The ultimate guide to the best sunless tan all year round
While escaping to tropical destinations is one way to keep your tan, it's not always the most practical or affordable option. Enter self-tanning – a convenient and safe alternative to achieve a gorgeous, bronzed look without the need for sun exposure.
Although there’s a wide range of reliable self-tanning products (serum drops, mousses, lotions, and mists), making it easier than ever to achieve a natural-looking glow, creating a flawless, long-lasting self-tan still requires some know-how. Bear with us, as we lay out the blueprint for building a streak-free, long-lasting, natural-looking, sun-less tan routine.
Step 1: Prep
Preparation is the foundation of a perfect self-tan. To ensure even, streak-free results, start prepping your skin 1-2 days before you plan to apply the self-tanner.
- Exfoliate: Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth canvas for the self-tanner. We recommend the Buffing Bar, as its evenly compressed microcrystals guarantee consistent exfoliation on any area of the body.
- Shave: Remove unwanted hair to prevent self-tanner from settling in pores and creating a spotty appearance. For a closer shave, use the Comfort Cleanse as a shaving lubricant.
- Moisturize: Keep your skin hydrated by moisturizing daily (or even multiple times a day) to ensure a smooth, plump surface for the self-tanner.
Step 2: Application
When you're ready to apply the self-tanner, make sure any previously applied moisturizer has been fully absorbed and your skin is dry to the touch. For extra-dry areas prone to clinging (such as ankles, knees, knuckles, and elbows), prime with an additional layer of moisturizer.
If using self-tanning drops, you can mix them with the Speed Soak for easy spreading and quick absorption.
Step 3: Post-care
To maintain your newly achieved glow, consistently moisturize to keep your skin hydrated and your tan looking vibrant. However, avoid exfoliating or using products containing AHAs, BHAs, or enzymes, as these can cause your tan to fade unevenly.
When you're ready to start fresh, use the Buffing Bar to gently remove the remaining self-tanner.
Now that you have this outline handy in your back pocket, follow along for further guidance on how the Soft Services product range should and shouldn’t be used during the pursuite of your ultimate faux tan.
✓ Good for: Prep, Application ✗ Not good for: Post-care
Soft Services
Buffing Bar
$28
net wt 3.75 oz (2)
fragrance free
Use the Buffing Bar for prepping the skin before self-tanning and for buffing away any stubborn residue during the application process. However, it should be avoided during the post-care phase to prevent exfoliating away your newly acquired tan, and should only be used once you're ready to remove the remaining self-tanner and start the process anew.
✓ Good for: Prep, Post-care ✗ Not good for: Application
Soft Services
Comfort Cleanse
$32
10 fl oz
fragrance free
Comfort Cleanse can be used as a moisturizing shaving lubricant to help you achieve a close shave and prevent dry skin, which can lead to an uneven tan. It's also perfect for daily, non-stripping cleansing during the post-care phase, as it doesn't contain any exfoliating ingredients that could potentially strip away your self-tan.
✓ Good for: Prep ✗ Not good for: Application, Post-care
Soft Services
Smoothing Solution
$30
3.3 fl oz
fragrance free
If prone to ingrown hair and irritation from razors, use a thin layer of Smoothing Solution post-shaving in prep. Avoid use throughout post-care as this formula contains 10% AHA (lactic acid)—though once ready to restart the process, use it as an allover tan remover.
✓ Good for: Prep, Application, Post-care
Soft Services
Speed Soak
$28
5.5 fl oz
fragrance free
Speed Soak is a versatile product that can be used throughout the entire self-tanning process, from prep and application to post-care, as it hydrates the skin, serves as a mixing medium for self-tanning drops, and helps maintain your tan's vibrancy. Its non-greasy, quick-absorbing formula makes it an ideal choice for achieving a flawless, long-lasting self-tan.
✓ Good for: Prep ✗ Not good for: Application, Post-care
Soft Services
Carea Cream
$40
11 fl oz
fragrance free
Carea Cream can be used during the early stages of prep to soften and hydrate the skin, thanks to its lightweight texture and 10% urea content. However, due to its gentle exfoliating properties, it should be avoided during the post-care phase to prevent inadvertently removing your self-tan. But it can instead be used as a tan eraser.
✓ Good for: Prep ✗ Not good for: Application, Post-care
Soft Services
Clearing Mist
$26
4 fl oz
acne treatment
Clearing Mist is formulated with BHA (1% salicylic acid)—while extremely effective in treating body acne, it is a villain in a self-tan routine. Use this medicated breakout tonic in the early stages of prep and avoid use throughout post-care.
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Discoloration
An area of skin, maybe a dot or a patch, that's darker or lighter than its base tone.
Also Called
Hyperpigmention, hypopigmentation, scar, freckles, melasma
Frequently Found On
Neck, chest, hands, arms
Related Concerns
Learn More: Discoloration