It may not feel like it right now, but summer will be with us before we know it, and it’ll be time to get those limbs out once again!
If you don’t want to have to bare any pasty skin, use this time to perfect your fake bake technique so by the time the first day of summer rolls around, you’ll already be glowing.
Prepping your skin for fake tan also means taking care of it in a way that’s beneficial for getting a real tan, and even better, did you know you can pick up all your products within your local pharmacy? Follow our top tips to ensure that your skin will be looking its best from winter through to summer!
- Make sure you’ve got a smooth canvas
You’ll want to make sure you’ve got a fluff free surface application, so a couple of nights before you intend on going a few shades darker make sure you’ve shaved, waxed, lasered - whatever your method of choice. A great at-home option that still gives longer-term removal are the Nair Wax Strips. If you can’t handle the pain of waxing, try the Nair Hair Removal Cream.
- Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
Moisturising is key for ensuring your fake tan goes on smoothly and looks absolutely amazing. Try using Sensipure Body Cream for at least a few days before you fake tan – it’s formulated for super dry and sensitive skin, so will be great for ensuring your skin is as hydrated as possible.
Regular moisturising is another one to keep up when you’re looking to go for the real deal, as it’ll stop your skin drying out in the sun, as well as maintaining a sun tan once you have it.
- Exfoliate
Exfoliating is definitely a non-negotiable. Exfoliating properly is key to getting a good tan, whether it be fake or real. Opt for an exfoliating mitt over any other form of exfoliation, as scrubs will leave a residue on your skin that can affect tanning application. We like the Bondi Sands Dual Action Exfoliating Mitt, ideal for leaving you with a silky smooth finish!
- Protect dry areas
No matter how well you moisturise and exfoliate, some areas are just more prone to dryness than others. To stop any tan getting stuck in those areas and creating tell-tale streaks, use a small amount of Vas Petroleum Jelly on your feet, ankles, knees, elbows, hands and neck to ensure your application goes on smoothly.
- Find your weapon of choice
Finding a tan that works for you is so important, as all tans have slightly different base colours and tones, so you want to find the one that looks the best with your natural skin tone. We love the Reef Beach Glow Instant Foaming Mousse.
- Wash off in a cool shower
Once you’ve given your tan the required amount of time to develop, washing off in a cool shower will ensure your tan comes out even.
If all this prep seems too high maintenance, a great option (if you don’t need an immediate bronze) is to go for a gradual tanning moisturiser. Bondi Sands is one of the best choices out there and will give you that glowing goddess like hue.
As a final word on the fake front, it’s worth mentioning the Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser, which will have you back to your normal skin tone in no time if it all goes a little bit wrong! We’ve all had a fake tan disaster before, but it looks like those days are (thankfully) behind us now with tools like the Eraser!
Once the days do start to warm up, it’s important that no matter how deep a tan you want, you still apply a good quality SPF every day. Don’t’ worry, SPF won’t stop you getting a tan – it’ll just make sure your skin is fully protected against those harmful UV rays. Use something like the Natio Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50+ to make sure you’re fully protected and can enjoy the rays (in moderation of course!).