1. PROPER PREP

The biggest mistake you can make when fake tanning at home is not spending the time to prep your skin properly. The best results come when skin is as smooth and hydrated as possible.

Start with a robust exfoliation – this will remove dead skin cells and ensure the tan absorbs evenly. The best way to do this is with a vigorous dry body brush. This not only buffs away dead skin cells- it smooths skin, boosts circulation, helps minimise cellulite and stimulates lymphatic drainage. It’s incredibly good for you and excellent for the health and texture of your skin

The biggest mistake you can make when fake tanning at home is not spending the time to prep your skin properly. The best results come when skin is as smooth and hydrated as possible

Jump in the shower and rinse off dead skin cells lifted away by the brushing. If you need a little extra exfoliation use an oil free body scrub, focusing on those notoriously rough patches like your knees, elbows and ankles – areas where fake tan likes to collect and stain.

Remember to use oil free solutions, as oil based scrubs and cleansers leave behind a residue that interfere with the efficacy of the tanners and can cause streaks too. And if you’re tanning your face, same rules apply - be sure to exfoliate with a cleanser or pad that includes some exfoliating acids to slough away dead and dull skin, and encourage even absorption

2.HYDRATE

The most common cause of a patchy tan is dry skin, so it’s crucial to moisturise those notoriously tricky areas prior to application. Focus on wrists and hands, elbows, knees, ankles and feet.

Use a lightweight lotion such as Codage Concentrated Body Milk on areas where tan catches. This serum-like body formula quickly absorbs into skin, providing a barrier so your tan won’t stain and turn orange in those dryer spots.

Opt for a tanning solution with hydrating properties such as Vita Liberata’s latest and greatest innovation- Heavenly Elixir. This formula doubles has a moisturising lotion, offering up to 72 hours of moisture lock technology. So while your tan develops, skin stays miosturised allowing for flawless development and patch free fade.

*All of Vita Liberata’s solutions offer Moisture Lock Technology

3. APPLICATION

Always use a tanning mitt, working in lengthways motions, applying the product in clean sweeps each with equal pressure to insure a uniform finish. Circular motions can unevenly distribute product around the skin and leave you at risk of steaks in your final colour.

Start at the feet and work your way up. When it comes to applying the tan to your torso, work with your natural contours, sweeping the mitt over the skin with the shape of your body. No one to help you with your back? Flip the mitt back to front and you’ll find it easier to reach those hard to get areas.

For hands, just use any residual product on the mitt and sweep it over the hand in a claw shape just once.

We reccommend applying two coats of tan on the body, and one for the face. When it comes to the visage- mix a small amount of tan with a drop of moisturiser on your mitt- sweeping and blending over face.

Once finished, to avoid future telltale tan signs, add some moisturiser to the bottom of your wrists, knuckles, outer thumbs and outer little fingers. Take a dry face cloth or flannel and lightly buff the cream into these areas to slightly lift the tan’s colour. No streaks to see here.

Always use a tanning mitt, working in lengthways motions, applying the product in clean sweeps each with equal pressure to insure a uniform finish

We love a tanning mousse for its ease of application- it spreads evenly on the surface of skin, meaning no streaks once developed. Vita Liberata’s Phenomenal Mousse is in a league of its own. If opting for a cream or lotion, it’s always helpful if they offer a tint on application so you can see precisely where you are applying. Vita Liberata's Heavenly Elixr offers a bronze formula that applies smoothly onto skin, imparting an instantly natural looking tan that continues to develop over 72 hours.

4. PROLONG

Once your tan has been applied ensure skin is hydrated during the days that follow, hydrated skin will look more radiant and it will ensure an fade. As oil breaks down your tan, opt for a hyaluronic-based body moisturiser and avoid any enzymatic products such as glycolic or lactic acids, as these can accelerate fading.

To prolong your colour even longer, apply a low level DHA buildable solution such as Vita Liberata’s Gradual Tan – this will simultaneously hydrate skin as well as ‘top up’ your colour for a prolonged golden tan that perfectly achieves that natural summer glow

Go Forth And Bronze