apply your tan one to two days beforehand to give the colour time to fully develop and settle for the most natural-looking result.

Whatever your tanning style, the secret to a beautiful glow is healthy, hydrated skin and choosing the right product for your routine.

FAQS

How do I prepare my skin before tanning? 

For the most even-looking results, exfoliate 24 hours before tanning and lightly moisturise any dry areas, such as elbows, knees, ankles, and hands. 

Should I moisturise before fake tan? 

Yes. Applying a light layer of moisturiser to dry areas can help prevent tan from developing unevenly and create a more seamless finish. 

Which facial tanner is right for me? 

Sun Spritz Facial Tanning Mist is ideal for lightweight, buildable colour, while Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum offers a more tailored approach, allowing you to customise your glow drop by drop. 

How do I avoid streaky fake tan? 

Exfoliating beforehand, using a Tanning Mitt, and applying product in circular motions can help ensure a more even-looking finish. 

How long does self-tan take to develop? 

Most self-tan formulas begin developing within a few hours, with full colour appearing overnight. Gradual tanning products build colour more subtly over repeated applications. 

How long does Sun Drench Overnight Tanning Mousse last? 

Sun Drench Overnight Tanning Mousse can last for up to a week, depending on your skin type, skincare routine, and how well skin is hydrated and moisturised. 

What is a guide colour? 

Sun Drench Overnight Tanning Mousse contains a guide colour that provides instant colour during application, helping you see exactly where you've applied the product for a more even finish. The guide colour washes away when you shower the following morning, revealing your developed tan underneath. 

Can I use Sun Drops on my body? 

While it can be used on the body, we've carefully developed a range of body self-tans infused with tanning technology and nourishing ingredients to help you achieve your desired results.  

Does Instant Glow wash off? 

Yes. Instant Glow Perfecting Leg Serum is a wash-off formula that provides immediate radiance and lasts until your next shower. 

How can I make my tan last longer? 

By avoiding harsh exfoliants and moisturising daily can help maintain an even-looking glow for longer.