Top 10 Tips for a Flawless Fake Tan

We all want to flaunt a perfect bronzed glow, the safe way. Follow these steps for flawless tan you will want to show off!

1. Prep 24 hours in advance

 If you need to colour your hair, wax, shave or get a mani/pedi, do it all at least 24 hours before applying self-tanner. These beauty treatments can quickly fade a tan.

2. Exfoliate

Self-tanner sinks into dry skin, leaving dark patches that look entirely unnatural  Slough away any flakes on your body with a coarse scrub, focusing on rough spots like the knees, elbows, ankles, and heels.

3. Dry off

Ensure your skin is 100% dry before applying your tan.

 4. Apply a barrier cream

Apply a lightweight moisturiser to areas like feet, elbows, knees, armpit creases and wrists. Skin in these areas tends to build up quickly (despite exfoliation). Adding a little moisture will prevent any patchiness.

5. Pick your potion

Choose an easy to use, paraben free product like HAVA Self Tanning Foam. Use a Green Based tan if you have a fair/cool skin tone and a Violet Based tan if you have a warm/olive skin tone.

 6. Start at the bottom and work up

This technique separates gorgeous sunless glows from bad fake tans. With clean hands, a tanning mitt or latex gloves, smooth on self-tanner in circular motions approximately one teaspoon at a time. Start at your ankles and work your way up to your shoulders. Save your arms and hands for last.  (Remember to apply only a small amount to the feet, ankles and knees etc)

7. Apply sparingly to your face

 Dab a dime-size amount of formula where you'd naturally tan (your forehead, the apples of your cheeks, the bridge of your nose, and your chin) and blend outward with your fingertips. Be extra careful around the nose and above the top lip—these areas pick up more color because they tend to be drier. Using what's left on your fingers, feather the tanner out into your hairline and past the jawbone. Wash your hands immediately after you finish.

 8. Take time and powder

Give your tan plenty of time to dry: at least 15 minutes. Use a talc-free baby powder all over to avoid transferring the tan to your clothes. The powder won’t ruin your tan, we promise!

9. Let that tan develop

 Leave your HAVA Self Tan on 2 hours and avoid showering and sweating as your tan develops.  For the darkest possible result, leave up to 6 hours. After your preferred leave-on time, rinse quickly and pat skin dry. Avoid applying moisturiser immediately as your tan will continue to develop and will reach its full potential after 12 hours.

10. Hydration is key

Maintain the life of your tan by using a high quality moisturiser twice daily. This will slow down the shedding process of your skin, meaning your tan will last longer. We recommend Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion as it contains no unnecessary ingredients like alcohol and fragrances which can strip a tan.

Remember, achieving a flawless glow takes practice but with these TOP 10 TIPS you will be looking bronzed and fabulous in no time. Happy Tanning! Xx

Head to HAVA Professional Tan for your tanning fix!

Model & Images: Chloe Ciesla

Words: Natasha, Hava Professional Tan