How To Avoid Fake Tan Mistakes

Fake tanning mistakes. We've all been there. We've all made them. And we've all noticed when other people make them as well!

I'm here to teach you how to avoid problems like patchy tans, stained palms and brown elbows.

Here at bellabox we love the Tuscan Tan range, because they have something for every tanning situation. If you want to be dark instantly, or prefer a lighter glow, there's a product for you. There's also a good range of products that can help prep your skin and get ready to tan.

What's the colour like? Read my Tuscan Tan review and find out!

The Problem: Which Tan Do I Choose?

• If you're scared of getting dark too quickly, then a gradual tanner is for you. This means you apply a little bit each night over several days, which means you can control the colour. You'll only notice a very slight colour on the first day, but after a few sessions you'll definitely see a difference. Try the Tuscan Tan Gradual Self Tan Milk or 2 In 1 Gradual Self Tan Mousse.
• Lotions, gels and mousses generally produce a similar level of colour. They usually have a guide colour that means you can see where you have applied the tan. I find that mousses dry the fastest which is good if you're a confident tanner. Lotions and gels might be better if you're starting out, because they give you a little bit longer to rub the product in. Tuscan Tan comes in both a Mousse and a Gel.
• If you're really worried about getting it wrong, maybe a temporary colour is better for you. This is like applying bronzer to your whole body. It will last until you have a shower, and then it all washes off. I still recommend prepping your skin as though you are applying real fake tan, because it will help you get a nice even colour. Try Tuscan Tan Wash Off Bronzing Mousse.

The Problem: Tan Goes On Patchy And Streaky

• Most likely you are not prepping your skin properly. Exfoliate in the shower before tanning with a grainy product like Tuscan Tan Exfoliating Sugar Scrub, and make sure you've done your hair removal the day before.
• Moisturise every day, and use a really heavy moisturiser the night before you plan to apply your colour.
• Get rid of any makeup, deodorant and moisturiser from your skin before applying any tan. Shower approximately 20-30 minutes before you plan to tan. Your skin needs to be completely clean and free of any chemicals, perfumes or products – otherwise the fake tan could react badly!
• Tan in front of a mirror so you can really see what you are doing, and use a self tan that has a guide colour so you can see any spots that you miss.
• To fix an existing patchy fake tan, you can remove minor mistakes with Tuscan Tan’s Tan Removal Mitt. You can temporarily even out a streaky tan with a wash off product like the Tuscan Tan Wash Off Bronzing Mousse which is available in the bellabox store here.

The Problem: You’ve Still Got Last Week’s Fake Tan On

• Use a grainy product like Tuscan Tan Exfoliating Sugar Scrub to give your skin a good clean and remove some of that stubborn tan.
• Take things to the next level with a tan removal mitt. The Tuscan Tan Removal Mitt is perfect. The red side of the mitt instantly removes any fake tan residual build up, while the green side can be used to fix minor fake tan mistakes after the tan develops.

The Problem: Dark Knees/Ankles/Elbows

• Keep your knees, ankles and elbows well moisturised at all times. This means year round! Dry skin sucks up the most fake tan, so you want to avoid this as much as possible.
• Apply a little bit of non-scented moisturiser to these areas before tanning. Something as simple as possible so it doesn’t react with the fake tan.
• If they are too dark you’ll need to gently exfoliate. Try the Tuscan Tan Removal Mitt. If you're about to head out, try blending some of your normal foundation into the darker areas. That will take the edge off the colour.

The Problem: Brown Palms

• Wear latex gloves. You can get bulk packs at the supermarket, and they are extremely cheap.
• Use a fake tan mitt like the Tuscan Tan Applicator Mitt. Usually you will just wear a mitt on one hand. The other hand can be used to squeeze or pump the fake tan out of the bottle.
• Wash your hands multiple times throughout the fake tan process using an exfoliating product like the Tuscan Tan Exfoliating Sugar Scrub. You’ll need to be careful not to drip any water on any areas you have already tanned, as this could potentially cause streaks.
• Your hands will be white at the end of all of this. I usually drip some fake tan on the back of my hands, and then use a cotton makeup pad to rub it in (or a tanning mitt – this is even better). This way it doesn’t get on my palms, and it doesn’t get too dark!
• If you wake up with dark palms, you know what I'm going to say. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. There is no magic product that will remove the tan.

The Problem: I’m Scared To Fake Tan My Face

• Use a dedicated face product. It is usually a lighter and gentler formulation than a body tanner. I loved the Tuscan Tan Facial Tanning Serum.
• Use bronzer to even out any difference between your face and neck. I keep a darker version of my regular foundation on hand for when I have a tan, which could be an option if you're a makeup hoarder like me.
• Fake tan fades from your face the fastest, I put this down to the number of products we use on our faces (if you’re like me!!) So if you find it’s too dark it probably won’t last too long. Blending your regular foundation onto your skin should help tone down the colour.

The Problem: Tan Fades Quickly And Unevenly

• Moisturise every morning and evening. For something extra special, try Tuscan Tan Tinted Tan Extender which will help maintain your colour.
• Gently polish your skin with a soft shower loofah, but don’t exfoliate. You could use a gentle shower gel like Tuscan Tan pH Balanced Skin Wash to avoid harsh chemicals which could strip your tan.
• No fake tan lasts forever, and eventually you will need to exfoliate to start the process all over again!

The Problem: Can’t Fake Tan My Back

• Get a friend/family member/boyfriend/girlfriend to do your back for you. This is the easiest option.
• Use a sponge paintbrush to apply tan to your back. I’m not joking. You can get one from an art supply store.
• However in winter you’re unlikely to be in a bikini, so unless you’re going to wear a backless dress you’re probably going to be safe with a gap on your back. I give you permission to skip your back!

Got a fake tanning problem? Ask it in the comments and I'll try and solve it for you! - Julia