Just because summer is coming to an end (sigh) doesn’t mean your bronzed glow has to as well. These days, we know there’s nothing healthy about a real tan – but a faux one will help you look and feel amazing. “I always feel like I look healthier with a tan,” says TANNED ambassador Natalie Roser. “I love how something so simple can increase your confidence level so much!”
To help you retain that healthy glow and feel like a million bucks all year round, here are seven tips and tricks for keeping your tanning game strong.
1. It’s all about that base
Before you even think about fake tanning, your skin has to be prepped and ready.
“The prep work is probably the most important element that often gets overlooked,” says Roser.
Thorough exfoliation is key to making sure you have removed any old tan, as well as dirt and dead skin. This will ensure you’re applying your tan onto a smooth base so it goes on evenly, while also helping it last longer.
”I always exfoliate, make sure my legs are shaved or waxed (I do this the morning before I apply my tan) and make sure I have washed off any perfume or deodorant residue, because it changes how the tan settles on the body,” explains Roser.
2. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
Wait until the following day before you moisturise – but then make sure you’re lathering your tan with moisturiser morning and night to keep your skin hydrated and fresh.
3. Less is more
Don’t slap on too much product at once – take your time to carefully apply an even layer using a mitt, and then leave it to dry completely. You can repeat the process if you want to add depth. “I always like to work slowly, applying one pump of foam at a time and spreading the product with my mitt,” advises Roser. “I find that by doing it this way, I get a more even and blended application.”
4. Avoid hot showers (and chlorine… and the beach…)
We know this is a hard ask in summer, but chlorine and salt water will eat away at your tan. Hot showers can also be harsh and drying on the skin, so aim to keep your showers warm or cool.
5. Go easy on your hands and feet
Hands and feet (and ankles, knees and elbows for that matter) tend to be drier than the rest of the body and can cling to the colour a little more than other areas – so go easy on application. Roser’s tip? “I find these areas absorb very differently so they don’t need much product. I always just use what’s left on the mitt rather than a fresh squeeze of product.”
6. Face off
We know how damaging (and dangerous) the sun can be, so keeping your face protected and out of the sun at all times is key. But all the protection (well done you!) can often leave your face a few shades lighter than the rest of your body. So, to make sure your face matches the glowiness of the rest of your body, Roser swears by the TANNED Face Tanning Milk.
7. But the secret to a lasting tan isn’t actually in the tan itself…
Yep, the secret to a good fake tan – and one that lasts – is internal hydration! If your skin is dry, your tan will look patchy and fade away quickly, which is why it’s important to drink lots of water.
“When I’m better hydrated, my tan holds longer,” says Roser. “So I make sure my water intake is at a normal to high amount, as well as using moisturisers!”
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