by liz, founderThe forensics of a bad fake tan are always the same three places: knuckles, ankle creases, heels. They are the driest skin on the body, so they grab the most product and develop the darkest — the opposite of real sun, which browns them least. Believability is won and lost in the details.
the leftover rule
Finish the body first, then do hands and feet with only what remains on the mitt. That residue is exactly the right amount. Fresh product on a hand is how amber knuckles happen.
hands
Moisturise knuckles and between fingers first. Then make a loose claw — fingers spread, knuckles bent — and sweep the used mitt over the back of the hand and down each finger. The claw stretches the crease skin flat so colour cannot pool in the folds. Wipe nails and palms with a damp cloth immediately.
feet and ankles
Moisturise heels, ankle bones and toes, then sweep the leftover mitt from the shin over the ankle and across the top of the foot in one motion — continuing the leg’s gradient rather than treating the foot as a separate job. Skip the sole entirely and wipe the outside edge of the foot after.
quick answers
How do you tan your hands without orange knuckles?+
Moisturise the knuckles first, use only the leftover product on the mitt after the body is done, apply with your hand in a loose claw so creases stay flat, and wipe nails and palms straight after.
Why do my ankles go darker than my legs?+
Ankle skin is thicker and drier, so it absorbs more DHA. A layer of moisturiser on the ankle bones and heels before tanning evens out the absorption.
