Quick Fixes For Fake Tan Flops
You may think you've mastered the art of self-tanning, but mistakes can happen to everyone. From orange streaks to awkward stains, we've all experienced a self-tanning crisis at some point or another. They're unfortunate, but the good news is: they're not permanent.
That said, fake tan disasters can be a real nightmare when you've got a big event coming up, like your sister's wedding or a first date.
Here are some fast and easy fixes for fake tan mishaps you might want to try the next time your self-tanning session doesn't turn out the way you expected.
When You've Applied Too Much Self-Tanner
The Fix: Exfoliation
It's easy to go a little overboard when it comes to getting glowy. After all, you want to make sure you end up with that sunkissed tan you seek -- and that it looks noticeable. Trouble is, fake tanning products take a while to develop. But when they do develop, and you've applied too much product, it's easy for things to look a little OTT.
If you don't want to look like a Cheeto for the next few days, grab yourself our Moon Rocks Body Scrub and gently buff that pigment away. Avoid over-scrubbing your skin which can result in irritation, sensitivity, and patchiness.
To tone down the scrub, add a drop of our Blueberry Kush Body Oil. Massage the mixture into your skin until you reach your desired level of glow.
When You See Arm Stripes
The Fix: Makeup Removal Wipes + Self-Tan Remover
Always have makeup removal wipes and self-tan remover on hand when you spot tan stripes and darker patches on your arms.
Simply pump the self-tan remover onto your makeup wipe, and sweep it over the stripes and darker areas. This will remove the bronzer and minimize the appearance of darker areas and streaks.
When You See Patches
The Fix: Glycolic Acid
"If your tan has developed a bit patchy and needs a quick fix, grab a product made with glycolic acid," advises Isle of Paradise founder Jules Von Hep. "Glycolic acid helps to strip your tan without harming your skin."
Glycolic acid is an exfoliating ingredient that can help safely fade old or patchy tans. You'll find it in a range of skincare products including cleansers, serums, and lotions. It's a great self- or spray tan solution if things go sideways.
First shower, then apply one of our glycolic acid formulas like our Mary Jane Glow Exfoliating Mask or CBD Jelly Toning Solution. Repeat the process until you see your patches disappear.
When You've Missed an Area
The Fix: Spot Touch-Up
We've all been there. Just when you're ready to take a look at the end result, you notice you've missed a spot -- or several. Luckily, you can fix it!
According to tanning pro Katie Quinn, it's best to spot touch-up small areas.
"For small spots caused by water drops, use a Q-Tip or cotton ball to transfer product on, while blending the borders into the tanned skin," says Quinn. "If you’re in a big hurry and you don’t have time for the attention to detail that self-tanner can require, bronzing powder can be a great temporary quick fix!"
For larger areas, she recommends using your hands to blend self-tanner into the pale spots -- and blend!
When Your Hands are Darker than Everywhere Else
The Fix: Buff them
Hands are prone to absorbing excess product, which is why they tend to develop darker than the rest of your body.
So what can you do about it? According to the experts, the best way to deal with dark hands is by buffing the palms of your hands, between your fingers, and around the fingernails. You can also prevent it from happening in the first place by applying a small amount of moisturizer to your hands immediately after applying your self-tanner.
If your wrists begin to darken faster than the rest of your body, rub a wash cloth in between your wrists to remove excess tanner.
When You've Got Streaks
The Fix: Scrub them Away
Streaking is a common self-tanning mishap. If you're super streaky after your tanning session, fix them by using a gentle exfoliator on the areas where there's too much pigment.
To swerve streaks in the first place, make sure you're prepping your skin properly -- by exfoliating and applying your tanning mousse or lotion properly. Some people use a mitt to make things easier, but you can also use your hands. It's also a good idea to let the product absorb fully before getting dressed. When you do get dressed, be sure to wear loose fitting clothing to avoid streaks and tan lines.
When Your Tan Fades Unevenly
The Fix: Moisturize
If you've made it through the self-tanning process without a streak in sight, congratulations! No, but seriously, we're major proud! That said, you may still experience uneven tan fading -- it happens to the best of us.
To maintain a gorgeous, glowing tan, you'll need an aftercare routine to prevent it from fading at an uneven rate. And the way to do that is by keeping your skin hydrated. Apply a nourishing, oil-free body lotion every day. Oils break down the dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in sunless tanning products.
Other great ways to maintain an even tan is by using a hydrating body wash every time you shower, wearing sunscreen daily, and showering in warm water instead of hot. You can also use tan extender products to prolong your tan and keep it looking fresh.
Whether you're getting an airbrush or spray tan appointment, or you're just doing it yourself, follow these tan tips to keep your tan looking fresh, neat, and flawless.
Factors that can affect a fake tan include getting a wax, wearing deodorant, or visiting a steam room too soon after tanning; and applying product to chronically dry skin.
There are fixed for fake tan flops, but it's far easier to avoid making these mistakes in the first place. Prevention is better than cure -- and all that!
