How to Get a Natural-Looking Fake Tan
Everyone's seen the streaky, orange results of fake tans gone bad. Here's how to avoid becoming a tangerine-tinted mess and get a flattering, bronze glow.
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You Will Need
- Exfoliating body wash with sugar
- Moisturizer with gradual tanner
- Self-tanning lotion, gel, or spray
Steps
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Step 1
Exfoliate
Exfoliate with a body wash that contains sugar, which gently sloughs off the top layer of dead skin. You'll get more of an even glow.
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Step 2
Moisturize
Moisturize your entire body to rid yourself of dry spots that soak up more pigment. Using a moisturizer with a gradual tanner with give your tanning lotion a more natural look.
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Step 3
Choose your tanner
Choose a self-tanning lotion for medium color, a self-tanning gel for a dark shade, or an aerosol spray for the darkest hue.
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Step 4
Start at the bottom
Start with your feet and legs to avoid bending over later and creating weird lines. Apply in a circular motion to avoid streaks. If using an aerosol, hold the can two feet away from your body, moving constantly as you spray.
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Put tanner on straight legs and arms to avoid getting too much in knee, ankle, and elbow joints.
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Step 5
Get your back
Get your back by putting lotion in the center of a three-foot piece of plastic wrap and rubbing across your back like you would with a towel. Or spray aerosol into the air and step into it backwards and repeat.
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Step 6
Wash hands
Wash your hands immediately to avoid tell-tale tanned palms. Once you're finished, your color will look like you earned it at the beach!
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Coppertone introduced QT, the first sunless tanning product, in 1960.
