The Ultimate Guide to Achieving a Natural-Looking Tan at Home

Are you dreaming of a sun-kissed glow without harmful UV exposure? With the right self-tanning products and techniques, a natural-looking tan at home is totally achievable. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get a streak-free, flawless finish every time.

Prep Your Skin

Exfoliate for a Smooth Canvas

Start with a clean slate by exfoliating your skin 24 hours before applying self-tanner. This removes dead skin cells and ensures an even application. Pay extra attention to dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles. If you want to shave before tanning, ensure that you do it 24 hours before you tan, this will prevent the tan getting into hair pores and creating small dots on your legs.

Before and After using Lucy Bee Self-Tan Mousse

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Moisturised skin helps your tan last longer and prevents patchiness. Use a moisturiser before application, especially on dry areas.

 

Get Ready to Tan

Choose the Right Product

Benefits of Our Self-Tan Mousse

Our Naturally Glowing Fake Tan Mousse is perfect for achieving a golden glow.

• Develops in 2 hours for a medium tan, leave on for 6 hours or longer for a darker tan
• Natural DHA works with your skin tone to give an all-over, natural glow
• Colour guide ensures even and streak-free application and coverage
• Quick-dry formula and no sticky feeling
• No unpleasant fake tan smell
• Coconut water to nourish and hydrate skin
• Dermatologically approved for sensitive skin
• Certified Cruelty Free and Vegan 
• 100% Palm Oil Free

Benefits of Our Self-Tan Drops

If you prefer customising your tan, our Natural Fake Tanning Drops blend seamlessly into your skincare routine.

• Develops in 2-4 hours with full colour achieved in 6 hours
• Fast drying and no streaking 
• No unpleasant fake tan smell
• Be in control of your tan, the more drops the darker the tan 
• Natural DHA works with your skin tone 
• Coconut water to nourish and hydrate the skin 
• Orange and rose flower waters to soothe and calm 
• Aloe vera to moisturise, condition, soften and soothe the skin
• Certified Cruelty Free and Vegan 
• 100% Palm Oil Free

Application Tips for a Streak-Free Finish

Use a tanning mitt to apply the mousse in circular motions. For Self-Tan Drops, mix desired number drops with your daily moisturiser and apply evenly. Always wash your hands thoroughly after applying.

Tanning Your Face

Use either the tanning mitt or kabuki brush to apply self-tan mousse to face, use half to one pump maximum for the face. 

Ensure that you apply the tan all the way up to the hairline.

Make sure you sweep remaining tan over ears, this includes the backs of your ears.

If you have light hair, consider applying a small barrier to the hairline and eyebrows to prevent staining. Our Coconut Oil works well for this.

Alternatively, you can use the Self-Tan Drops for a sun-kissed tan for your face.

Tanning Your Torso, Back and Arms

If you have nobody to help tan your back, find yourself a long object (we suggest a wooden spoon), place the mitt over the top and secure with a hairband.

For arms and hands, first apply a little moisturiser to your elbows. In a sweeping or circular motion apply tan from the tops of your arms towards the hands. Use excess tan on the mitt for elbows and hands to avoid build up in any creases. 

For hands, ensure you open up your fingers and also create a claw with your hand to cover creases on fingers. 

For underarms, be sure to use only excess tan on the mitt, gently blend into the armpit area. Avoid wearing any deodorant or perfume when applying and whilst the tan develops, this will help to achieve a streak-free finish.

Tip: if tan gets on your nails, use the Exfoliating Tonic to remove it, alternatively use a tan remover to avoid staining. 

If you are breastfeeding, ensure the tan is fully developed if applying to the breast area. 

 

Tanning Your Legs

Apply a small amount of moisturiser to knees, heels and dry areas on feet before tanning.

Gently go over your knees with minimal tan on your mitt to avoid build up.

For feet and ankles, apply tan from the lower leg upwards with gentle strokes. Use any remaining tan on the mitt to tan feet and ankles. Take your time with it and don't rush. Be sure to gently cover ankles, and heels to ensure an even coverage. 

 

Let It Develop and Maintain

Allow your tan to develop over 6-8 hours. For best results, avoid water, sweat, and tight clothing during this time. To maintain your tan, moisturise daily and exfoliate lightly every few days.

Bonus Tips for a Professional Finish

• Tan before bed for an overnight glow.
• Use a kabuki brush to blend tan on hands, feet and face.
  
• Avoid using deodorant or perfume immediately after tanning.

 

FAQs

How long does a self-tan last?

Generally, it will last about 5 days, but It really depends on a number of things, such as: your exfoliating routine; your skin type; and your individual cellular renewal – the older you are, the longer the cell turnover.

Can I shave before tanning?

Yes, but shave 24 hours beforehand to avoid irritation and tan going into hair follicles 

Can I apply makeup after tanning?

Wait until the tan is fully developed, then apply makeup as usual.

What is DHA?

DHA is the standard self-tanning agent for all types of cosmetic products and has been the most common active agent used over the past 70 years. It is a solely natural reaction of DHA with the amines, peptides and free amino acids in a Maillard reaction (independent of UV rays) – this means it reacts with the top layer of the skin to tan. The benefit of using tanning drops and mousse is that you can achieve a sun-kissed glow without damaging your skin with harmful UV rays.

Is the DHA used in the tanning drops and tanning mousse natural or synthetic?

We can confirm that the DHA used in our tanning products is 100% natural.

Self-tanning versus natural tanning?
When you sunbathe, UV rays cause the skin to increase its production of the protective pigment melanin, which manifests itself as a tan. Tan is actually a sign of skin cell damage, which can increase the risk of skin cancer and accelerate skin ageing. Using a self-tanner is always a safer option than traditional sun tanning as it can give your skin a tanned look without exposing it to harmful ultraviolet rays. 

For more FAQ read here

With these tips, you’ll achieve a radiant, natural-looking tan at home in no time!

Any questions? Comment below and we can help answer them. 

Get your glow on and shop the Lucy Bee Self-Tan Range here