How To Apply Sunless Tanning Cream To Your Face For A Natural Summertime Glow

Kate Hudson with a golden glow

There are lots of good reasons to use a facial tanning cream to create a pretty and natural tanned look, however, many people are scared to take the first step in case they find themselves with an orange or streaky face that they can't hide away for several days. It has to be said if you make a mistake with fake tanning cream on your legs you can always wear trousers, but if the mistake is on your face it's a little different.

However, if you follow these few, simple steps you will be able to create a natural glow with no streaks or discolouration. There are many benefits to using these creams, not only the lovely moisturising qualities of many of them, but also there is no need to sunbathe with your face in direct sunlight, which can cause premature ageing, discolouration and wrinkles.

Five Easy Steps To Apply A Natural Looking Fake Tan On Your Face

  • The day before you plan to apply your fake tan, exfoliate your face using either a facial scrub, facial buffer or exfoliating face mask. You should exfoliate 24 hours before applying any kind of fake tanning product as applying it straight after exfoliation can cause redness and irritation.
  • Combine together your preferred sunless tanning cream together with a simple facial moisturiser, or use one of the ready mixed facial moisturisers with a hint of tanning cream. Many of the main beauty brands offer a version of their moisturisers with a sunless tanner included in the formulation.
  • Using your finger tips apply your moisturiser, or mix of tanning cream and moisturiser, to your face using circular and upward gentle motions. Make sure to be careful around your hairline, eyebrows and ears as this is where the tanning lotion can collect and create streaks and discolouration. Be particularly careful if you have very fair hair as the tanning lotion can stain your hairline. 
  • Make sure to wash your hands and around your nails. If you think that you may have some tanning lotion in your eyebrows or around your ears, run a cotton bud over the area to remove any excess.
  • It's ideal to do this at night just before going to bed as your tanning lotion will be undisturbed until morning and you should wake up to a new day with a pretty golden glow, that will make your day all the brighter!