How to Make Fake Tan Last Longer (and Fade Evenly, Not in Patches)
Exfoliate and shave or wax a day before, then apply to clean, dry, product-free skin, with barrier cream only on dry patches. Let it develop fully, rinse in lukewarm water, and pat dry. Moisturise daily with a light, oil-free lotion, avoid long hot baths and scrubs, and top up with gradual tan.
“Fake tan doesn't fail on day five; it fails the day before you apply it. Smooth, product-free skin takes colour evenly, and even colour fades evenly, which is the whole secret to it looking good for longer.”Her take
Why fake tan fades, and why it fades in patches
Self-tan colours only the outermost surface layer of your skin, and that layer naturally sheds over days. So the tan always fades; the goal is to slow the shedding and make it happen evenly.
Patches appear where skin is drier or rubs more: elbows, knees, ankles, hands, inner thighs, and anywhere a bra strap, waistband or bag strap rubs. These areas take more colour at first and lose it faster, which is why prep and placement matter.
Prep 24 hours before
Exfoliate all over with a scrub or exfoliating mitt the day before, paying extra attention to dry areas. Shave or wax at the same time, not immediately before tanning, so pores have time to settle and don't fill with colour.
On the day, skin should be clean, dry and free of moisturiser, deodorant and perfume, which can leave a barrier and cause streaks.
Apply it so it lasts
Use a tanning mitt and work in long, sweeping strokes, starting at your ankles and moving up. Use whatever is left on the mitt for your hands, feet, knees and elbows rather than adding fresh product to those areas.
Apply a light moisturiser to only the driest areas, such as knuckles, elbows, knees and the tops of feet, a few minutes before you start. That small barrier stops them grabbing too much colour, so they fade in line with the rest of you.
The first rinse
Leave the tan to develop for the full time your product recommends, in loose, dark clothing. Avoid exercise, sweating and water until then.
Rinse in a lukewarm shower without shower gel, just until the water runs clear, and pat dry with a dark towel. Rubbing or scrubbing on day one takes off colour that would otherwise have lasted.
Daily care to make it last longer
Moisturise every day with a light, oil-free lotion; well-moisturised skin sheds more slowly and evenly. Many people find oil-based body products and cleansing oils make tan fade faster, so save them until you want the tan gone.
Keep showers short and warm rather than hot, avoid long baths, and pat dry instead of rubbing. Hold off on scrubs, exfoliating mitts and exfoliating body acids until you are ready to remove the tan.
- Things that strip tan fastest: long hot baths, scrubs and exfoliating mitts, oil-based products.
- Also: swimming pools, sea water, heavy sweating, and hair removal creams.
- Gentle on tan: short warm showers, a mild shower gel, a light oil-free daily moisturiser.
Topping up for parties and holidays
For a Christmas party, apply your tan two days before so the first rinse has happened and any patches have shown themselves. Top up with a gradual tanning moisturiser every two or three days to keep the colour even.
On holiday, sea water and pool water fade tan faster, so pack a gradual tan for top-ups. Remember that a fake tan doesn't protect your skin from the sun, so wear sun cream as you normally would.
Questions people ask
How long should fake tan last?
Most self-tans look good for around a week before fading. Good prep and gentle daily care help it fade evenly rather than in patches.
Does moisturiser make fake tan fade faster?
A light, oil-free moisturiser usually helps it last by keeping skin from flaking. Oil-based products are the ones many people find fade it faster.
How do I make fake tan last on holiday?
Apply two days before you leave, moisturise daily with an oil-free lotion, rinse off pool and sea water promptly, and top up with gradual tan every few days.
How do I fix fake tan that is fading in patches?
Exfoliate the patchy areas gently to even them out, then blend in a gradual tan. For hands and knuckles, see our guide to removing tan from hands.
The takeaway
Exfoliate and shave the day before, apply to bare skin, rinse gently, moisturise daily without oil, and top up with gradual tan.
Read next
New looks, every day
Her shorts, the Sunday code word for her promo codes, and answers to your questions, on every platform as @msevelyss.
Follow her everywhere → Ask her live →