That feeling when you have a fresh coat of self-tanner on is so nice and can make you feel so good about yourself. However, it’s no secret that self-tanning the face is hard, so here are some methods to help you achieve your best self-tan on your face.
The best way to apply self-tanner to face – how I usually do it!
Before starting, it’s important to understand that there is no single ‘perfect’ way to tan your face, and what work for you may not work for someone else. We are all individual and different, so our skin won’t tick all the same boxes. The methods listed in this article are some ideas to get you started but remember, if you have your own method which already works perfectly for you, stick with it!
In my personal opinion, my favourite method of applying self-tanner to my face is with a mousse. After applying it to the rest of my body, I like to use my self-tanning mitt to evenly buff the mousse into my skin, making sure it has covered all areas enough, and also that there are no streaks. If this is the method you choose, make sure that you have also blended between your face and neck, so that there aren’t any patches on the jaw or chin areas.
After a few days, I usually find the tan on my face has faded much faster than the rest of my body. This is because the skin on the face is washed much more regularly and there are various different products being applied to it. I don’t like to have a pale face and dark body, so I’ve got a quick fix that takes care of that.
I take the Collistar self-tanning drops and use them with a brush to blend some extra tan into my face. It’s like I was always this dark!
How to self-tan your face with mousse?
As mentioned before, there are so many different ways you can apply self-tanner to your face, and the method you use also depends on the type of self-tanner you’re using. A self-tanning mousse is probably the most popular option for tanning both the face and the body, because it has been around for a long time and many brands have managed to perfect their mousse formulas better than others. Here are some need-to-knows for tanning your face with a mousse:
- Start by having freshly prepared skin which is smooth for the mousse to blend into and use a mitt to slowly and carefully start working in the product. Once it has covered the entire face, wait for the specified time on the product’s packaging and then follow by rinsing off. Finish off with some moisturiser and voila!
- Always use a self-tanning mitt or brush (it depends which you prefer) when self-tanning the face rather than your hands to ensure that there are no streaks or patchiness. You could also invest in a mini self-tanning mitt designed for the face, like the one linked later in the article.
- Your tan will fade after a few days, so consider using self-tanning drops, a mist, or similar to top this up and keep your face matching the rest of your body.
- Make sure you have blended the tan all the way down your neck and into any other self-tanner you have on for a flawless finish.
- Apply the mousse to your face at the same time your self-tan the rest of your body and this will give you an even colour as well as save you time.
How to self-tan your face with mist?
Self-tanning mists are quite a new concept, and they appear to be a clear face or body spray when in the bottle, and then develop over a few hours after coming into contact with the skin. One of the great things about them is that they don’t create much mess because they’re clear. Here’s how you can use them to tan your face:
- Start with preparing the skin by washing it, exfoliating if needed and start with a fresh, clean canvas. Just use the self-tanning mist to spray onto your face, making sure you feel it cover every single area of the face. Wait for a few hours as the colour develops and that’s it!
- You may wish to use a self-tanning mitt to blend the spray in after it’s been applied as this ensures that it has covered the entire face and there are no streaks.
- Make sure to concentrate on where you have and haven’t applied the spray yet, because there is no guide colour to tell you this like there is for other self-tanning methods.
- You can reapply this face mist a few days later in the same way to make sure you keep up your tan and it doesn’t fade.
- Make sure you are using a self-tanning mist specifically for the face – some are made for the body and some are made for both – so be sure that yours is safe to use on the face.
How to self-tan your face with drops?
If you haven’t seen these powerful self-tanning drops cooking up a storm in the beauty industry, they are primarily designed for use on the face and can be mixed in with a daily moisturiser, serum or anything else similar. If you’re interested in this easy, hassle-free tanning option, below are some ideas to get you started:
- Most brands recommend that you mix the drops in with a moisturiser, serum, or any other skincare products you use on your face. By this, they mean put some of the product in your hand and mix some of the tanning drops into it also on your hand and then apply it to your face.
- You should wash your hands after application as the tanning drops can still stain them and give you a patch of tan in the middle of your hand.
- You can use these as regularly as you like to build up a solid tan. If you think that it’s going too dark, consider applying less often such as every two or three days.
- Many people also choose to use self-tanning drops a few days after applying their initial tan with a mousse or lotion to keep up the tan as it fades faster than the rest of the body.
How to self-tan your face with lotion?
When it comes to lotions, these are often quite good for the face as you could even choose a gradual tanning lotion and apply it a few days after your first full self-tan and use it to keep up your glow.
If you’re looking for ways to self-tan your face with a self-tanning lotion, here are some tips and tricks:
- Once again, you want to start with a fresh, makeup-free face and apply your chosen lotion all over, using a mitt or application brush, making sure to cover the entire face evenly. Wait until the lotion is dry and it needs to develop, follow these instructions on the packaging. If not, apply any makeup and you’re ready to conquer the day!
- You could use a one-day lotion to tan your face if you’re worried about the commitment. Something like the Bondi Sands GLO Lotion can be applied easily, doesn’t take any time to develop, lasts all day but can still be washed off with soap and water.
- Make sure the colour you are using will match the rest of your body. You could always consider a gradual tanning lotion which can be built up every day until it’s reached your desired colour.
Do I need any additional products to self-tan my face correctly?
When self-tanning your face, you want to do everything you can to make it apply more easily and evenly, so the use of hands isn’t always the best option. Some people like to use their hands to apply self-tanner to their face, but there can be problems such as transferring dirt from your hands to your face or just that your hands don’t blend out the tan as nicely.
One option which is good, specifically for the face, is an application brush. This one from real techniques costs $17.20 and it’s basically a makeup brush which you can use to blend in your self-tanner much more easily. Because of its soft brush hairs, it doesn’t drag the tan across your skin or leave any streaks.
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Another option that is also popular for self-tanning the body is a mitt. This set here costs just $6.96 and comes with one regular self-tanning mitt as well as one mini one which is perfect for use on the face and can get into small areas.
- High quality materal :The impermeable inner layer of the self tanner applicator mitts prevents self tanning products from soaking thru to your hand, so no stained palms. Super soft velvet material outer layer, evenly distributes your favorite self tanner for a streak free tan. self tanner mitts are carefully sewn together with highest quality stitch construction. makes your skin absorbed lotions more quickl and evenly, no more streaks, own a perfect tan.
- High quality materal :The impermeable inner layer of the self tanner applicator mitts prevents self tanning products from soaking thru to your hand, so no stained palms. Super soft velvet material outer layer, evenly distributes your favorite self tanner for a streak free tan. self tanner mitts are carefully sewn together with highest quality stitch construction. makes your skin absorbed lotions more quickl and evenly, no more streaks, own a perfect tan.
If you click Buy on Amazon and make a purchase, I'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Final thoughts
Self-tanning your face is possibly the most difficult area as there are many different bumps and crevices which you have to workaround. Although I have mentioned methods above and explained how I like to self-tan my face, there is no single best way which is perfect for everyone, so you may find your own method which you like the most.
