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Best prep for fake tan: Products to get you ready for a perfect glow
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When it comes to faking a two week break in the Maldives, preparation is key.
This is something that I can whole heartedly attest to as, while I am writing these very words, I am staring at my patchy hands with telltale signs that my tan is of the bottle variety.
You can probably picture it. There’s that off-brown hue deposited between my fingers, streaks up my arm and far too much colour that’s gathered at my wrist, which is all to say that I did not do a very successful job in my attempt to transform my sun-parched pale winter skin into a healthy fresh-from-the-beach glow.
So in an attempt to finesse the tanning process, I’ve consulted an expert: Jules von Hep is the founder at Isle of Paradise. What he doesn’t know about tanning is frankly not worth knowing.
Before applying your first spritz, swipe or drop of fake tan, von Hep advises to “Shave or wax at least 24 hours prior to application and ensure skin is exfoliated with a dry brush, scrub or acid. Exfoliating means the skin will have an even surface, so the final result will be even and, more importantly, it will fade evenly like a natural tan would.”
You want a blank canvas so he adds to “remove any make up and deodorant prior to application but don’t use a cleansing oil to remove make up as this will act as a barrier to the tan’s penetration. For best results apply your tan an hour after showering so skin is hydrated.”
The latter point is key for not only an even tan but one that is long lasting. One big tip? Focus on the joints. “Dry areas such as hands, cuticles, elbows, knees, feet, heels and any areas with psoriasis or eczema will absorb self-tan more than the other areas”, the tanning expert explains. “Therefore adding an aloe vera based moisturiser will act as a blending agent – helping the tan not to go too dark in these areas and blend the colour in with the rest of your application. If you suffer with dry skin on your face, apply a hyaluronic serum before you tan, it will help the tan look more natural after it’s developed.”
Much in the same way as you would prep and prime before makeup application, there are also primers for tanning and the benefits of these will become immediately apparent during your next faux glow session. Von Hep stresses this saying that you should “spray this liberally and allow to absorb into your skin while you apply moisturiser to your hands, elbows, knees and feet (including the heels) – if you are fair haired, apply some to your hairline and eyebrows. Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream is great for dry areas.”
So for a realistic tan, make the following products part of your fake-it-til-you-make-it routine.
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub
Jules von Hep referrenced the legendary Bum Bum Cream in his top tips but before you even get to the moisturising stage, incorporate this product into your pre-tan ritual. With the same heavenly addictive aroma as the cult cream, the scrub uses Amazonian guarana seeds to buff away the dead skin and leave your skin soft and supple, ready for tan application. Plus, the summer scent will transport your sensorially to the beach, taking you one step closer to recreating that holiday feeling.
Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub
Out with the old tan or anything that will result in streaks once the new layer follows with the Original Coffee Scrub from Frank Body. This was one of the label’s original launches and remains a bestseller to this day. It is made up of sea salt and robusta coffee beans that act as a natural and gentle exfoliator, while providing a sensorial experience.
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion
When it comes to full body hydration, Aveeno proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to be coated in pampering product. The formula is powered by collodial oatmeal which is found across the brand’s collection and has a soothing and ultra-hydrating effect - just what the beauty doctors ordered for your pre-tan staple.
Isle of Paradise Prep it Self-Tan Priming Spray
The base layer you need to fortify your false tan for the long haul, enter Isle of Paradise’s Priming Spray. The mist is enriched with vitamins that have a pH-balancing effect and provide a radiance boost through light-reflecting particles. Go liberal with the spray and you’ll never look back.
When it comes time to remove the tan, look to the label’s Over It Self-Tan Eraser.
St. Tropez Prep & Maintain Tan Enhancing Moisturiser
This moisturiser works double duty. While you won’t know how you lived without it for your at-home self-tanning, it will also come in handy for slipping into your suitcase when you’re finally heading on that far flung beach break to optimise your tanning practices under the real sun rays. The product is packed with hydrating ingredients to nourish the skin before and after.
The brand also offers a Tan Remover Mousse as well as exfoliating polish that can be used in tandem for a realistic hue.
JAMES READ Tanning Mitt
When it comes to your mitt, it’s not always the case of going for the cheapest. You may just find that if you opt for the penny-saving options, you’ll be replacing it all the time. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. First we need to stress the importance of using a mitt because streaky fingers are never ideal and are the ultimate giveaway that you didn’t just step off a long haul flight.
I’ve been using this same tanning mitt for years. It has a lovely skin feel and you can rinse it when you’re done for reuse over and over again.