Get a Fake Tan That Looks Real
You think self-tanner will make you look orange, so you go real tanning instead. You hate self-tanner because it doesn't give you the same "glow" as a real tan. However, by following the advice in this article, you can have a fake tan and make it look completely real!
Steps
- Exfoliate your whole face and body. Use a daily lotion that has AHA (an exfoliating ingredient) and use it daily for one or two weeks in advance for soft, and exfoliated skin.
- Apply moisturizer to the driest parts of your skin, as these tend to absorb tanner better than other parts. Get your elbows, knees, ankles, toes, and knuckles.
- Apply your self-tanner. Choose one that goes with your skin color: light for fair skin, light/medium for skin that burns then turns tan, medium for normal tan skin, and deep dark for those with a naturally dark complexion. Put on a pair of gloves and start rubbing a small amount evenly over face and body. If you feel like gloves give you less-than-even application, use your bare hands. Lotion them regularly first, apply tan, then wash and exfoliate thoroughly.
- Let your skin fully dry before putting on clothes, getting in bed, or going in the pool/shower.
- If you end up with missed spots, spray that spot with a spray-on tanner.
- If it is too dark in one area, use a lightening product such as lemon, toothpaste, strawberries, etc. or buy a tanning correcter/remover.
- Go to the beach and flaunt that tan! People will wonder how in the world you do it!
Coffee Method
- Brew a pot of coffee. The stronger the better, since you want the dark coffee color on your skin.
- Let cool. Then, mix it with a white, unscented body lotion. Stir until completely combined.
- Pour into a bottle. This will allow you to store the excess lotion for use at a later time.
- Apply all over your body and let dry. Repeat at least once a week for best results.
Tips
- Don't shave or wax after applying your fake tan as it can remove it!
- False tan lotion will always turn out darker because it's a heavier texture, but false tan mousse is easier to apply because it's lighter.
- Lightly dab the tanner on knees, ankles, and elbows. These rough, dry areas soak in the tanner a lot more than other areas, making it appear much darker.
- If you mess up, pour lemon juice onto a cotton swab and use it to fix any mistakes.
- If you are not sure how a color will turn out, dab a small amount on a small area of skin, like the bottom of your foot. This way, you will know if you need to go lighter or darker, and you don't end up looking fake.
- Use only as directed! If it is for legs, use it on legs. If it is for body, use it on body. If it is for face, use it on your face! Never use one on the wrong area!
- It will last between 3 days and week.
- Moisturize a lot to make it last as long as possible.
- Use the lotion first because it makes you go from light to dark as if you really have a tan.
- Don't tell people it's fake.
Warnings
- Never mix 2 different tanning products. If certain chemicals are mixed they can burn skin.
- Using false tan products on sensitive skin can result in irritation and rashes. Do a patch test first.
- Check ingredients of tanning products before buying just in case you are allergic to any ingredients.
- Some lotions have some SPF. But once the lotion is washed off the remaining fake tan does not give your skin any protection against the sun's powerful rays.
Things You'll Need
- A good tanning product
- A good exfoliator and moisturizer
- A pair of latex gloves
