BEAUTY
TANNING TIPS FROM A PRO
6 May 2020
From liquid foams to tanning milks, self-tan has never been so high-tech – though finding the right one for you can be tricky. But now we've got more time at home to practise, and vacays look like they're off the cards for a while, it's a good time to try some different things (without anyone judging our streaks 😅). A while back, we asked the experts at Aussie brand Bondi Sands all our burning questions on self-tanning – like, how do you find the right shade? Is instant or gradual tan better? And do we really need to exfoliate? Step this way for all the answers – and check out some of our fave products down below!
Self-tanning foams are ideal for beginners as they’re super-easy to apply. They dry quickly, leaving you bronzed in minutes. Using a tanning mitt, apply the foam in long sweeping motions (working from the legs up). Follow the colour guide to make sure you don’t leave any white patches.
What are your tips for finding the right shade to fake tan your face?
All Bondi Sands products have been designed for the face and body, leaving you beautifully bronzed from head to toe. But the biggest mistake people make is to use their normal foundation shade on top – it's likely to be too light after you've applied your tan. If you don’t fancy buying a new shade altogether, try mixing some bronzing drops into your current foundation.
What’s your top tip for getting a natural-looking self-tan?
Always remember to moisturise dry areas like hands, feet, elbows and knees (but be careful not to use any moisturisers rich in oils, as this could actually strip your tan). This will stop the product clinging to those areas and eliminate the no.1 tell-tale signs of a bad fake tan.
What’s the difference between a tanning oil and a foam?
A foam is super-fast drying and easier to apply than a traditional tanning oil. However, our Bondi Sands Liquid Gold oil is enriched with hydrating argan oil, so it’s great for those who have drier skin types.
How important is it to exfoliate?
We always say the more prep you do, the better your tan will be. Exfoliating beforehand will help ensure you have a flawless base for applying your tan. You can also use our Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser, which, apart from just removing any previous product, helps with application of your next tan. A great tip from our ambassador, Steph Claire Smith, is to put a small amount on a cotton bud and apply to any dry areas immediately after tan application. This will stop the product from sticking once it's developed.
Instant or gradual tan?
It all depends on the occasion: gradual tans are super-moisturising and perfect for building up a natural glow over time, or boosting an existing tan (both real and fake). However, an instant tan will give you an immediate bronze.
How often should you apply fake tan?
The great thing about an at-home self-tan is that it can be applied and removed whenever suits your schedule. With the launch of our Self Tan Eraser, you can now effortlessly remove self-tan once it begins to fade (no scrubbing required), leaving your skin fresh and ready for a new application.
Should we be using a tanning mitt?
Tanned palms aren’t a good look on anyone and a tanning mitt is the easiest way to avoid this. It also helps to get the most flawless application as the product will spread more evenly on your body. And, for those really short on time, you can try a tanning mist – simply spray onto your body, wait a few minutes and you're good to go.
