These Self-Tanning Tips Are the Secret to the Perfect At-Home Glow This Summer

Unless you're incredibly blessed, summer only comes around once a year — which means you have 92 days to achieve that seasonal glow you spend the remaining 273 days missing. But if we're being realistic, we're not spending all of that time outside; even if we do look amazing with sun-kissed skin, baking in the sun for three months just isn't worth it. So this year, we're devising a new plan that doesn't involve a stinging burn and sun spots: a self-tanning regime.

Like any at-home beauty treatment, self-tanning requires a bit of prep, practice, and patience. Once you get the hang of it, you'll love the results so much, you might even be convinced to maintain that straight-off-the-beach glow year-round. Keep reading for the self-tanning tips we swear by and the products we rely on.

Choosing a self-tanner shade is all about the kind of results you're looking for. Do you want to look like you escaped to Portofino for all of August, or do you want to look like you took an hour-long hike outdoors? It's best to opt for a shade that will create your most natural sun-kissed finish. For example, a light/medium shade is usually best for someone with a fair or light skin tone, while an ultra dark shade would suit someone with a naturally deep skin tone.

There's long been a misconception that self-tanner doesn't work on people with dark skin tones, but it's not true. While self-tanner is a great alternative to achieving a summer glow sans the UV damage, it can also help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and even out the skin tone. Like we said, always keep in mind your desired results.

The Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foams are perfect for beginners because of the guide colour, which is a temporary bronzer that helps you to see where you have already applied product so that you can immediately fix any mistakes before the self-tanner dries. Don't be alarmed if the guide colour looks a bit dramatic — it is meant to and will wash off when you shower. It's also important to keep in mind that the longer you leave your self-tanner on, the more time it will have to develop, and the deeper it'll end up being.

Most developing self-tanning products need to be left on skin for hours to develop, but if you're in a rush, there are express formulas. The Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam 1 Hour Express can be washed off in, as the name suggests, one hour.

The main ingredient in many self-tanners is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is a sugar molecule that reacts and binds to the top layer of your skin, causing temporary darkening. Without exfoliation, your glow will be patchy and short-lived. Exfoliation, whether that comes in the form of a dry brush or a scrub, rids your body of dead skin cells and ensures that your self-tanner goes on evenly and lasts longer than one day. Most experts recommend exfoliating 24 hours before you tan; this allows your skin pH to neutralise so that the DHA can work to its full potential.

What about hair removal? If you plan on waxing, do it at least 48 hours before using self-tanner. If you prefer shaving, try to do so at least 24 hours ahead of time.

This really isn't a secret: hydration is how you keep your skin looking fresh and healthy all the time, tan or no tan. If you normally have dry skin, you want to maintain its hydration levels in the days leading up to using self-tanner by applying moisturiser as often as possible (about twice a day), especially after exfoliating. Right before applying self-tanner, apply moisturiser in select dry spots, such as the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, the wrists, the knees, and the elbows.

Conditioning skin is just as important before a tan as it is after. Once your self-tanner is fully developed, it's important to keep your skin hydrated as the days go on. To avoid interfering with the DHA and keep your skin glowing, try a self-tan-friendly daily lotion that's oil free, like the Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk, which has added DHA to extend the life of your tan.

A mitt is the espresso to your self-tanner's martini. Applying a self-tanning product, especially a foam, without one is bound to cause a mess. Mitts ensure that your self-tanner is evenly distributed from head to toe, so that it's never streaky. As an added bonus, it also helps keep your palms clean.

Mitts are great for self-tanning the body, but what about the face? We recommend a brush. TikTok has revived the old secret of contouring the face with self-tanner and a fluffy brush, and it's a good tip whether you're looking to add dimension or create an all-over natural glow. Any dense makeup brush will do, but this contoured brush from Bondi Sands hugs the curves of your face, making it perfect for adding definition.

After pumping about a dollop of self-tanner into the centre of your mitted palm, start applying the product in long, sweeping motions, covering as much surface area as possible. The order in which you apply self-tanner is also crucial; it's usually best to start on your legs and work your way up your body, saving your hands and feet for last. During application, you'll most likely have to pump more product into your mitt as you go, but for your hands and feet, try to use whatever product is left on the mitt. Once you're done, take a baby wipe and clean off your fingernails and toenails, the palms of your hands, and the soles of your feet. Keeping these areas clean will help your finished glow look like it came from the sun, not a bottle.

After application, consider wearing dark, loose-fitting clothing while it develops. When the recommended development time is up — this can vary, but most suggest waiting several hours — it's best to use lukewarm water to rinse off your self-tanner; you'll know you're done when the water runs clear. Most self-tanning formulas last anywhere from five to 10 days, depending on how well you maintain your glow. Once you've rinsed and lightly patted your skin dry, the only thing left to do is enjoy.