I’m a tanning expert – here’s the easy way to get a streak-free fake tan every time
TAN fans rejoice - you no longer have to deal with having a messy-looking, uneven glow.
Christina Pappas, who is a tanning expert and the owner of , shared her tips for getting a streak-free tan every time.
The perfect tan requires a lot more than just lathering your skin in a tanning product.
PREPARATION
“Preparation with any self-tanning product is key,” Pappas told The Sun exclusively, "and if you don’t do it right, you can look like an absolute mess.”
She first recommended that you shower and exfoliate at least five hours before applying your self-tan.
“If your skin is too wet, it can make it look all blotchy because it goes way too deep into the pores," she said.
READ MORE ON TANNING HACKS
"So definitely allow time for your skin to dry before applying.”
LIGHTING IS EVERYTHING
To make sure you can see where your tan is going, Pappas said to make sure you apply the product while standing in a brightly lit area.
"You don’t want to miss any spots, so it’s good to do it in the mirror with the bright light.”
HOW-TO
The back is one of the hardest places to tan, as it is difficult to reach and apply product to the upper parts of the back.
Most read in Fabulous
"Always either have someone help you apply or purchase a back applicator to get your back if you live alone, just to reach those hard-to-reach areas," said Pappas.
Areas with dryer skin, such as your hands and elbows, are more difficult to get an even tan on.
"Apply a very tiny light layer of lotion to the elbows, knees, joints, and hands so it doesn’t catch as dark because they are so dry," she revealed.
"When you’re doing your elbows, always make sure they're bent so that you’re getting in all the areas, such as the wrinkles, compared to when your elbow is straight.
“Same goes for the knuckles and the hands, you really want to make sure that you’re bending your fingers when applying so you can get in those little cracks.
"If you don’t do that, well that’s when your hands look like an entire mess.";
As for the face, Pappas suggested taking a different tanning approach, as she mentioned face washes can act as a barrier against tanning products.
"You could either use tanning water or a self-tanner. I definitely would still allow a little bit of time between washing your face and applying the self-tanner."
"It’s better to use tanning drops or tanning waters because those are more skincare driven, so it gives more of that natural look rather than an orange-looking result," she said.
When bronzing the body, Pappas recommended using a tanning mousse or foam.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More on The US Sun
"Those are made for the body which means for thicker skin, so mousses are definitely better.”
Now, time to get your fake tan on and be ready for summer!
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The US Sun team?
Email us at [email protected] or call 212 416 4552.
Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at