How to Prep Skin for Self Tanner After Shaving
- prepskin25
- May 26, 2025
- 9 min read
She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at Powder. She has interviewed celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson. More than just a great facial treatment, this lactic acid serum exfoliates the skin, so it doubles as a great tan remover for any small areas of tan buildup. https://us.ioniqskin.com/blogs/blog/how-to-prep-skin-for-self-tanner

Plus, buildable and gradually developing self-tanners provide easy customization that makes it a breeze to achieve the tan level you want. These essentials may even help shave off a few minutes of how to prep skin for self tanner your makeup routine. It's no secret that getting a spray tan brings the worries of potentially staining your sheets and clothes.
There’s nothing quite like the glow and confidence you get from a tan. In fact, about 86% of melanoma cases are directly linked to UV radiation. Take two pumps of product on your tanning mit and start with your calves. Rub it on your skin in circular motions, then rub your feet and ankles with whatever remains on your mitt (avoid the bottom of your feet).
When applying self-tanner to your hands and feet, use a smaller amount of product and blend it carefully, paying attention to the ankles, heels, knuckles, fingers, and the spaces between them. Once you’ve finished applying the self-tanner to your legs, it’s time to move on to your upper body. Apply the self-tanner to your arms, starting with your shoulders and working your way down to your wrists. Use the same circular motion and make sure to cover all areas evenly. For your chest, stomach, and back, reach behind or ask for assistance to ensure thorough application. Squeeze a small amount of self-tanner onto the palm of your gloved hand.
According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, face tanners work by giving the skin a tan appearance without needing to be exposed to UV radiation. “They use ingredients like dihydroxyacetone which reacts with amino acids in the skin and make your skin look tanner,” she says. A good self-tanner for the face also often contains skin care ingredients (like hyaluronic acid), according to Sophie Evans, a tanning expert at St. Tropez. “Face tanners won’t clog pores and usually have antiaging ingredients (like vitamin C) to nourish your skin and help prevent premature aging. Our top pick overall is Isle of Paradise Self-Tan Face Drops because it instantly absorbs into the skin, plays well with makeup, and gives you a veil of radiance in just a couple of hours. Below, we’re sharing the tanning drops, lotions, serums, and mists that really impressed.
If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. In addition to upping your greens and other healthy foods, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water pre-tan. Applied correctly, they smooth skin texture, soften fine lines, and boost radiance for a more youthful look. Experience the confidence that comes with a healthy-looking tan.
After a few months in the colder, cloudier Midwest, I noticed I lacked my once long-running glow. When I looked in the mirror, I was kind of shocked at how pale and dull my skin looked. It wasn't like I was out sunbathing every day when I lived elsewhere—quite the opposite. I religiously wore sunscreen and sought shade whenever I could. However, the sunlight and warm temperatures still made a difference. This nourishing formula is great for beginners, building a gradual glow that’s sun-kissed but still subtle.
If your client does not arrive with sandals, offer them disposable sandals on their way out. Please note that the bronzer in solution may transfer to your clients items, but is water soluble and will wash out. The L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Mist is a good way to get a tan.
Whereas people with fairer skin typically use self-tanners to get more bronzed, those with darker skin tones use them to how to prep skin for self tanner their complexion and bring out a sun-kissed finish. And if you’re still not convinced, check out the countless videos that show how self-tanning can work its magic on dark skin. Tags like #BlackGirlsTan and #SelfTannerDarkSkin on TikTok offer first-person reviews and tips on how to apply it at home. The precaution with self-tanning cream mirrors that of any cosmetic. Test a small skin area before full application on the face and body.
This lightweight foam formula applies effortlessly, ensuring a streak-free application every time. The fast-absorbing formula dries quickly, allowing you to dress immediately with no transfer. If you've ever used a self-tanner before bed, you may have ~unpleasant~ memories of waking up with stained sheets and a whole lot of muddy-looking color pre-shower. Yes, it's great to see where you apply the color so you can avoid streaks, but not so much if you don't want to appear, let's say, how to prep skin for self tanner in the development stage. Either apply your self tan in the morning for daytime development, or apply before you go to bed to wake up looking bronzed and beautiful. Our Self Tanning Mitt is perfect for the job as it keeps your palms free of the telltale signs of self tan, as well as helping you achieve a streak-free application.
So, let’s talk about whether you really need a glove to self-tan and explore the reasons why using gloves for applying self-tanner is highly recommended. Flip-flops or slides are ideal to prevent streaking on your feet and they allow your skin to breathe as your tan develops. To shop the best exfoliators to use before a spray tan, plus more pre-spray tan tips, scroll on. She's forever on the lookout for new and exciting products, whether they come from faraway Korea or the beauty labs of Paris. Her favorite brand is Shiseido, a Japanese company who craft luxurious, high-end makeup in gorgeous packaging.
Ahead, Alysa, Dr. Song, and other experts delve into everything you need to know about gradual self-tanner, from best practices to the 11 best formulas available. The natural-looking sun-kissed glow is just on the horizon, sans sun damage. Even your complexion with this weightless self-tanning cream infused with moisturizing aloe vera, green tea, pomegranate, and açai for an irresistible how to prep skin for self tanner that looks natural. Achieve your dream glow with this lightweight, fragrance-free face mist for sensitive skin sufferers seeking hydration sans pore-clogging ingredients. While sleeping after a spray tan, you must wear loose and long pajamas with a t-shirt.
Use a gentle scrub, like our how to prep skin for self tanner, and an Exfoliating Glove to remove any dead skin cells, paying extra attention to rough areas like the knees, elbows, and ankles. Remember, gradual tan is a buildable product, so if you’re looking to achieve a medium to dark tan, you’ll need to add a layer every day for a few days. One of the benefits of gradual tanning lotion is that it allows you to customise your tan to your desired depth by applying the product once a day. In this guide, we’re going to talk about all things gradual tanning lotion. This wondrous product allows you to achieve a natural tan with minimal fuss.
This gave me a surprising amount of color payoff for a mist format. I didn’t love the color on day one but after I showered again the next morning it turned into a lovely toasty bronze. I sprayed it over my arms (about eight sprays for each side) and then rubbed it in with the included mitt. I thought it might turn out splotchy since I couldn't really tell where it had landed but thankfully there were no major splotches to report. I let this dry for about half an hour sans clothes and then wore loose pants for another three hours and changed into black jeans for the night.
It contains nourishing how to prep skin for self tanner like coconut oil and jojoba oil, ensuring your skin remains healthy and hydrated. For medium skin tones, opt for a self-tanner shade that complements your existing skin tone, providing a healthy bronzed finish. Prep your body and face so that your skin is smooth and even in texture by exfoliating in the shower with a product like skinerals. It buffs away dry skin using minerals instead of chemicals and is free of parabens and gluten. For extra exfoliation, use a scrubbing mitt in the shower and concentrate on areas of your body that tend to get rough, such as ankles, knees, and elbows. To use it on your face, simply mist it like you would a hydrating toner.
While sprays seem convenient, an even application with a spray formula can be difficult for even a seasoned pro. Non-greasy and lightweight, this gel gives skin a golden glow in just one hour. This one works fast, which is why we wouldn’t recommend it for beginners.
Then, use an exfoliating body scrub and finish by buffing the skin with a warm, damp wash cloth. St. Tropez also recently launched the Cherry Macaron Self Tan and Body Mist Set, which has notes of cherry, white florals, and vanilla. You can also opt for a gradual tanning lotion instead, which are often fragrance free or subtly scented. If you’re looking for that blurred, just-got-back-from-a-spray-tan look, let us introduce you to this mist that you can either spray directly onto the skin or mix with moisturizer.
Achieve a sun-kissed glow effortlessly with the St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse. The lightweight mousse formula applies smoothly and dries quickly without leaving a sticky residue. Its natural-looking tan develops over 4-8 hours, providing a streak-free finish that lasts for days. The next step to ensuring you get an even base for your self tan is to moisturize.
After your shower, make sure to follow up with an ultra-hydrating lotion. Do so while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture. Give it a second to absorb before getting dressed and moving on with your routine. Is there any way to achieve your bod goals without having to sacrifice one or the other?
"When I tan clients, I use a mousse formulation on the body and then buff gently into the hands and feet, using the excess from the brush and never loading more product," Amanda added. This may seem self-explanatory, but one of the most important things when it comes to getting a flawless self-tanner application is to take your time. Block out an hour to dedicate to applying your tan and allowing it to dry before heading out the door and risking a patchy tan. Taking your time will guarantee you don’t miss any spots and that you’re left with a streak-free, natural-looking glow.
Don’t scrub, or you can start your tanning process all over again. Generously apply the product onto the thighs, bottom, lower back, stomach, breast area, and décolletage. Ensure that you seamlessly blend it onto the neck, extending from where you’ve finished tanning your face.
Beauty by Earth's Self Tanner is composed of organic ingredients, and its results are just as good as any other sunless tanning lotion. The color is easily buildable, and you'll have a natural-looking bronzed complexion after a few uses. After exfoliating, prep your skin with a water-based moisturizer to get the most even application, which will prevent the color from looking streaky.
For a seamless finish that will last for days, Aurora Lovestrand, a beauty influencer on TikTok, recommends applying your self-tanner in sections – starting from the bottom and working your way up. She also advises that 2-3 pumps per section are usually enough to help you achieve that “just got back from a vacation” glow. Just because you have a beautiful bronze glow doesn’t mean your skin is safe from the sun. You still need a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can cause signs of aging and skin cancer. Whether you've got streaky legs or glowing palms, it can be hard to get a tan right unless you're at the hands of a seasoned professional. Thankfully, there are so many tanning formulations for the body and face that have made tanning at home so much easier.
When it is time to clothe yourself, pick out something dark to minimize the risk of staining. Oh, and avoid your white sheets for a little while—before you get into bed, your self-tanner should feel completely dry. For occasions like beach vacations or pool parties where you’ll be showing more skin, go for a self-tanner that provides a deep and tropical-looking tan. Opt for a product with a tint or guide color to ensure even application and a sun-kissed glow that lasts.
Just because your skin looks bronzed, you don’t have any additional protection and the same SPF application guidelines apply, she says. The experts suggest wearing a mitt designed to apply self-tanner. Not only do mitts provide a smooth surface to help blend the tanner more seamlessly than your hands, they prevent your palms from turning orange, Robinson says.



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