How to Fake Tan Your Face
Is Tan Bad for Your Face? Debunking Tanning's Biggest Myth
The most common question we get asked when it comes to tan is “is tan bad for your face?”. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not necessarily a skincare sin. In fact, you can achieve that sun-kissed glow without harming your face, so long as you follow a few key steps.
The secret lies in making smart choices with your tan and taking care of your skin. Firstly, opt for a high-quality tanning product, formulated for the face. Look for non-comedogenic ones, that won’t clog your pores and cause breakouts!
But hold on, there’s more to it than just picking the right product. Your everyday skincare routine and SPF are crucial for achieving an even, bronzed look. Our secret weapon? The Radiant Daily Moisturiser SPF 30. This 2-in-1 product will keep your skin hydrated while protecting you from UV and UVB rays. Plus, it’s oil-free, helping to prolong your face tan.
How to Prepare Your Face for Fake Tanning
Step 1: Choose your face tanning product
Find your new favourite fan tan with Dripping Gold. We have two face tans, specially formulated for different skin types, and with different development times. Our newest addition to the Dripping Gold range, is our Overnight Tanning Sleep Mask. This innovative formula develops into a customisable glow and deeply nourishes your skin, while you sleep. The whipped formula is packed with hydrating ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5 & E and Sunflower Seed Oil.
Our Wonder Water face mist is the perfect facial tan filter. Infused with Vitamin E, it is super hydrating and begins to develop within two hours. Choose between light-medium or medium-dark depending on what shade of tan you desire. Feeling tropical? Choose the watermelon or coconut scented option. The perfect mist spray for that sun-kissed glow.
Step 2: Prep your skin
Proper tan prep is essential to achieve that flawless glow. Before tanning, exfoliate and cleanse your face to remove all makeup. Splash your face with cold water to close your pores. Follow up with an oil-free moisturiser or pamper yourself with our Moisture Lock face mask. Aim to complete this step at least an hour before tanning to maximise your results.
Applying your Face Tan: Top Tips & Techniques
Step 1: Choose your tanning tool
We’ve tried and tested almost every tool for applying fake tan to your face. For our brand new Overnight Tanning Sleep Mask, the choice is yours! We recommend blending out with either your fingers or our Dual Ended Contour brush. Both options give a flawless blend, just remember to thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap if you apply with your fingers.
Our top choice for applying our tanning mist Wonder Water is the Mini Kabuki brush. This compact brush is ideal for precise face tan application. With dense, luxurious and anti-bacterial synthetic bristles for blending, you can be sure to get a flawless base without it going patchy!
Step 2: Apply in light, circular motions
To achieve the best face tan, simply follow our tips for a flawless application. For our Overnight Tanning Sleep Mask, simply blend the mask onto your face in light circular motions, as you would with your regular moisturiser, using either your hands or a face brush. Try to avoid your eyebrows and blend carefully around your hairline. We recommend wearing our Luxury Spa Headband to protect your hairline during application.
For our Wonder Water face tanning mist, spritz the tan onto your face and blend in light, circular motions. Focus on spraying in one area at a time and blending to avoid any product build up. Tan can build up anywhere that your skin is dry, and in areas such as around the nose and eyebrows, but this is easily avoided by following our prep steps and blending evenly.
Step 3: Get snatched
Take your face tan to the next level by going a step further and using it to contour. Contouring with face tan lets you enhance your features and create definition. Read our blog post on Fake Tan Contouring for all you need to know about sculpting your cheekbones and jawline for that naturally snatched look.
Step 4: Allow tan to develop
To get the most out of your face tan, it’s best to allow it to develop overnight. Our Sleep Mask works best when you apply it just before you go to bed, so you wake up with a radiant bronze glow!
With our Wonder Water face mist, the magic starts happening within 2 hours, and by the time 4 to 6 hours have passed, you’ll have that beautiful, fully developed tan. Feel free to adjust the timing based on how light or dark you want your tan to be.
Avoiding Patchy Fake Tan on Your Face: Proven Strategies
Say goodbye to patchy fake tan on your face with our proven strategies! First things first, exfoliate and cleanse to create that smooth canvas. Moisturise to create a protective barrier against build-up. When applying the fake tan, channel your inner artist and go for light, circular motions, blending like a pro with tanning mitts or tanning brushes. Show those eyebrows and hairline some extra love and use a cotton bud to clean up any extra product. And don’t rush it! Give your tan some drying and setting time before touching or adding any more products. With these tips, your face will be flaunting a flawless, non-patchy tan in no time. Get ready to glow!
Face Tan FAQ’s
Can you put regular body self-tanner on my face?
We don’t recommend using regular body self-tanner on your face, unless it is stated on the packaging that it is safe to do so, as it can be harmful to your delicate facial skin. Facial skin is more sensitive and requires specialised formulas designed specifically for the face to avoid potential irritation and damage. Our Luxury Tanning Serum is designed for use on both your body and face.
Will fake tan clog my pores?
Fake tan should not clog your pores if you properly prepare your skin beforehand by exfoliating, cleansing and moisturising. Also try to use non-comedogenic tanning products.
How do I remove face tan?
To remove face tan, regular washing of your skin will gradually fade the tan evenly. However, avoid using tan removal products, designed for the body, on your face as they can be too harsh. Oil-based cleansers are fantastic for breaking down fake tan. If you are struggling to remove fake tan from your body, or if you just quickly need a fresh start, we’ve got a few tips and tricks that’ll help!
Find your fave face tan today
Whether your skin is slightly dry and in need of a moisture boost, or if you just want that extra “treat yourself” spa like moment, our Overnight Tanning Sleep Mask is perfect for you. Our Wonder Water is perfect for achieving a filtered appearance quickly, for any skin type. It’s ideal for spraying on in the morning before your makeup application, or before you go to bed. Both of our face tans are perfect for giving a natural bronze to this skin for makeup-free days or creating the perfect makeup base.
Happy Tanning!
Love,
SOSU Cosmetics x
