Updated: 14/7/26
Hi, I've been fake tanning for a long time now, and I can tell you I've had some epic fails.
- Patchy elbows and knees, yes!
- Orange hands, yes!
- Tan rubbed off where my legs had been touching in the night, big yes!
If you're new to fake tanning, these are the self tanning tips for beginners I wish someone had handed me on day one. Get these right and you'll skip the awkward orange-hands phase entirely.
Before You Tan: Prepping Your Skin
Good prep is 90% of a flawless tan. Skip this bit and no amount of careful application will save you.
1. Exfoliate 24 Hours Before 🛁
Think of your skin like a canvas - smooth is best. Use a scrub or exfoliating mitt to remove dead skin cells the day before you tan. This helps the tan go on evenly and last longer, and gives any leftover product from your last tan somewhere to go.
2. Shave or Wax at Least 12–24 Hours Before 🪒
This one trips up a lot of beginners. Tanning right after shaving or waxing means your pores are still open, and self tanner can settle into them - leaving you with little dark dots or a rash-like reaction. Give your skin at least half a day to settle first. If you're really pushed for time, an hour is the bare minimum.
3. Moisturise Dry Spots 🧴
Dry areas like elbows, knees, knuckles, and ankles love to soak up too much tan, leaving you looking patchy. Apply a light, oil-free moisturiser to these spots the day before tanning - not right before, or it'll create a barrier and stop the tan from developing properly.
For more on why prep matters so much, the American Academy of Dermatology has a good rundown of self-tanner application basics.
Getting an Even, Streak-Free Application
This is where most self tanning tips for beginners fall apart - not because the product's bad, but because of how it's applied.
4. Use a Latex Glove 🧤
A latex glove helps you apply the tan smoothly and doesn't soak up half your tan or slip off mid-application. If you don’t have one, using a tanning mitt is fine!
5. Don't Skimp on Product 🫧
Not enough product is one of the most common causes of streaks. As a rough guide: 2 pumps for the bottom of each leg, 3–4 pumps per thigh, and 2–3 pumps per arm. Adjust based on your skin's size and how deep a colour you're after.
6. Wipe Your Palms 🖐️
After tanning your hands, grab a cotton pad with micellar water and wipe your palms straight away. This stops them turning an unnatural shade of orange - because no one tans their palms naturally in the sun either.
Aftercare: Making the Tan Last
Application is only half the job. What you do in the hours after is what decides whether your tan looks smooth in the morning or ends up smudged across your sheets.
7. Give It Time to Develop Before You Move 🕓
Most tans need anywhere from 1–8 hours to fully develop, depending on the product. Wear loose, dark clothing during this window and try to avoid sweating or sitting in one position too long - this is exactly how you end up with tan rubbed off where your legs or arms have been pressed together.
This is where a self-tanning sleeping bag earns its keep.
The In You Glow Tanning Bag is a game-changer! It has leg and an arm compartment so your legs don't stick together and you don't have to worry about your arms touching your body. It also keep your tan from rubbing off on your sheets while it develops. Genius, right?!
Ready to stop waking up with a stripe missing from your thigh? Grab the In You Glow Tanning Bag here and let your tan develop in peace. 🧡
8. Moisturise Daily Once It's Developed 🧴
Once you've rinsed off (following your product's instructions), keep your skin hydrated every day with an oil-free lotion. Hydrated skin fades more evenly, so you get a gradual, natural-looking fade instead of patchy peeling. And yes - you still need sunscreen underneath your fake tan; it gives you colour, not UV protection(source).
FAQ: Self Tanning Tips for Beginners
How long should I wait to shower after self tanning? Check your product's instructions, but most mousses and foams need 1–8 hours to develop. Rinse with lukewarm water only (no soap or exfoliating) for the first shower to protect the colour.
Why did my tan turn orange? Usually it's one of three things: too much product on dry areas like hands and elbows, a shade too dark for your skin tone, or not wiping down your palms after application.
Can I use self tanner on my face? Body tanner can be too harsh for facial skin. If you want your face to match, look for a tanning mist or drops made specifically for the face.
Do I need to exfoliate before every reapplication? Yes - even a quick exfoliate before topping up your tan stops product building up unevenly on top of your existing colour.
And that's it! Follow these self tanning tips for beginners and you'll have a flawless, streak-free tan that looks like you just got back from holiday - no sun damage required.
Get your self-tanning sleeping bag here → Shop Tanning Bags
Happy tanning, angels! ☀️🧡