Over the past 15 years, self-tanning products have become a staple for people wanting to kick-start their summer, maintain a year-round glow, or who simply have a special occasion looming.

 Once upon a time, the shortcut to a sun-kissed glow involved basting oneself in oil and baking under the sun’s harsh rays for however long it took. Then, in the 1980s, came the popularisation of sunbeds. The light-filled capsules most commonly emit ultra-violet (UV) rays in a manner that mimics sunlight. Unsurprisingly, both methods were proven to increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

While oiled-up tanning and sunbeds both get the job done, for many New Zealanders, signing up for sun damage isn’t worth the risk in a country that’s already exposed to fiercely strong UV rays.

Cue the turn-of-the-Millennium fake tan boom. Paris Hilton became the poster girl for the special kind of orange that defined the era, and countless brands released beauty products offering the It Girl’s look. While the Oompa Loompa tans of 2002 have faded, the desire for a healthy, bronzed glow hasn’t.

Navigating the many tanning products on the market can be overwhelming at the best of times, particularly as a beginner. If this is you, don’t worry. The Bargain Chemist team has your back! Read on for our comprehensive guide to fake tanning and the makeup products that make it possible.

 

How does fake tan work?

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the most common colour additive used in store-bought self-tanning products. When tan containing DHA is applied to the body, the DHA chemically reacts with the top layer of skin, temporarily darkening it and creating a “tanned” look that can last anywhere from three to seven days.

DHA is currently the only active ingredient approved by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration for artificial tanning, which has resulted in it being widely used by brands across the globe.

 

Types of fake tan

• Lotions– As the name implies, tanning lotions are similar in consistency to body lotions. The bronze lotions commonly come in squirt bottles and are rubbed onto the skin using a tanning mitt.
• Foam products– Tanning foams are sold in bottles that have foaming pumps attached. Foams are popular because they’re one of the easiest products to use (and require a little less muscle to rub in!).
• Professional spray tanning– Professional spray tanning is commonly carried out at a beauty salon. A technician will apply a tanning mist to desired parts of your body using a spray or airbrush gun. Some salons also have tanning booths where the mist is automatically sprayed out of several different nozzles.
• At-home mists– DIY tanning mists are almost fool-proof (as long as you read the instructions). Hold the aerosol can 30cm from the skin then spray away. Leave the mist to dry, and whatever you do, don’t rub the product in. Remember: less is more.
• Gradual tanning products– Tanning moisturisers and milks are an awesome option for people worried about committing to a full-noise tan right off the mark. Products in this category, which moisturise the skin and build your tan at the same time, can be used as needed.
• Natural products– A growing interest in clean beauty has led to major innovations in the world of fake tan. One such example is clean beauty brand Eco Tan, which created the first Australian tanning products to be certified organic. Its range of self-tanning products are vegan, cruelty-free and only utilise natural ingredients, making them a great option for people who are sensitive to chemicals, have an interest in natural products, or are simply looking to try something new.
• Choosing the right shade– When it comes to choosing which shade of tan is right for you, remember—people who burn in the sun should stick with lighter shades, while those who naturally tan in the sun should opt for medium to dark shades.

 

A step-by-step guide to applying fake tan

 Step 1 – Preparation is key

As tempting as it is to slip, slop, slap as you would with your sunscreen, the application of self-tanning products requires a little more patience. To put yourself in the best position to achieve an even tan all over, it’s important to exfoliate the skin before you even touch that shiny bottle of liquid gold. If you don’t exfoliate, dead skin cells can linger, leaving you with a patchy tan.

Once the skin has been exfoliated, leave it. This will give you the best shot at a streak-free tan that will go the distance. The only parts of the body that do call for a very small amount of moisturiser are the ankles, knees, and elbows, where if left dry, a disproportionate amount of tan could be absorbed into the skin.

If you need to wax or shave any body parts before applying the tan, be sure to do this at least 24 hours beforehand, to ensure the tiny wounds left after hair removal has had a chance to heal.

Recommended products:

• Bondi Sands Exfoliating Mitt
• Eco Tan Extreme Exfoliant Glove

 

Step 2 – Applying fake tan to the body

Finding a spot in the house with good lighting and a mirror will allow you to check the tan is going on evenly. Apply the product directly onto a tanning mitt to avoid the dreaded “tan hands” look before rubbing it onto skin in smooth sweeping motions.

If you’re lucky enough to have someone handy to tan your back, that’s brilliant! But if not, an assortment of back applicators is available to help you tan those hard-to-reach places. Start in the middle of your back and move outward, until all skin has been covered.

Recommended products:

• LE Tan 2-in-1 Back Application Mitt
• Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Mitt

 

Step 3 – Tanning hands and feet

If tanning your hands and feet is a major pain point, you’re not alone! Some industry experts and makeup artists recommend foregoing the mitt altogether and opting instead for a flat head makeup brush to achieve a flawless finish across your fingers and toes. Using a makeup brush allows you to buff between your digits. Focus on the top of your hands and feet where the sun would naturally hit them and peter out as you move closer to your palms and soles.

Another option is to use a tanning mist for these areas (as opposed to the more traditional lotions and foams).

Recommended products:

• Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Mist

 

Step 4 – How to tan your face

Tanning your face comes with a whole other set of rules. First things first: you should always check if a product is safe to use on your face—and where possible—buy products specifically made for that area.

To prepare the skin, lightly moisturise any dry areas (as you do for the knees, elbows, and ankles). Once the moisturiser has soaked in, follow the application instructions listed on your product of choice, and if in doubt, opt for a tan which is a shade lighter than you think you need.

Recommended products:

• Bondi Sands Gradual Tan Face
• Eco Tan Face Tan Water

 

Step 5 – Let your tan develop, then wash it off

How long you leave your tan to develop will depend on how dark you’d like it to be. Most products advise leaving them on the skin for one to eight hours (for the best outcome, follow the instructions on your product of choice). You should wear loose-fitting clothes while the tan develops to avoid undoing all your hard work.

When you’re ready to remove the excess product, simply jump in the shower and watch it sail down the drain. There’s no need to “wash” or rub the skin at this point, nor is there any reason for you to be reaching for a razor (this will quite literally remove the tan). Pat the skin dry when you get out of the shower and be sure to hold off moisturising the skin for 24 hours after tanning.

How long will my tan last?

Exactly how long your tan lasts will depend on several variables, such as how long you left it to develop and whether you’ve shaved the area since tanning. With all these things considered, most tanning products will stay on the skin anywhere from 3 to 7 days.

The exceptions to this rule are one-day products, which are designed to be washed off the skin at the end of the day—an ideal product for one-off events!

 

Tanning while pregnant

Tanning lotions and foams are safe to use during pregnancy because they only affect the outer layer of the skin. However, in an interview with Essential Baby, Dr Joseph Sgroi (obstetrician and spokesperson for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists), did however state that spray tans should be avoided.

It is also advised that pregnant women cover their nose, mouth and eyes while tanning to prevent themselves from inhaling any product.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should always carry out a patch test when trying new products and consult a doctor if they have any concerns regarding the use of self-tanning products.

 

Applying tan to sensitive skin

People with sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema should also perform a small patch test before using a new product, to ensure it doesn’t cause any kind of reaction or irritation.

 

Great tanning accessories at great prices

The top New Zealand owned discount pharmacy in Wellington and throughout New Zealand, Bargain Chemist stocks a huge range of quality tanning products, including Eco Tan, Bondi Sands, Natio, and much more! Find our nearest location or buy beauty products online today to get your skin tone right for summer!