How to Nail Your Fake Tan Before You Take-Off on Holiday
With the holiday season (soon) in full swing, many of us will be preparing for the perfect getaway, and for some, achieving that flawless sun-kissed glow even before you step off the plane is a must.
Ahh to be embracing the makeup-free vibes as you soak up those first sunny days of vacation! But let’s be real—stepping out into the sun after a year can feel a little daunting. That’s why fake tan (or a quick spray tan) is our go-to prep before jetting off! However, as many regular tan users know, there is an art to perfecting it.
Franchesca Villar, Beauty Editor at Cosmetify, has rounded up all of her top tanning tips, including application and how to prolong your tan, so whether you are a seasoned tanning pro or a first-time enthusiast, you can achieve that perfect pre-holiday glow.
When to tan ahead of your holiday
Vita Liberata Tinted Tanning Mousse
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Tan Boosting Anti-Ageing Body Oil SPF 30
“Ideally, you want to start your tanning process about 5-7 days before your departure.” Franchesca tells us.
“When you actually apply the tan will depend on the product that you are using; this can vary from overnight to just a couple of hours. However, make sure you allow enough time for skin preparation, such as adequate exfoliation, hair removal, and moisturising any dry areas so that application is smooth.
“Prepping ahead has the added benefit of giving you time for any touch-ups in areas, such as reapplication if you want to build up the colour.”
Gradual tan lotions
SOSU by SJ Dripping Gold Glowing Steady Gradual Tan
Franchesca says, “Generally, I’d advise that if you want to use gradual tanning products, you begin using them somewhere between 5 and 7 days before you leave.
“Make sure that you apply it daily to build up a nice sun-kissed glow.
“I’d also recommend exfoliating thoroughly before your first application, focusing on rough spots such as elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists.”
Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion
Instant tans
“For instant tans, preparation happens much closer to your time of departure. You should be applying these at most 2 days before your flight, but ideally the night before or even the morning of, if you are short on time. However, if you leave it to the last minute, make sure you allow sufficient drying time to avoid any stained clothing or a streaky finish.
“As with gradual tan, focus on exfoliating the skin, particularly rough areas, for the smoothest and most even finish.
“Make sure you only moisturise dry-prone areas, as heavy moisturiser can cause streaking and dilute the tan.
“If you choose to apply your tan the night before your flight, make sure that if it’s a wash-off product, you rinse it off before going to bed, or opt for dark bedding to avoid possible transfer.”
Loving Tan 2 Hr Express Deluxe Bronzing Mousse
Avoid mixing with these common products
Oil-based or heavy moisturisers
Franchesca advises, “If you want a streak-free tan for your holiday, avoid using heavy or oil-based moisturisers. They can act as a barrier and prevent the tan from absorbing properly, leading to an uneven and streaky finish.
“If you need to moisturise before applying your tan, apply only to dry-prone areas such as elbows and knees. Opt for a light, oil-free moisturiser if possible.”
Oil-based body scrubs
“Avoid using oil-based body scrubs before applying your tan as part of your exfoliation routine. The oil can coat your skin, resulting in uneven absorption, much like moisturisers.
“Instead, use a sugar- or salt-based scrub and an exfoliating mitt to help work it into the skin, leaving a smooth finish ready for tanning.”
Deodorant
It can be tempting to use deodorant shortly after tanning, especially if you’re heading out before your holiday, but it’s a bad idea. It can react with tanning agents and cause green or grey patches under your arm. Not a good look!
“Apply your tan well in advance so it has time to dry before using deodorant. Alternatively, skip deodorant altogether until you’ve rinsed off the product.” Says Franchesca.
Perfume or fragrances
Tan can often have a distinctive smell after application, which some describe as biscuit-like. Many try to mask this with perfume or fragrance sprays. However, this can disrupt the tan’s formula, leading to streaks or fading where fragrance is applied, according to Franchesca.
“Wait until the tan has fully developed and been rinsed off (if required) before applying any scent.”
Acid-based skincare
“Avoid any acid-based skincare that’s part of your regular routine until the tan has dried and been rinsed off. These products can exfoliate the skin or destabilise the tan, leading to patchy wear.
“Pause use of all acid-based skincare products for at least 24 hours before tanning, and resume only after the tan has fully developed.”
Making Your Tan Last
Institut Esthederm Bronz Impulse UV Incellium Face & Body Spray
Votary Hyaluronic Self-Tan Drops
If you’re going away for a 10–14 day holiday, you want your tan to last the entire trip. Below, Franchesca Villar shares her top tips to get the most out of your fake tan:
Wear loose, dark clothing on your travel day
“To prolong your tan while travelling, wear loose, dark clothing, especially if you’ve tanned the night before. Tight clothing can cause the tan to rub off prematurely, making it streaky or patchy and potentially staining your clothes.”
Stay cool where possible
“Try to stay as cool and dry as possible for at least 6-8 hours after tanning. Damp skin can cause your tan to streak or slide off, leaving pale patches where sweat has broken down the product. This is especially true under the arms or behind the knees.”
Shower gently
“Use cool or lukewarm water when showering, and avoid scrubbing your skin aggressively. Stay away from oil-based body washes or products, as they can cause the tan to fade more quickly.”
Rinse-off chlorine and salt water promptly
According to Franchesca, “After swimming in a pool or the sea, rinse off chlorine or salt water as soon as possible. These can dry out your skin, leading to patchiness and faster fading.”
Use SPF
Franchesca concludes, “Always use SPF. Tanning products do not provide any UV protection, and skipping SPF can lead to sunburn, peeling, and a ruined tan. Opt for a tan-friendly, oil-free sunscreen such as gels or sprays, and reapply frequently when in the sun.”