by liz, founderEvery streak, patch and orange knee you have ever seen was decided before the tan went on. Self tan develops on the outermost layer of your skin — so if that layer is dry, flaky or uneven, the colour will be too. The good news: prep is simple, and it is the same routine every single time.
twenty-four hours before: exfoliate
Buff your whole body with an exfoliating mitt in the shower, focusing on the spots where skin is thickest — knees, elbows, ankles and heels. This removes dead skin and the last of your previous tan so the new application develops evenly. Do it the day before, not the day of: freshly exfoliated skin needs about 24 hours for its natural oils to settle.
on the day: moisturise the dry zones only
Right before you apply, rub a small amount of moisturiser into knees, elbows, ankles and the tops of your feet — and nowhere else. These areas are naturally drier and absorb more product, which is why they turn darker. A thin barrier of moisturiser evens out the absorption.
always the mitt
Pump the mousse onto a velvet applicator mitt, never straight onto your skin, and sweep upwards in long strokes. The mitt buffs the product into an even veil and keeps your palms clean. Go lightest over the joints — whatever lands there will develop deeper than everywhere else.
That is the whole science of it. Exfoliate the day before, moisturise the dry zones, apply with a mitt. Do those three things and even the deepest shade in the range will develop clean and even.
quick answers
Should I exfoliate the same day I self tan?+
No — exfoliate 24 hours before. Freshly exfoliated skin needs about a day for its natural oils to settle; tanning immediately after can develop patchy.
Do I moisturise before applying self tan?+
Only on the dry zones: knees, elbows, ankles and the tops of your feet. A full-body layer of moisturiser dilutes the tan; bare dry patches grab too much of it.
Can I apply self tan mousse without a mitt?+
You can, but you shouldn't — bare hands leave finger marks and stained palms. A velvet mitt buffs the mousse into an even veil and keeps your hands clean.
