Sick of streaky fake tan? Achieve a flawless glow with these tips

Us Irish ladies are certified fake tan experts, but even we don't get things right all of the time.

No matter how carefully you apply it or how long you let it dry for, there's always the haunting worry that you might end up with a massive hand-shaped white mark on your leg, or an ankle that's six shades darker than you'd hoped.

Luckily there are some simple things you can do to ensure your tan is streak-free and even every time.

Here are some of the tips we swear by…

Choose your exfoliant wisely
Scrubbing away dead skin and leftover tan is a must if you want to avoid patches and streaks. But be sure to use an oil-free exfoliant like a salt scrub to avoid residue that can wreak havoc with your tanning product. Even better, use an exfoliating glove with body wash, instead of a scrub.

 

Moisturise with care
Be cautious how you moisturise before applying fake tan. Use a lotion rather than a cream, choosing one that sinks in quickly and doesn't leave a residue. Some tans call for no moisturiser beforehand, but if you can't bear the thought of skipping out, just be sure to give your lotion an hour to sink in fully.

 

Use a mitt or glove
We all have our own methods of applying fake tan, but to avoid telltale dark patches in between your fingers, it's essential you protect your hands. Foam mitts work great for tanning mousse and cream, while liquid or oil tans work well with latex gloves. To ensure your hands still get an even glow, mix some product with moisturiser and gently apply on the backs of your hands using cotton wool pads.

 

Invest in a buffing mitt
If you're sick of dark knees and elbows, it's time to get professional. Buffing mitts come cheap, and can be used on any areas where a build-up of tan is common, to spread out the product without wiping it off completely.

 

Maintain your tan properly
If your tanning product has a strong smell the next day, take a short shower without body wash and gently pat yourself dry. Keep showers short as a general rule to avoid colour fading ahead of time, and avoid chlorinated pools.