Self-tanning can be a great way to get a natural-looking tan without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. It's important to follow a few key steps to ensure that your self-tan turns out evenly and looks natural. Here's a guide on how to apply self-tan:
Before you tan — skin prep
Good prep makes all the difference. Self tan develops best on smooth, clean, well-balanced skin, so spending a few extra minutes here helps your glow apply more evenly and fade more naturally.
Start by exfoliating your skin to remove dead skin cells and any leftover tan. Focus on rougher areas like elbows, knees, ankles and wrists, where product can cling a little more.
If you shave, wax or remove hair, do that before tanning so your skin has time to settle. Freshly shaved skin can be more sensitive, so giving it a little breathing room before application can help.
Right before tanning, apply a small amount of moisturiser to dry areas only, like elbows, knees, ankles and heels. This helps prevent those spots from developing darker than the rest of your body. The rest of your skin should be clean, dry, and free from heavy lotions, oils or deodorant.
Choosing the right product for your skin
The best self tanner for you depends on the kind of result you want and how you like to apply it.
If you’re new to tanning or want something very low-fuss, a gradual tanning moisturiser is a great place to start. It builds slowly, is easy to use, and fits neatly into your daily routine.
If you prefer a richer result, a self tanning lotion, jelly or mousse may be a better fit. These formulas tend to give more noticeable colour and are ideal when you want a glow with a little more impact.
For face tanning, it’s usually best to use a dedicated facial product rather than your body tan. Facial tanning waters, serums and bronzing drops are often easier to control and more comfortable in a skincare routine.
You can also guide readers to your quiz or product selector here.
Take our tanning quiz to find your perfect match.
How to apply self tanner step by step
Once your skin is prepped and you’ve chosen your product, it’s time to apply.
Start from the bottom and work your way up. Begin with your legs, then move to your torso and arms. This makes the process easier to manage and helps avoid creasing while you apply.
Work in sections rather than trying to do your whole body at once. Apply to one area at a time using smooth, circular motions to help blend the formula evenly into the skin.
For mousses, a tanning mitt is usually the easiest way to get a streak-free finish. For lotions or gradual tans, you can often use your hands, just make sure you wash them thoroughly straight afterwards.
Use less product on drier areas like elbows, knees, ankles, feet and hands. These spots absorb tan more quickly, so it’s best to use whatever is left on your mitt or hands rather than applying a full extra amount directly.
Once your tan is applied, let it dry fully before getting dressed. Loose clothing is always a good idea, especially while the tan is developing. Then avoid water, sweat or anything that might interfere with the finish until the recommended development time has passed.
If your product needs rinsing, follow the directions on the packaging. If it’s a gradual tan, you can usually leave it on and build the colour over time.
Tricky areas — hands, feet, face
The most natural-looking tan usually comes down to how you handle the trickier spots.
Hands
Use the lightest amount of product here. Apply tan to your arms first, then use the leftover product to lightly blend over the backs of your hands. Avoid overloading knuckles or palms, and always wash your hands afterwards.
How to self tan hands
Feet
The same rule applies. Use minimal product and blend lightly over the tops of your feet and around the ankles. Too much product can collect around toes and dry patches, so less is definitely more.
How to self tan feet
Face
Use a dedicated face tanning product if possible. Facial tanning waters and serums are designed to layer more easily with skincare and are usually more forgiving than body products. Apply lightly and blend carefully around the hairline, brows and jawline for the most seamless finish.
How to make your tan last longer
If you want your tan to stay fresh for longer, hydration is everything.
Moisturise daily to keep your skin soft and help the tan fade more evenly. Dry skin tends to lose colour faster and can go patchy, especially around joints and rougher areas.
Try not to over-exfoliate while your tan is still fresh, and pat your skin dry after showering instead of rubbing with a towel. Small habits like this can make a big difference to how your glow wears.
A gradual tanning moisturiser is also a great way to extend your tan. It helps top up your colour while keeping the skin nourished, which is ideal if you want a lower-maintenance routine.
Check out: How to make your tan last longer
How to remove self tanner
When your tan starts to fade unevenly or you’re ready for a fresh application, it’s best to remove the old layer properly first.
Start with a warm shower or bath to soften the skin. Then use an exfoliating mitt or gentle body scrub in circular motions to lift away any remaining tan. Focus on areas where colour tends to cling, like ankles, knees, elbows and wrists.
Afterwards, moisturise well to replenish the skin. If you’re planning to reapply tan, smooth and hydrated skin will always give you the best result.
Commonly asked questions
How do I stop self tanner from going streaky?
Exfoliate first, moisturise dry areas lightly, apply in sections, and blend in circular motions. Using less product on elbows, knees, hands and feet also helps.
Should I shave before or after self tan?
Before. It’s best to do any hair removal ahead of tanning so your skin is smooth and settled before application.
What’s the best self tanner for beginners?
A gradual tanning moisturiser is usually the easiest option because it builds more subtly and is very forgiving.
How do I make my self tan last longer?
Moisturise daily, avoid harsh exfoliation, pat skin dry after showering, and top up with a gradual tanner if needed.
How do I remove self tanner?
Use warm water to soften the skin, then gently exfoliate with an exfoliating mitt or scrub before moisturising.