A Beginner’s Guide To Sunless Tanning-Part 1: Prep & Products
Whether you're preparing for a tropical vacation, a photoshoot, or just want to elevate your everyday glow, we will walk you through sunless tanning essentials for beginners. Welcome to the flawless self-tan guide.
Prepping Your Skin For The Perfect Self-Tan
A flawless, sunless tan begins before a self-tanner touches your skin. Prepping your skin properly ensures a smooth, natural-looking sunless tan that lasts. Here's how to prep your skin like a pro:
Exfoliate Thoroughly
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Use a gentle exfoliator or dry brush 24 hours before application.
Fake Bake In The Buff Exfoliating Mitt
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Focus on rough or dry patches like elbows, knees, ankles, and the backs of arms.
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Avoid oily scrubs—they leave residue that can interfere with tanning absorption.
Hair Removal Timing
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If you are shaving or waxing, do it 24 hours before your self-tan. This gives your skin time to calm down and your pores time to close. It will also prevent product from settling in your pores which can give your self-tan an uneven appearance.
Moisturize Strategically
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Apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to dry spots: knuckles, knees, elbows, ankles.
Fake Bake Mistifier Oil-Free Moisturizer
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Skip full-body moisturizing immediately before application unless the product specifically allows it.
Understanding Types Of Sunless Tanning Products
Fake Bake offers a large range of self-tanning options to suit every skin type, application preferences, and lifestyle needs. Let’s break them down:
Self-Tan Liquids & Sprays
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Best For: Quick applications and hard-to-reach areas (like the back).
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Why Choose It: Spray formulas offer a lightweight mist that creates an even layer of tan without needing to rub it in extensively.
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Pro Tip: Use in a well-ventilated area. Stand on a towel or mat to avoid staining floors, and use circular motions for consistent coverage.
Fake Bake Continuous Mist Spray Bottle for Airbrush Tan
Self-Tan Lotions
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Best For: Those who prefer control and hydration during application.
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Why Choose It: Lotions are rich, buildable, and often provide added skin-conditioning benefits.
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Pro Tip: Apply in sections, blending as you go. Pay attention to ankles, knees, and wrists—these are giveaway areas if not properly blended.
Self-Tan Mousses
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Best For: First-time users and fast-dry fans.
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Why Choose It: Mousses are lightweight, fast-absorbing, and easy to spread evenly with a mitt.
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Pro Tip: Use long, sweeping motions. The texture allows for quick blending, making it harder to over-apply.
Still not sure which to choose? Several of our bestsellers are included in our discounted self-tanning kits. Try a sample set to experiment with different consistencies and results.
Proper skincare prep is essential to ensure even application and long-lasting color. Next, choose the right self-tanner for your skin tone and experience level. This careful prep sets the foundation for a streak-free, naturally radiant tan.
Ready to glow? Explore Fake Bake’s full lineup of expert-formulated self-tanners designed to work with your skin tone and lifestyle. In our next post, we will get into detail about application and maintenance for your sunless tan.