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Whether you’re doing Europe summer this year or not, you might be keen on a holiday glow — even if you’re darker-skinned already.
“Tanning isn’t just for those with fair skin to appear more sunkissed,” says Sophie Howe, Beauty Editor at e-tailer The Iconic. “It’s also a great way to even out any skin tone and to give your skin a healthy-looking glow.”
That said, to achieve this, Howe advises you only go down the self-tanning route and, when you’re out in the sun, you ensure your skin is always well protected. Just to help you understand the importance of doing this, Howe points out that the Melanoma Institute of Australia predicts 16,800 Australians will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2023.
“You can’t undo sun damage, and sun exposure can be deadly,” she says. “We have so much access to great sunscreens and self-tanners, and we should definitely make the most of them.”
So, what’s the best way to apply self-tanner? Howe says the key to making it look natural is all in the skin prep. She suggests you use a dry brush on your skin before you get into the shower to help exfoliate any dry skin. Then, once in the shower, use an exfoliating body scrub and mitt before shaving any areas of your body as usually would. When you’re out of the shower and dried off, cover your whole body in a light layer of moisturiser.
“I’ve found that getting your exfoliation and any hair removal done the day before tanning is best to avoid having your tan seep into your pores,” she says. “Some days, this isn’t always possible, but I would recommend waiting an hour after your shower and after lightly moisturising to give your pores a chance to get back to normal.”
When it’s time to tan, Howes says to make sure you double down with the moisturiser on any joints or drier areas of your skin, especially your knees, elbows, hands and feet, as tanner can sometimes cling to these areas, which tends to give away a fake tan. This’ll also help give you the best chance at a flawless finish.
“Pump some tan onto your mitt and begin applying it in long, sweeping motions,” she says. “Work in sections and make sure all of the tan is evenly buffed into your skin before moving on to the next section. Leave your hands, feet, elbows and knees until last – without adding more tan onto the mitt and using only what’s left on it, which you’ll gently work into the skin.”
Once the tan is fully applied, wait until it’s completely dry before putting on loose, dark clothing and waiting until it develops, she says.
“When it comes to tanning your face, I recommend mixing a few tanning drops into your daily moisturiser and applying it as usual, blending it down your jaw and into your neck,” Howe says.
“This method gives your face a warm glow and is building. I’ve found that it avoids the fright you can give yourself when you wake up the morning after tanning and realise it’s developed just a little too much, and now your makeup doesn’t match your complexion.”
Ahead, Howe shares the best products she recommends to fake a Euro summer tan. For those already with darker skin, who are looking for more of an even skin tone and a glow, she suggests using Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse Dark 120ml ($34.95), Loving Tan Deluxe Gradual Tan Dark 150ml ($29.95), Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam – Dark ($44.90)and Bronzing Face Drops – Dark Tan ($39.90).
TAN-LUXE Hydra-Mousse Medium 200ml ($57)
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops – Medium Glow ($39)
Loving Tan Deluxe Tan Remover 200ml ($39.95)
Loving Tan Easy to Reach Back Applicator ($24.95)
