Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best self-tanning tips?
Before you start, get all of your other beauty maintenance out of the way first. By which we mean: If you need to get a wax or a manicure, touch up your hair color, or shave your legs, do it before applying any tanner. “All of those treatments can remove self-tanner,” says spray tanner Anna Stankiewicz of Louise O’Connor Salon in New York City. Once that’s done, it’s time to prep. Self-tanner sinks into dry skin, leaving dark patches behind that look unnatural. Slough away flakes with a good body scrub—focusing on rough spots like the knees, elbows, ankles, and heels—or a cleanser with glycolic or salicylic acids to remove dead, dull skin, Stankiewicz says.
Next, choose your product and start your application. “It’s always easier to start with the legs and work your way up, and finish with your hands,” says self-tanning expert and St. Tropez brand ambassador Sophie Evans. She recommends tanning the lower leg first, from the ankle up, skimming over the knee. Then, she recommends targeting the feet with any excess product from your initial application.
Is self-tanner bad for you?
The short answer: It’s complicated. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar-based compound and the active ingredient in most self-tanners, is considered safe for topical use. However, according to a study done by ABC News, there are some concerns if you inhale or ingest DHA during spray sessions or by using spray tanner products, as DHA was approved by the FDA for external use only. A more recent review of the current research published in 2024 concluded that DHA is unlikely to be harmful in the quantities found in these products, although it might be irritating to folks with sensitive skin.
Overall, self-tanners are much better for you than UV tanning. If you want to play it safe, just take extra precautions, especially with spray-on products—namely, spray it on a mitt before applying, and you’re good to go.
What should you look for in the best self-tanners?
Look for DHA, which reacts with the amino acids on the top layer of the skin to provide a gradual color. The problem? It can be challenging to stabilize, hence the dreaded tangerine tint, cosmetic chemist Randy Schueller told Allure.
Luckily, self-tanners have come a long way, and many of today’s options leave behind natural-looking tans that are almost indistinguishable from the real deal. Common ingredients found in mousse, lotions, and spray tans are erythrulose, another sugar that stabilizes DHA, moisturizing emollients for a smooth and streak-free glide, and different forms of encapsulation technology to enhance the product’s finish and neutralize DHA’s usually pungent smell.
How long does self-tanner last?
Here’s the thing: Every self-tanner’s longevity depends on its formula and pigment intensity. A subtle, faux glow can wash down the drain in a matter of days, while a dramatic bronze may last for up to two weeks. Evans told Allure that faux tan products typically last between five to 10 days. “Your skin will naturally shed over five to 10 days, and no self-tan will last longer than ten days,” she said. Proper prep is important, too (check out our tips above for that). You’ll also want to make sure to wash with a gentle cleanser after you tan, make sure your skin is always moisturized, and avoid using products with intense actives like retinol and acne treatments, which can dissolve the color on your face or body.
How do you achieve a streak-free tan with self-tanners?
One of the golden rules of self-tanning starts with your skin-care routine, so exfoliate with the right products beforehand. Just be sure to remove any residue before proceeding, so you can start with a clean, dry, and product-free slate that’ll maximize your results. This is a crucial step because oils “could interfere with the binding of DHA to the stratum corneum” (the outer layer of your skin), according to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, leading to uneven development. While your skin should be mostly dry, spot-moisturize as needed for areas around your nostrils, knees, elbows, and ankles to keep them from turning dark or orange, Stankiewicz previously recommended.
If you’re new to applying self-tanner, experts suggest testing a lighter-toned formula first to minimize the look of potential mistakes, patches, and streaks. “Once you get used to a classic shade and wish to go darker, you will have the confidence to use the darkest formula,” Evans told Allure.
Post-application, err on the safe side when it comes to drying time. “If the directions say five minutes, wait 10,” Stankiewicz said. For extra protection, you can also brush a talc-free powder all over, which “stops the tanner from transferring to your clothes,” she adds. Finally, avoid showering or sweating for six to eight hours.
Can you put self-tanner on your face?
If it’s formulated for your face, yes—otherwise, steer clear. While self-tanners for your body and self-tanners for your face have overlapping ingredients, David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, suggests separate products for separate parts of your body. “I would not use body self-tanner on the face,” he told Allure. “It’s much more comedogenic and oily and can often break you out.”
How do you remove self-tanner?
If you’ve made an error mid-application or are ready to remove the tanner before it fades on its own, there are a few things you can do. “After the color has fully developed and your first shower has taken place, mistakes can be removed and fixed in lots of ways depending on the severity of the mistake,” Evans explained. She advises using an exfoliating mitt on wet skin to lift unwanted color when dealing with patches and streaks. You can also use a baby wipe to dab away excess or misplaced product as you’re self-tanning.
How do you get self-tanner off of your hands?
You can remove product from your hands the same way you would remove it from other parts of your body. Still, the best way to prevent temporary staining is to wash your hands immediately after using self-tanner.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but self-tanners are another story. While some can be used across different skin tones, textures, and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing self-tanning products, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new formula may provide the perfect bronzed glow, but if there’s a streaky learning curve for self-tan beginners, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our review of the best self-tanners, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts we’ve interviewed for the piece—who all have different skin tones, concerns, types, and desired outcomes (i.e., subtle versus dramatic). Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, ease of use, and value. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
About our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we can fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.allure.com
