We’ve all been there. Patchy, streaky, orange self-tan is one of our biggest beauty nightmares, and it can seem impossible to avoid if you don’t know what’s causing it.

Whether you’re a tanning pro or new to the game, make sure you understand the dos and don’ts of fake tanning at home, and get ready to enjoy a natural-looking glow year-round.

DOES FAKE TAN EXPIRE?

Yes! Like all makeup and skincare, fake tan has an expiration date which, if exceeded, can affect the quality of your product. Check for a symbol on the bottle or tube, and if you’ve had it for longer than 12, 18, or 24 months – depending on what the number reads – throw it out and freshen up your supply.

Out-of-date fake tan can apply unevenly, develop into an undesirable shade, and even cause dryness or skin irritations. Your skin deserves the best – make sure you’re treating it well with an in-date product.

CHOOSING THE BEST PRODUCT

Mousse, spray, or lotion? When it comes to the best self-tan formula, the perfect product will depend on your skin type and tanning experience. For a full breakdown, read our guide to choosing the best fake tan formula.

HOW TO AVOID PATCHY FAKE TAN

If your best tanning efforts are leaving you with uneven light and dark areas of skin, it could be because you have some dryness. Patches of dry skin will absorb more product, and so can appear darker or even lighter as the top skin layer peels away.

To avoid patchy fake tan, make sure you’re exfoliating your whole body before you apply the product, focusing mainly on your ankles, knees, and elbows, which are usually the driest spots. It’s also important to moisturise these areas before you apply your tan.

HOW TO AVOID A STREAKY TAN

Streaky tan usually happens when the product is applied incorrectly or too quickly.

In a hurry? We understand. It can seem like a good idea to rub on a little tanning lotion before heading out, but the results are often less than ideal, and if you aren’t careful you might find two-tone streaks running across your body.

If you don’t have time to apply your usual tanning lotion the right way – we’re talking small circular motions, with a mitt, until it’s all rubbed in – try using a light spray or mousse. The air in these formulas means they’re much less likely to streak than thicker lotions or gels.

HOW TO AVOID ORANGE FAKE TAN

There’s nothing worse. If your tan is orange, it’s probably the wrong shade for you, and luckily, that’s easy to correct!

When you’re choosing a fake tan, it’s so essential that you think about your natural skin tone. That means, if you’re fair, choose a fair product! If you have medium skin, choose medium.

While it can be tempting to pick up the darkest shade available, if you have naturally fair or medium skin, these products can leave you glowing more orangey than tanned – we know that’s not what you want.

If you’re ready to pick up your new self-tanning products, head back to Fragrance Direct and discover them at a discount! For more makeup, skincare, and beauty advice keep exploring the Fragrance Direct blog.