Go faux

Nailing a DIY fake tan comes down to smart prep and strategic application. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving a top quality faux glow

Liquid gold

1Exfoliate and hydrate Starting with smooth skin is the secret to an even fake tan as it can appear dark and patchy on dry skin.

Smooth it out by showering with an exfoliant to slough away any dry skin build-up, making sure to concentrate on the knees, elbows, ankles and heels.

Afterwards, ensure the skin is completely dry so water won’t dilute your tanning product.

Remember those rough knees, elbows, ankles and heels. These areas require a little extra pre-tanning nourishment, so spot apply a lightweight lotion and wait a few minutes until absorbed.

WE LIKE Cetaphil Face Daily Exfoliating Cleanser 178ml, $14.99; Manicare Charcoal Exfoliating Gloves, $8.99; CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion 473ml, $21.99

2Face first Some people prefer not to self-tan their face. If that is you, go to step three. Otherwise, this is your first fake tan step.

Apply the fake tan product evenly over your face, including under the eyes, over the eyelids, tips and back of the ears, as well as your neck.

Also, if you’re using a different self-tan product on the face and body, take heed of the different developing and wash-off times. (Two alarms may be necessary!)

WE LIKE Le Tan Uber Glow Facial Tanning Drops 12.5ml, $17.49; Bondi Sands One Hour Express Face Mist 70ml, $16.99

3Body application Whether you are using a gel, spray mousse or lotion, the DIY tanning rule is to start at the bottom and work your way up.

Begin by applying the fake tan to the lower legs from the ankle upwards, taking care to skim over the knees before returning to the feet to lightly blend across.

The next part is easier — apply the self-tan liberally to the thighs, bottom, lower back, stomach, breast area and decolletage. Finish by blending up the neck or where you finished tanning the face.

Now it’s time to tackle the back. If you are using a spray, enlist a friend. Otherwise, a mitt is doable by stretching over each shoulder, reaching around the back of the neck and working along the sides of the torso from the underarms to the waist. The final step is to apply the tan to each arm from the shoulders to the wrist. Then, lightly blend the tan over the hands and in between the fingers.

Fake tan looks Tip best on well hydrated skin, so use plenty of moisturiser in the days after the application.

WE LIKE Bondi Sands Body Moisturiser with Vitamin E & Jojoba 500ml, $12.99

WE LIKE ModelCo Tan Airbrush in a Can 180g, $21.49; St Tropez Bronzing Mousse 240ml, $51.99; Bali Body Luxe Tanning Mitt, $12.95 4Clean up Mistakes happen! Stay calm and keep a pack of gentle face wipes handy to quickly clean up any fake tan application errors. Wipes are also useful on the nails and cuticles to remove any excess product build-up.

WE LIKE QV Face Gentle Cleansing Wipes, $6.99

5Watch the clock This step is nonnegotiable. Read the product instructions and carefully note how long it takes until the fake tan becomes touch-dry, as well as the maximum time it should be left on the skin before being washed off. (Beware, some fake tans require more than eight hours to develop, while others need as little as an hour.)

Stay as still as possible during the initial drying time and then pop on dark, loose-fitted clothing as the tan develops — and try to avoid excess sweating.

When it’s time to wash it off, jump in the shower (avoiding soaps, exfoliators, razors or mitts) and rinse until the water runs clear.

Afterwards, towel off using a gentle patting motion and say hello to your new golden glow.

6Bronze boost If your tan isn’t giving you enough oomph or you want to look extra bronzed on a night out, body make-up is a simple solution.

Melbourne-based brand Booby

Tape has just launched a bronzer of their own, partnering with influencer — and Kylie Jenner’s BFF — Stassi Karanikolaou to create a jumbo powder bronzer designed to bronze up the body and chest area.

WE LIKE Booby Tape Stas Bronzer Cinnamon 20g, $19.99