There are so many different shades of self tanners on the market, how do you know which one is right for your own skin tones? You can either spend a small fortune testing every single one out there, or alternatively do some research, find a great product and reach fake tan perfection!

Once you find a self tanner that you’re really happy with, you’ll normally find that you stick with that brand for a long, long time. Unfortunately fake tan previously had the reputation of turning people orange in the past, luckily this is no longer the case as technology, ingredients, and formulations evolve with the bigger more well-known self tanning brands out there and now you can easily rock a self tan that looks equally as convincing as the real thing!

There’s still the slight risk of a visit by the Oompa-Loompa’s if you take it upon yourself to buy a really cheap self tan off the highstreet (or a supermarket own-brand special!) - cheap self tan products are false economy, firstly they won’t give you the results you’re looking for - the price they sell them for means none of the good quality ingedients are present (or low quality alternatives are instead used) which isn’t going to give you that sunkissed look you were hoping for, and therefore end up in the bin. Secondly, these companies generally don’t specialise in self tan, it’s just another ‘string to their bow’ and as such probably isn’t going to be anywhere near as good as it should be. You’ve heard of the phrase ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ right?

My advice - stick to a fake tan brand that specialises in fake tan. Simple when you think about it hey?!

So, what about finding a self tanning product that works with your skin tones? There are still many self tanners out there that will only turn you the colour that’s in the bottle. These self tanners don’t generally work well with matching your skin tone, they have a set colour that will give you a tanned look but it may not look authentic. In order to find a self tan that works well with your skin tones and looks totally natural you should first choose a company that offers a wide range of products with all different levels of colour. Secondly, ask for advice - these companies specialise in fake tanning products so will be well versed in offering assistance towards helping you choose the best product for your skin tone to give that natural look.

Fake Bake Tanning Products

Fake Bake gives an instant sun-kissed colour and develops into a long lasting sunless fake tan by combining naturally derived tanning agents DHA and Erythulose ­ guaranteeing longer lasting (up to 50% longer), more natural-looking results. We have developed botanical ingredients to remove parabens and artificial preservatives. Our specialist self-tans offer added benefits like anti ageing, anti cellulite and anti oxidants. Fake Bake has become the choice of beauty experts and celebrities alike. So if you want to fashion a tan like Jennifer Anniston and Cheryl Cole then Fake Bake is establishing itself as the best fake tan.
Apply at Home

You can apply Fake Bake self-tans in the convenience and privacy of your own home. Choose the self-tan that is most likely to give you the results you desire.

 Although Fake Bake Self-tans can be applied without skin preparation, for the best results follow our simple 3-step system which follows the professional treatment methods.

 Step 1 - Prepare Your Skin

Exfoliate

• We recommend the first step you take is to use a Fake Bake Body Polish (exfoliator) to gently remove flaking, or dead skin cells, to help create a longer lasting tan – remember your self-tan fades as your skin sheds. If you remove loose skin cells, the remaining ones will not wear off as quickly. Fake Bake ‘polishes’ skin without lacerating or damaging the surface of newly exposed layers.
• Continue to rub Fake Bake Body Polish in circular motions up your abdomen on to your chest and over your shoulders.
• Starting at your hands – apply in circular motions working up one arm at the time.
• If you are breastfeeding, do not apply around the nipple area.
• Remove excess Fake Bake Body Polish with warm damp mitts, or alternatively shower off.

Moisturise

• Immediately prior to your self-tan, apply a small amount of Fake Bake Skin Smoothie Oil to dry heels, feet, knees and elbows which can be blended when the self-tan is applied.

Step 2 - Apply Self Tan

• Using gloves (provided), apply self-tan starting at your neck, working down in small circular motions. Working down your torso, onto your legs, lightly glazing the product over your ankles.
• It is best to apply self-tan to the front of your leg while your knee is bent, but when applying to the back of your leg make sure it is straight. Apply product at the bottom of your leg moving upwards in small circular motions.
• Apply Fake Bake to your back using the reverse of your gloved hand. Working from over your shoulder in circular movements and the bottom of your back in circular movements. Alternatively, use Fake Bake Airbrush at any angle for an easier application.
• Allow the self-tan to dry for 15 to 20 minutes before you get dressed once again.
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Immediately after your application:

• Wear loose clothing.
• Keep skin completely dry and avoid water contact.
• Do not apply any products over the developing tan.
• Allow tan to develop for at least 6/8 hours (overnight if possible).
• Avoid other beauty/hair treatments whilst tan is developing.
• Avoid activities that make you perspire.
• Avoid drinking hot beverages as they can strip colour from around your mouth. Toothpaste can also strip colour while your tan develops.

After your tan has developed:

• Rinse off remaining colour guide with warm/hot water. Once the water runs clear gently wash your-self with a mild soap.
• Avoid products that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) as they can strip colour.
• Avoid swimming pools; chlorine will prematurely fade your tan.

Step 3 Maintain your Self-Tan

To prolong your Fake Bake self-tan, make sure you keep your skin well moisturised.

After showering either spritz yourself with Fake Bake Skin Smoothie Oil or use Fake Bake Tan Enhancing Lotion.

Beware – these products have been specially formulated to work with Fake Bake self-tans. Other moisturisers may react with your tan as the Alkalines in them strip colour, leaving your skin patchy.

Spray Tan
Application

The professional spray tan application is the fastest (typically 15 minute treatment) and most convenient way to enjoy a Fake Bake application in a salon.

The treatment is provided by a qualified beauty professional. You can choose from 2 different self-tan liquids – Original and dark. The qualified beauty professional can advise you which is most suited to your skin tone. The tan is applied to your skin as a mist via a spray gun used by the beauty professional. She can tailor your tan to your specific requirements or for a particular occasion. You will be provided with a disposable thong and bra (optional), and foot protectors to ensure your soles aren’t miscoloured. You may wear your own bikini, however it could be miscoloured during the application. As you stand in the booth where your tan is applied, excess mist is extracted away from your face, ensuring you don’t inhale spray for a pleasant, comfortable experience.

It is generally believed that the professional spray tan application provides the most even tanning results because the atomised Fake Bake tanning liquid is applied to the skin perfectly uniform.

Pre Spray-Tan Advice

• Do not use any other self tanning products one week before application.
• Wax or shave at least 24 hours prior to treatment.
• On the day of your Fake Bake application DO NOT wear any makeup, deodorant, perfume, body oils or lotions as these may react with the tanning agents in Fake Bake Self-Tan