You’ve Nailed the Self-Tan—Here’s How to Make It Actually Last

1. Prep Your Skin

Just like for a flawless makeup application, prepping your skin is arguably one of the most important steps of the self-tanning process. Our biggest tip? Exfoliate! Whether it's through dry brushing or body scrub (we’re loving the MUDMASKY® Velvety Glow Body Scrub and GOLDFADEN MD Doctor's Scrub Advanced Ruby Crystal Power Exfoliator right now), removing dead skins from head to toe will ensure your self-tanner has a smooth canvas to soak into. Plus, the more even and smooth your skin is, the more even and smooth the self-tanner will apply.

2. Remove Unwanted Hair

Just like exfoliating creates a smooth canvas for your self-tanner, so does removing hair from the area you’re planning to self-tan. Removing hair from the areas you’re looking to self-tan will make sure the product will cling and soak into the skin versus the hair. For the best results, we recommend shaving or waxing 24 hours before your self-tan to allow your pores to close and your skin to heal from any bumps or irritation the hair removal may have caused.

3. Use a Mitt or Glove to Apply Your Self-Tanner

The point of self-tan is for it to look as natural and sun-kissed as possible—the best way to do that? An even application. We recommend using a tanning mitt or glove to apply your self-tanner all over your body to avoid any streaking. Plus, the mitt covers your hands and protects self-tanner from getting all over them—no Oompa Loompas here!

4. Apply At Least Two Light Layers

There’s nothing that says “I used self-tanner” more than a fake-looking self-tan. The name of the game is a natural look—applying your self-tanner in light layers ensures you get that even, just-got-back-from-vacay glow that’ll last more than a couple of days. We recommend applying at least two light layers of self-tanner, waiting for it to dry and develop for at least eight hours, and then going in again with more self-tanner after if you want more of an intense color.

5. Avoid Water After Applying

After you’ve applied your self-tanner and let it dry, the golden rule of thumb is to wait at least eight hours before showering or getting your skin wet (yes, that includes sweating pilates girlies!) to really let the product develop and soak into the skin. If your self-tanner isn’t completely dry or developed, getting it wet will not only cut your tan’s life in half, but it could also cause it to streak and look uneven.

6. Avoid Chlorine

We know this one might take away some of your summer fun, but the chlorine in swimming pools can definitely hurt your self-tan’s life—pH levels in the chlorine dry out the skin which will fade your self-tanner much faster than you'd like (trust us). If you absolutely cannot resist doing a cannonball at your next pool party, just make sure it’s at least 24 hours after you’ve applied your self-tanner. 

7. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Dry skin is self-tanner’s biggest enemy. The drier your skin, the more quickly your self-tan will fade. Always moisturize your skin, day and night, with a body lotion or a serum like the DEW OF THE GODS Amalfi Glaze Mini Body Serum to help retain your skin’s moisture and keep dryness at bay.

8. Use Tanning Drops in Between Applications

By mixing tanning drops into your daily body moisturizer, you’ll not only give yourself a gorgeous all-over glow, but you’ll also enhance the depth of your tan. It’s the perfect low-maintance step in-between self-tanning days that’ll keep your sun-kissed vibe going strong.