Fake tanning products have come a long way over the last few years, and more men than ever are catching on to the trend. Today there are a whole variety of formulations to suit all skin types and tones. An increasing number of men are using tanning products as part of their regular grooming routines, and it is a lot simpler than you may think to achieve a natural look.
We all know about the dangers of sun exposure, and fake tan is the perfect way to achieve the look we want without risking ageing or damaging our delicate skin. Men tend to choose products in a spray, liquid or mousse formula as they are easy to apply.
Even application is absolutely essential for a natural result, as there is nothing worse than a streaky, patchy tan. Using a tanning mitt or applicator can help with this. Start with a light coverage. You can always build your colour up in layers if you want a darker finish. Make sure you pick the right tone for your skin tone, as this is pivotal to achieving a natural result when planning to apply male self tan.
Well prepared skin will ensure that the product goes on smoothly. Deep cleanse the areas you are intending to tan. There are plenty of facial and body exfoliators on the market that will help to smooth your skin pre-application. Don’t ignore hard to reach places such as your back. Invest in a BackBliss applicator to apply both exfoliator and the fake tan to this area. If you are tanning your face, make sure you have shaved first.
A decent self-tanning product will come with detailed instructions. Always follow the instructions to the letter. Less is most definitely more when it comes to the initial application, particularly on the face. If you have showered right before you plan to fake tan, ensure that your skin is completely dry before beginning.
When you’re ready to start, remember to use small amounts of product at a time, and massage it gently into your skin in a circular, fluid motion. If you’re going for an all over tan, be careful not to miss any areas such as ankles, feet, knees and elbows. Remember that the initial colour is not the end result. The initial ‘dark glow’ will develop over time, and in some cases washes off, to show a natural golden tone, so don’t panic !
When planning to apply men’s self tan, don’t rush. Make sure you’ve factored in enough time after application, say 20 minutes, before getting dressed. When you have finished the application, scrub your palms and around the fingernails to make sure you have removed any residue (obviously using tanning mitts will prevent your hands discolouring). Once the colour has developed you can treat any rogue patchy areas with some moisturiser. They will soon blend in. Lastly, don’t forget your aftercare. Keeping your skin well moisturised will make your tan last longer and will ensure even fading.