With these tips and product recommendations, you can navigate the path to flawless, streak-free, safe tanning and confidently embrace your natural-looking, radiant tan.
Now that summer is coming to an end, it’s time to put the work in to maintain that sun-kissed look! Nowadays, most of us do this without the harmful effects of UV rays in sunbeds, and instead use self-tanning. This alternative tanning method is ideal for maintaining a summer glow year-round. Self-tanning at home couldn’t be easier, but as is true with any beauty regimen, getting the technique right, using the right products, and prepping skin properly is crucial. Missing out the key steps and using the wrong products for your skin can result in a streaky tan, something we’d all rather avoid.
Our Streak-Free Tanning Tips
- Exfoliation: Exfoliation before tanning is an essential step to stop a streaky tan because it removes dead skin cells – leaving you with a smooth canvas.
- Moisturisation: Keeping your skin moisturised before using any self-tanning product is essential, especially in dry areas like your elbows and knees. Moisturised skin absorbs product more evenly, reducing the chances of streaking. Make sure to moisturise every day leading up to your tan application, and 24 hours before using your self-tanning product.
- Choose the Right Product for YOU: Opt for a high-quality self-tanning product that suits your skin type, tone, and desired shade. Some products offer gradual tanning, while others provide instant results. Make sure to pick a product that has a developing time you can fit into your schedule. Keep reading for a handy list of our favourite self-tanning products!
- Apply Evenly: Apply your chosen self-tanner in small sections, using gentle, circular motions. Avoid rubbing too vigorously, as this can cause uneven application and streaks.
- Use a Tanning Mitt: We can’t recommend this enough. A tanning mitt helps distribute the self-tanning product smoothly. It also prevents the uneven application of tan on to your hands, which can result in orange stained palms, uneven colouration and a messy look.
- Start Light: If you’re new to self-tanning or just fancy a more natural look, start with a lighter shade. You can always build up to your desired colour gradually!
- Blend: Blend your tan carefully around areas like wrists, ankles, elbows, and knees. These areas tend to absorb more product and a lot faster, resulting in uneven tones if not blended well.
- Be Consistent: During a single application, make sure not to overlap strokes as this can create uneven patches and streaks. Keep your strokes fluid and consistent.
- Let it Dry: Allow enough time to dry before putting on clothes. Wearing tight clothing too soon can rub off the product and cause streaks and patches that ruin your look.
- Be Patient!: Avoid showering, sweating, or engaging in any strenuous activities for at least a few hours after applying. This allows the product to fully develop and set. Plot out some time on an off-day to apply your tan, and relax.
Once your tan is applied, maintaining it is as simple as exfoliating gently every few days, then reapplying.
Remember that practice makes perfect, and you shouldn’t be discouraged if your first application doesn’t go as planned! No one’s first self-tan was flawless. You’ll learn with time what works best for you and your skin.
Our Favourite Streak-Free Tanning Products
St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Body Serum
This tanning serum is enriched with Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5 to hydrate, reduce redness and even your skin tone. This quick-drying, rinse free formula helps to firm, smooth and soothe the body whilst nourishing and providing a sun-kissed glow to last for days with an even fade.
Sienna X Gradual Clear Self Tan Water Mousse
The Sienna X Gradual Clear Self Tan Water Mousse has a formula that builds up to a light-medium glow with continued use over a few days. The vegan formulation contains no guide colour- meaning no development stain transfer. The perfect tan if you are new to tanning or have worries about tan transfer.
Skinny Tan Gradual Tanner
The perfect self-tan for those who are at the start of their self-tanning journey, this formula features lower levels of self-tan so you can gradually layer up each day.
Formulated with 99% naturally derived ingredients, this cream leaves your skin with a 100% streak-free finish.
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Lotion Light/Medium
Enriched with aloe vera and scented with coconut, achieve a sun-kissed tan with the Bondi Sands tanning lotion. The lightweight formula is ideal for leaving skin glowing, as if you have spent a day in the sun. Perfect for light to medium complexions and first time self tanners.
Loving Tan 2hr Express Mousse
A convenient self tan option for those with little time and perfect for those who don’t like to sleep in their tan, this mousse dries in as little as 60 seconds and can be washed off after just 2 hours.
The professional strength formula provides you with immediate colour and continues to develop into a beautiful natural tan 24-48 hours after being rinsed off. Colour guide technology also ensures an easy, streak-free application every time.
Sienna X Apply Luxury Self Tan Mitt
We recommend using a tanning mitt for every application. The Sienna X Luxury Self Tan Mitt is the perfect one to achieve a streak free and professional looking tan.
Double sided to prevent tan build up and allow a controlled application, the Sienna X luxury mitt can also be used to buff and blend excess tan.
