How to apply self-tanner in gray winter without it looking fake

As we enter the penultimate month of the year, many of us may be feeling overwhelmed by the gray backdrop of winter.

It’s tempting to add a little color to our complexions, but self-tanning in the cooler months is a tricky task to manage without it looking too orange, too bright or too shiny.

Celebrities from Vogue Williams to Molly-Mae Hague are the poster girls for year-round self-tanning, going so far as to launch their own eponymous tan lines.

“The two biggest signs that your tan isn’t natural are patchy and uneven undertones,” says Melanie Brownlow, the company’s founder. St. Moritz. “With this in mind, you should prioritize both the pre-application procedure and getting the color right.”

We learned from tanning experts the best way to tan this winter without looking fake.

Understand your undertone

Whether your tan will look fake or not depends largely on the undertone you choose. “Our skin changes throughout our lives, and this will also depend on how it reacts to color,” says the founder of self-tanning brand Isle of Paradise. Jules von Hep.

“It’s all about trial and error, but generally if you have fair skin it tends to have a pink undertone, so I would use a pink or peach colored tan.

“For medium shades, use a green base, and for dark skin tones, use a dark base tan.”

If you have a natural pink undertone and choose a green-based fake tan, it can look unnatural and be a big benefit.

Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Tanning Foam – Caramel, 200ml, £15.99 (was £19.99), Look Fantastic

Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Tanning Foam – Emerald, 200ml, £15.99 (was £19.99), Look Fantastic

The best formula for winter.

“In winter we have central heating on and our skin becomes drier,” explains von Hep. “I recommend using drops that you add to moisturizer or oil-based tanners, which really hydrate the skin.

“If you’re using mousse, I recommend express mousse so it doesn’t sit on your skin for a long period of time and you can hydrate your skin right after.”

Incorporating moisture into your tan is crucial during the winter months to avoid blemishes or flaking.

“Self-tanning drops and moisturizing skincare products with a self-tanning tint—such as gradual tanning—are a great addition to your routine, especially because they work seamlessly with your existing skincare routine,” says James Reed, founder companies. Self-illumination by James Reid.

“Facial tanning sprays are also an added bonus as they work into your skincare routine and can be used at any time of the day.”

Self Glow by James Read Sunbright – tinted tan drops, 30ml, £39

Bondi Sands One Hour Express Self Tanning Foam, 200ml, £13.59 (was £16.99), Look Fantastic

How to make a face

To be honest, many people avoid the need to tan their entire body and simply choose areas that are exposed. Unfortunately for us, these areas of the body are often the hardest areas to apply self-tanner.

“As a general rule, I would recommend tanning your face every two days,” says Von Hep.

“If you’re using retinoids, I’d suggest tanning in the morning, using retinols in the evening, and just alternating between the two.”

“I always use Isle of Paradise self-tanning drops in green,” says von Hep.

“You add them to your moisturizer in the palm of your hand, blend, and then apply to your skin. Next, take a kabuki brush and buff it along your hairline, ears and jawline, then run it down your neck and buff your décolleté. Leave as it will develop over 48 hours.

As a pro tip, von Hep suggests combing your brows before and after tanning to avoid dark residue.

“Also brush your teeth before applying – and always make sure you apply some residue to your eyelids and under your nose.

“When in doubt, mix it up.”

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Facial Drops Medium, £15.96 (was £19.95)

Tan-Luxe The Water Hydrating Water Medium Self-Tanner, 200ml, £34, Cult Beauty

Choosing the best tan for your skin

Read the notes on how fake tan and skincare hybrids are a current trend: “I would say gradual tanning products designed for skin care are leading the way, they are suitable for all skin tones as they can create the glow you want “

Using herbal products will help avoid irritation and give you a more natural tan. “That’s why I chose natural cocoa extracts in my products,” says Reed, “these extracts create a warm tone that complements any skin tone.”

If you tend to react to self-tanning, “look for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free tanning products to eliminate the risk of irritation,” says the company’s co-founder. Ella and JoeCharlene Flanagan.