How to Choose the Right Self Tanner Shade
Not to throw shade (pun intended), but we’ve all seen bad sunless tan jobs. In addition to the quality of the pigments in the product used, the wrong shade is often to blame for a not-so-great fake tan. Choosing the right color is crucial to get a natural-looking result and make sure your tan looks as flawless and real as a genuine sun-kissed glow — minus the UV damage, of course.
In this guide, we’re going over everything you need to know about choosing the right shade of self-tanner, whether you’re starting with fair skin or already have a beautifully bronzed base. Regardless of your current tone or what you wish to achieve, it’s crucial that you pick an outstanding self-tanner to begin with. The pigments in exceptional products tend to complement a wide range of base tones and should never turn your skin orange.
All Fake Bake products are designed for all skin tones. Fake Bake products will leave you with a gorgeous, radiant glow no matter what, but the existing tone of your skin will affect how dark each one appears. Check out these tips on how to choose the right self-tanner shade based on your natural skin.
If You Have Fair Skin and Want a Medium Glow:
If you have a fair
complexion, you want to start with the lightest option and
build your tan
up over time. The best option for this is Fake Bake Fair Gradual Self-Tan Lotion. Specifically designed for those with a lighter skin tone, this
self-tanner will help paler skin achieve a subtle, sun-kissed
glow with zero orange tones. The
Flawless Coconut Tanning Serum is also a good option for those who
desire a mid-toned glow.
If You Have Fair Skin and Want a Deep Glow:
Those with fair skin who prefer something a bit deeper can achieve a deep, dark glow without any orange using a dark-toned self-tanner. Our 60-Minutes Self-Tan Liquid and Flawless Coconut Tanning Serum are popular choices for those who want a well-developed tan and are starting off fair.
If You Have Medium-Toned Skin and Want a Medium Glow:
Starting out
with medium-toned skin means your tan is probably going to look amazing no
matter if you opt for something on the lighter
end or darker end. For the
perfect medium glow, we recommend using our
Original Self-Tan Lotion or 60-Minutes Self-Tan Liquid. These products will work with your
base tan to bring out the natural tone and leave you with a deep, radiance.
If You Have Medium-Toned Skin and Want a Deep Glow:
Those with medium skin who want to go with the darkest tan possible are great candidates for dark self-tanners, such as Double Shot Espresso. Our richest formula yet, this ultra-dark tanning lotion helps you take your tan to the next level so you look like you just stepped off the cruise ship. Even though it’s our darkest formula, it’s still designed for easy, quick use and leaves you with a vibrant glow in minutes.
If You Have Dark-Toned Skin and Want a Deeper Glow:
You’ve already got dark-toned skin — lucky you! With that said, many people with darker skin still like the added boost of self-tanner and may find that it helps beautify skin by evening it out and adding a bit of radiance. In this case, Double Shot Espresso is for you.
Test in an Inconspicuous Area
The best thing you can do to ensure that you get the best possible coloring is to test your self-tanner in an inconspicuous area. Choose a place on the body that’s close in color to the skin of the rest of your body (in other words, not on a dark or light spot), such as your inner thigh. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label to a T and allow the formula to develop completely before showering. This will give you a sneak peek before you apply the product to the rest of your body.
Try All Fake Bake Products
Finding the perfect shade is important to ensuring that you absolutely adore your tan and enjoy a deep glow without the harsh, damaging effects of the sun. With that said, remember that every Fake Bake product is designed to suit all skin types, from fair to medium and dark. The above are just suggestions to help you get that picture-perfect tone with zero splotchiness, streaks or orange undertones.