Get the perfect fake tan with these tips
Whether you just want to perfect your winter glow or create the ultimate fool proof fake tan ready for the festive season, follow Ann-Mari Shea’s tips at cult tanning brand Famous Dave.
Her golden rules of tanning will help you achieve natural looking honey hued legs without the scary ‘sock’ finish!
Exfoliation is key if you want to prep like a pro. This ensures you are removing dead flaky skin and helps your tan develop and fade evenly. Famous Dave’s Body Buffer (£13.99, Boots) is made with natural ingredients including ground walnut husks to help you expertly buff your way to into that LBD.
Don’t get caught out by the dry patches. Areas of dead skin will absorb more self-tanner which can lead to darker patches. Once you have showered and dried off, dab scaly skin (e.g. elbows, knees etc) with some moisturiser as this should stop product build up.
For extra wow factor, once your tan is dry, use a shimmer powder along shins to elongate your party pins. This instantly gives a flattering finish. You can also dust this along the collarbone and anywhere you want to highlight.
When fake tanning the face, rinse it with ice cold water or even rub an ice cube over it first, and dry carefully. This will stop your pores from blocking and help banish the ‘brown spot’ look.
Always leave hands until last and don’t apply the self-tanner directly to the hands. Use the excess product from your arms and work your way down to give a natural fade down. Same goes for feet – work the product down the leg onto the feet and rub a smidge of moisturiser in between toes so you don’t get darker patches, and use your tanning mitt to work the product around the ankles and feet to ensure an even finish.
Less is more sometimes, especially during the winter months. Use a gradual tan as they are a blend of self tan and moisturiser and are the easiest way to achieve a natural looking, streak free glow if you don’t have any existing base colour. Try Famous Dave’s Gradual 10 (£17.99, Superdrug) which is bursting with natural active ingredients, antioxidants and organic oils that work with the self tan to give fail-safe results.
To shave or not to shave? I’d recommend shaving your legs the day before you tan. This way, your skin won’t be overly sensitive and also, you aren’t undoing all your tanning hard work! Also, post-shaving, hair follicles may still be open and self-tanner can sit in them creating tiny dark spots. If waxing, make sure you de-fuzz 48 hours before applying fake tan.
Avoid tanning mistakes with just a few tricks of the trade. Coat nails with Vaseline as this wraps a protective barrier around them so they don’t get discoloured. I also smear this on my hairline and brows to avoid tell-tale tanning slip ups!
Half a lemon is also a very handy tool to help fix any tanning mishaps. Rub fruit-side down onto palms of hands, nails etc and it will help remove stains.
Tight on time but need to tan up before the office Christmas do? Apply Famous Dave’s Self Tan Wipes (£9.99, www.famousdave.co.uk) in your lunch hour and you’ll be ready to party before you know it. The no fuss, no mess wipes contain moisturisers, tan enhancers and skin smoothers to give you a natural looking tan in just 3-4 hours, so ditch the deniers ladies!
Tagged in Beauty Tips fake tan