Self-Tan: The Complete Guide
A natural, sun-kissed glow does not need to involve streaks, strong smells or complicated routines. With the right prep and products, a flawless self-tan is easy to achieve at home, whether you prefer a gradual, customisable glow or a deeper, full-body colour.
Getting a Natural, Streak-Free Tan
Streaks, patchy elbows and orange tones are almost always down to preparation rather than the product itself. Dry, unexfoliated skin causes tan to grab unevenly, while damp or oily skin can dilute the formula before it develops. Our guide to common self-tanning mistakes and how to fix them covers the most frequent slip-ups, from skipping exfoliation to getting dressed before your tan has fully dried.
The good news is that a flawless finish comes down to a simple, repeatable routine: exfoliate, moisturise strategically, apply evenly, and let your tan develop properly before dressing or sleeping. See our full guide to prepping your skin for the perfect self-tan for a step-by-step breakdown.
Building Your Self-Tan Routine
A few simple steps make the difference between a streaky tan and a flawless, natural-looking glow. Here is how to build your routine, and why each step matters:
- Exfoliate - Exfoliating Body Mitt. Removes dead skin cells and smooths dry patches so your tan develops evenly, rather than clinging to rough areas like elbows, knees and ankles.
- Moisturise dry areas - Hand & Body Cream. A light layer on dry spots helps your tan glide on and last longer, while keeping the rest of your skin free of heavy product that can cause patchiness.
- Apply your tan - Either use our Tan Mousse, or mix our Tan Drops into your moisturiser or serum for a fully customisable glow, from subtle radiance to a deeper bronze, or apply for an even, full-body colour. Try our Self-Tan Drops or Self-Tan Mousse.
- Blend tricky areas - Kabuki Blending Brush. Buffs out product on hands, feet and ankles so these areas do not absorb too much and end up looking obviously darker than the rest of your skin.
Want a deeper dive into building your colour with drops? Read how to build the perfect tan with self-tan drops for tips on mixing, layering and finding your ideal shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my elbows and knees getting too dark?+
Elbows, knees, hands and feet tend to absorb more product, which can leave them looking darker than the rest of your skin. Apply a light layer of moisturiser or barrier cream to these areas before tanning, and use only the residue left on your mitt to cover them once you have tanned the rest of your body.
Can I fix tan streaks once they have developed?+
Yes. Lightly exfoliate the streaky area, then apply a small amount of tan and blend it in with a mitt or kabuki brush to even out the colour.
Are self-tan drops better than tan mousse?+
Self-tan drops offer more control than mousse, letting you build colour gradually by mixing more or fewer drops into your moisturiser or serum. Mousse is a great option for an even, full-body colour in one application. Many people use both, drops for the face and everyday radiance, mousse for a deeper, full-body tan.
Can I apply self-tan over an existing tan?+
Yes, but make sure to exfoliate and prep well first. Applying over old tan without exfoliating can lead to uneven results, so it is best to buff away any patchy areas before you reapply.