The festive season is here—think parties, endless photo ops, and celebrations that keep the vibes alive well past midnight. But while the celebrations might fade, your tan shouldn’t. Whether you’re flaunting a golden glow in your sequin dress or just want to look radiant in your PJs on Christmas morning, follow these pro tips to ensure your fake tan stays flawless from the first festive cheers to the last sparkle of New Year’s fireworks
1. Prep like a pro
Tan prep is where the magic happens. Its incredibly underrated, but I am here to tell you, flawless results start with taking the time to prep for your tan properly.
- Exfoliate: Buff away all dead skin cells 24hrs before tanning to give yourself a fresh even base for your fake tan to be applied to. Our preferred method that gives the best results is an exfoliating mitt.
- Hair removal: Time your hair removal perfectly. Depending on what method you chose will depend how soon you can tan. Prefer shaving? Make sure to do this 24 hours before tanning. Prefer waxing? Make sure to do this 48 hours or more before tanning. Don't shave? Skip this step.
- Make sure tanning is your final step on your list of beauty self care. Other treatments can impact how your tan looks and lasts.
- Remove all deodorant, moisturise and perfume before tanning. A quick cold shower before tanning will help remove the residue from your skin.
- Invest in a tan remover + primer to aid in skin prep
2. Know your products
Ensuring your skin barrier is at its best is going to ensure your tan stands the test of time (up to 10 days)
- Avoid these ingredients: Sodium Laurel Sulphate or Sodium Laureyth Sulphate (SLS), Mineral oil, Paraffinum liquidum, Petrolatum, Alcohol, fragrance, Phthalates.
- Your haircare, body wash, moisturiser and anything you use on your body can make or break your fake tan. We recommend Bella Bronze Tans bodycare and Natural Look for Haircare
- Choose your fake tan wisely—not all formulas are created equal. Low-quality products can lead to patchiness or fading too soon. Our tans are crafted with premium, hydrating ingredients to ensure a flawless, long-lasting glow.
3. Hydrate Baby!
Your skin loves hydration and so does your tan.
- Drink your recommend water intake. It's tough, but with this crazy hot weather and many reasons for a long lasting tan, water will be your best friend.
- Add hydration by moisturising your skin at least once a day after tanning. Be mindful to wait 24 hours after your first rinse before your begin to moisturise.
- Boost your glow and hydration with a gradual tanner—an all-in-one secret weapon for tan longevity. It helps maintain colour intensity and keeps your tan looking fresh and flawless.
4. Precision application
- Use a tanning mitt for an even application—your hands will thank you! and you won't have to spend double the time blending
- Work in sections, starting with your legs and working upwards to avoid streaks.
- Blend thoroughly around tricky areas like wrists, knuckles, and feet. I prefer to use a kabuki brush.
- Use a Face Tan Mist on your face, hands and feet for a soft even wash of colour - you don't want these body parts to be too dark and it's a perfect product to top up the tan in these areas.
5. Things to avoid
- Skip the chlorine - I know it sounds great with the warmer weather, but skipping the pool will keep your tan looking hot af for longer
- Pat dry - Rubbing acts as an exfoliant
- Hot showers/baths - it can strip your tan and cause it to fade faster
- Long baths or showers
- Tight clothes - Avoid tight, restrictive clothing right after applying your tan. It can cause uneven marks or rub off your tan in certain areas.
- Excessive sweating - Heavy sweating, especially during exercise, can cause the tan to break down or fade unevenly.
- All the listed ingredients in section 2
6. Top It Up
When your tan starts to fade, don’t panic. A quick touch-up with a gradual tanner will keep you looking radiant.
With all these tan tips, you can get up to two weeks out of your fake tan, meaning you can avoid the dreaded back to back tanning
A perfect fake tan is your secret weapon for confidence this festive season. With the right prep, care, and a bit of know-how, your glow will outshine even the wildest holiday parties. So, own those selfies, sip your champagne, and let your tan steal the spotlight wherever you go.