Can I Use Fake Tan On My Face?

As a general rule, you should use a separate tanner for your face. Most fake tans will specifically say that you should use them on the face, and that's because the skin on your face is more sensitive and vulnerable than the rest of your body.

Luckily, though, there are loads of fake tanners for the face out there. One of the best options is probably a tinted moisturizer with a gradual tan in it - use the moisturizer every day until you reach the desired color, then use once every 2-3 days to maintain your tan. These formulas are usually very gentle and you can even buy them for oily skin and sensitive skin, so they won't cause irritation. Another option is a long-lasting tanner. These typically come in the form of a gel that you apply to the face just like a moisturizer, leave to sink in, then apply moisturizer and makeup as usual. One thing you'll need to keep in mind with a facial tanner is that you need to blend it down into your neck as otherwise you'll be left with a tan tide mark. Not pretty!

Applying Fake Tan

Applying fake tan is easy peasy. You just need to do a little bit of preparation beforehand, but even if you don't, if you choose the right formula your tan will probably still look great. Most experts agree that for the very best tan with the very best colour - that lasts the longest - you need to thoroughly exfoliate the skin before applying the tanner. Use something like a salt scrub on the body and a mild exfoliator on the face, paying particular attention to dry areas of the body like the elbows, ankles and feet. Wash off, then dry skin thoroughly. Contrary to what you might think, you shouldn't moisturize skin before tanning as this creates a bit of a protective barrier, meaning that the tan won't "set" properly. 

For a streak-free finish, you should always use a fake tan mitt to apply your chosen formula. It reduces streaks and also keeps your hands tan-free, which means that you won't end up with brown palms.

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Skip over the elbows and knees - for example, if you're going to apply two "coats", just apply one to your elbows and knees as these areas tend to soak in more color, leaving you looking like you've been kneeling in the mud. Once you've applied the tan, blend it into your neck (or into your facial tanner if you've used one), then leave to dry completely. To maintain your tan, use moisturizer every day - it'll help to prevent "shedding" and will keep skin smooth and gorgeously golden.