EVELYSS / Guides / Beauty

How to Apply Fake Tan to Your Face Without Streaks or Dark Edges

“A tanned face should look like you've had a good week away, not like your face went on holiday without your neck. Go a shade lighter than you think, test it well before the party, and let your blusher do some of the talking.”Her take

Choose the right product

Start with a gradual facial tanner or face drops if you've never done this. They give you more control than a dark body mousse, and they're easier to blend. Drops mixed into your usual light moisturiser let you decide the depth. Begin with one or two drops and read the product's own instructions, as strengths vary.

Check that your moisturiser is light and not heavily oil-based, because rich oils can stop the tan from taking evenly. Patch test any new product on a small area and wait for the colour to develop. Stop using it if your skin becomes irritated. Fake tan isn't sun protection, and even a tanner with SPF in it only protects for a few hours, so you still need a separate SPF.

Prep your skin the night before

Tan clings to dry patches and flakes, particularly around the nose and chin. Gently exfoliate the night before you apply, using whichever product your skin already tolerates. Then moisturise lightly. Skip a strong new scrub or peel before a party, as sore skin won't give you an even result.

On the night you tan, cleanse and pat your face dry. Wait until it feels completely dry, as damp skin can dilute the formula and make patches. Hold your hair back with a soft band, leaving your hairline clear. Use a little moisturiser or barrier cream on brows, hairline, sides of the nose and any very dry areas.

Apply it in this order

Work in good daylight or a bright, even light, and use a small amount. A clean face mitt, a dense make-up brush or clean fingertips all work. Your choice matters less than blending all the way out with no visible edges. Wash brushes and hands straight after, including under your nails.

• Start in the centre of your face, on your cheeks and forehead, and blend upwards and outwards.
• Use only what's left on the brush for the nose, chin and upper lip.
• Feather very lightly into the hairline and around the brows without loading them.
• Bring a little down the jaw and under the chin so the colour doesn't stop at the jaw line.
• Sweep any remainder over your ears and the top of your neck for continuity.
• Avoid the eyes and lips, and follow the product's instructions for the eye area.

Make your face match your neck and chest

The problem is rarely the face alone. It usually comes down to your face being a different shade from your neck, chest or hands. If you're tanning your body as well, mix your body tan with a little moisturiser for the neck and chest. If your body isn't tanned, keep your face lighter so the difference doesn't show in photographs.

Check yourself in daylight before going out, not only in a warm bathroom light. Look at the join under your jawline, from the side as well as the front. This is also when to check your foundation, because you may need a slightly warmer shade over the tan, and a shade that matched yesterday may now look pale.

Time it for a party

Do a trial at least a week before an event. For the real thing, apply your first thin layer two nights before and, if you want more depth, a second thin layer the following night. That gives your colour time to settle and allows you to fix any mistakes. Avoid applying for the first time on the afternoon of the party.

Keep your face dry while it develops, following the time on the product. Sleep on a dark or old pillowcase if your formula has a guide colour. In the morning, rinse if the instructions say so, then use a lightweight moisturiser. Choose a gentle cleanser for your face until the party, as harsh scrubs can remove the colour unevenly. Exfoliating acids and retinoids can make the colour fade faster too, so factor them in if they're part of your evening routine.

Fix streaks and dark edges

If you notice a problem soon after applying, take a damp cotton pad and gently wipe the edge to soften it. Once it has developed, massage a little oil-based cleanser or balm into the darker area, then remove with a warm, damp cloth. Repeat gently over a day or two rather than scrubbing your skin raw.

A dark upper lip or eyebrow edge will often fade with careful cleansing, and a little foundation on the area can help in the meantime. For patchy dry skin, moisturise well and use a light layer of product to blend the shade. If you're irritated or sore, stop and leave your skin to settle.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Thin layers, clean edges, a trial before the event and a neck that matches. If in doubt, go lighter and let your blusher add the rest.

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