Courtesy of Sunnee BAEskin
There’s something about a bronzy glow that instantly makes you feel hotter—and an at-home fake tan is the quickest way to achieve that.
But if you’re new to self tanning, it can be intimidating. That’s why we consulted celebrity spray tan artist and Dolce Glow founder Isabel Alyssa for expert tips on on how beginners can achieve a flawless, streak-free fake tan and how to make it last.
From the most natural-looking self tanners to expert application tips, here’s how you can achieve a perfect fake tan at home.
How to Self Tan for Beginners
“Prep is everything. Your tan is only as good as the skin underneath it,” advises Isabel. “I always recommend gently but thoroughly exfoliating beforehand to create a smooth canvas, and avoiding heavy lotions, oils, or deodorant right before you apply since they can create barriers and cause streaking.”
Tree Hut Vanilla Shea Sugar Exfoliating & Hydrating Body Scrub
An affordable fan-favorite, this sugar-based body scrub effectively exfoliates dead skin, leaving behind smoother, softer skin that’s perfectly prepped for fake tan application. Plus, it comes in tons of delicious scents and has 150,000+ 5-star reviews.
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
A combination of AHAs, BHAs, and volcanic pumice make this body exfoliator an excellent choice for smoothing textured skin, targeting keratosis pilaris, preventing ingrown hairs, and prepping skin for fake tan.
“For beginners, my biggest tip is to start light and build gradually. Choose a formula with a natural olive undertone, like Dolce Glow’s Lusso Mousse or Express Mousse so the color develops believably and never pulls orange.”
Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse
Buildable and fast-drying, this expert-backed tanning mousse is a classic that will never fail to deliver a bronzy glow. It has the olive undertone that Isabel recommends for natural color. The formula contains squalene, jojoba oil, and vitamin E, for added moisture.
Dolce Glow Express Self-Tanning Mousse
Short on time? This fast-developing tanning mousse will give you a beach-worthy glow in just two hours. It’s formulated with glycerin for a boost of radiance and hydration.
“Apply in circular motions with a mitt, work in sections, and take your time blending.”
Dolce Glow Application Mitt
Achieve a flawless glow and avoid a streaky finish by using a mitt like this one to apply self tan. Not only does a mitt ensure a seamless tan, but it also makes application easier and keeps your hands mess-free.
Expert-Approved Self Tan Tips
“When it comes to hands, feet, knees, and elbows, less is more. One of my favorite hacks is using Acqua Self-Tanning Mist or our new Dark version on these areas, especially for the hands. It leaves them so naturally looking— never streaky, never orange.”
Dolce Glow Acqua Hydrating Face Mist (Self-Tanning Water)
To achieve a flawless fake tan around tricky areas like the hands, feet, elbows and knees, Isabel suggests using this ultra-fine tanning mist for streak-free application. You can also spray it on your face for a glow that matches the rest of your body.
“Longevity starts immediately after you rinse. Pat dry — don’t rub — and moisturize daily with a lightweight, nourishing lotion.”
Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Moisturizing Body Lotion
Regularly applying this fast-absorbing body lotion infused with nourishing fatty acids, shea butter, and vitamin B is the secret to making your fake tan last.
Sunnee BAEskin BAEside Sea Sculpt Contour
Isabel says this easy-to-use contour wand is “designed to sculpt your face and body just like traditional contour.” Apply it everywhere you’d usually add contour and you’ll be left with a sculpted, no-makeup glow.
More from Isabel: “Apply under cheekbones, along the jawline, temples, or down the nose, blend with a brush or sponge, and let it develop, wear it in your makeup routine or overnight. When you wash your face, you’re left with a subtle, naturally sculpted, no-makeup-makeup glow.”
How to Remove Fake Tan
“The best way to remove old tan is to soften it first. Take a warm shower to loosen the pigment, then use an exfoliating mitt or gentle scrub to buff away residue,” advises Isabel. Focus on areas where tan tends to cling — ankles, wrists, and underarms. After exfoliating, moisturize and let your skin reset overnight before applying fresh color.”
Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Glove
Before your next round of fake tan, it’s key to fully remove the tan you already have on. This exfoliating mitt effortlessly removes dead skin and residual fake tan, leaving your skin fresh and ready for a fresh coat. It has 18,200+ 5-star reviews.
Courtesy of Dolce Glow
These are the absolute best self tanners, loved by glowing reviewers.
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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