Save our skin: Top fake tanning tips
Beauty expert, Louise O'Connell, shares her tips for getting a streak-free tan:
1. Scrub
Self-tanning lotion will sink into all the bumps and cracks of rough, uneven skin. To get really smooth skin exfoliate first with a body scrub. You don't need to spend a lot of money, just something basic that doesn't contain oil because the oil can stay on the skin and make the fake tan streaky.
2. Moisturise
Dry patches of skin will absorb more fake tan than other parts of the body and the dry patches will be more obvious. After you've exfoliated use a plain, light moisturiser. One that is too heavy could leave you with a streaky tan.
3. Get your timing right
You might think the best time to apply fake tan is straight after a shower or just after you've shaved. But these are all the worst times! Your skin needs to be completely clean, dry and non-greasy before you apply the fake tan. If you apply it straight after you've removed hair the lotion will sink into your pores and you'll be left with a tan that shows up all your pores - not a good look!
4. Mix and match your products
You don't need to use one type of product all over your body. You might find that a mousse or cream is easier to use on your arms and legs and a spray is easier to use on your back and back of the legs. Check that you are using more or less the same shade though.
5. If it still goes wrong
Don't panic! You might not be able to completely get rid of the streaks but you can do a lot to disguise and fade them.
- Scrub with a dry towel - especially the areas where the lotion tends to collect and be more obvious: in between fingers and toes, knees, elbows, ankles, hairline.
- Make your own self-tan corrector by mixing fresh lemon juice, baby oil and sugar or salt into a paste. Never use nail polish remover or bleach - this can harm your skin.
- Have a bronzer on hand (this is a tan that washes off) so that you can blend and cover the streaks for a more even colour all over.
Not sure which fake tan to use? We've tested 15 of the most popular - decide which one is best for you
The facts on fake tan
Here are a few things you should know if you're going to use fake tan:
- Fake tan doesn't protect you from sunburn. Even if you use one that has an SPF, it will only last a few hours - not as long as your tan. You should still protect yourself by spending time in the shade, covering up with clothes and wearing a sunscreen of at least SPF 15.
- There are different types of fake tan. Some lie on your skin and can be easily washed off. Others contain a chemical called DHA, which reacts with your skin to change the colour. Although we don't know the long term effects of DHA, experts do know that it's safer then using sunbeds or getting burnt.
Read on for summer beauty tips from make-up artist Jemma Kidd
By Katie McPhilimy
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Elaine Morris, 8 months
You didn't review The Bodyshop fake tan lotion. It is brilliant! I'm fair skinned and ALWAYS went orange no matter which fake tan I used but this one is so natural I was amazed. My skins looks lovely and sunkissed.
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