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Beauty
“I’m a beauty editor who fake tans regularly – here’s how to tan your hands and feet like a pro”
10 months ago
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3 min read
Want a natural-looking tan without the harmful UV rays? Follow these top tips for a foolproof fake tan…
As a beauty journalist and year-round fake tanner, I consider myself something of an expert when it comes to tanning. From the best fake tan for a natural glow to the glow-giving products to give you an instant bronze, when it comes to tanning formulas, I’ve tried them all.
I won’t lie; I’ve also had one too many fake tan mishaps. From orange hands to patchy elbows, fake tanning isn’t always easy, and achieving the best natural-looking tan takes time, preparation and some need-to-know application tips.
Over the years, I’ve spoken to countless celebrity fake tanning experts and tried and tested hundreds of application techniques, all of which means I’m now confident in saying I’ve discovered a foolproof method of fake tanning your hands and feet like a pro. Here’s how you do it…
Step one: moisturise
Ask any tanning expert and they’ll tell you to moisturise any dry areas before fake tanning. These areas include the hands, feet, elbows, knees and ankles. Spend some time to really rub your moisturiser into all the nooks and crannies – your knuckles, between your fingers and toes, and around the back of your ankles. This will stop the tan from clinging to these notoriously dry areas.
Step two: use a brush
When I discovered tanning with brushes, my whole fake tan game changed. You can use a specific tanning brush (these are usually fluffy kabuki brushes) or any clean, fluffy make-up brush you have to hand.
After using a mitt to apply fake tan to the rest of your body, take your tanning brush and buff the formula into the areas you’d moisturised pre-tanning (hands, feet, elbows, knees and ankles). You don’t need to apply more tan directly; instead, use the excess that’s left on the mitt to sweep over the area and buff in place with the brush. The more buffing, the better – so just keep on going.
Step three: re-moisturise
For the final step – it’s time to moisturise the area again. This is something that I don’t think many people do, but trust me, it makes all the difference. Applying a small amount of moisturiser back over those pesky areas and rubbing it in helps the fake tan to dilute slightly and blend seamlessly. Leave your tan to develop over four to eight hours, et voila! Your tan will look flawless.
Fake tan essentials
Iconic London Tan and Buff Brush
While you don’t need to buy a tan-specific brush (any fluffy make-up brush will do), if you’re going to buy a dedicated brush, this is one of the best. It’s soft, fluffy and manages to blend those nooks and crannies like a pro.
Bare By Vogue Luxury Tanning Mitt
There’s nothing worse than starting your fake tan routine only to realise that your cheap mitt has broken and your hands are now saturated in tan. This Bare By Vogue tanning mitt is strong, durable and has never failed me once.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Hydrating Body Lotion
While you don’t have to use a specific kind of moisturiser, I tend to steer clear of any oily formulas or those with exfoliating acids as they can work to break down your tan, leaving you with a patchy result. Simple is best, and I love the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Hydrating Body Lotion.
Shop Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Hydrating Body Lotion at Lookfantastic, £27
Tanologist Tinted Mousse in Medium
Whether you’re a lotion, spray, drops or mousse tanner, this application technique works for all. If you’re new to tanning, I recommend using a tinted mousse as they’re easiest to apply. Tanologist’s Tinted Mousse has a guide colour so that you can see where you’ve already tanned and the formula is lightweight and easy to blend.
Shop Tanologist Tinted Mousse - Medium at Lookfantastic, £15.99
Images: Getty; courtesy of brands
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