A tan so flawless it's impossible to tell whether it is faked or baked? Sign us up!
Sometimes the humble faux glow doesn't always go to plan. Cue thoughts of sticky skin, anxious waits, aromatic odours, discoloured sheets or being banned from the bedroom until you have showered. So to avoid a fake tan fiasco, we chatted with the experts at Bondi Sands on how to get the perfect summer skin, sans sunlight.
Disaster 1: A splotchy tan
Start fresh: Good preparation of the skin makes a world of difference to avoid this. Remember to exfoliate thoroughly prior to applying with an exfoliation mitt. The active ingredient in tanning products is drawn to dry skin, so the more dry skin you can remove the better the canvas will be to apply a streak free tan.
Good light: It's important to tan in front of a mirror with good lighting so you can see where you're applying the product, where needs more product and where the application is (or isn't) even.
1 / Photography: Milenko Weddings / Stylists: Kimberlee Kessler & Rosemary Slade / Dress: Lilli Marcs / Hair: Rhiane Schroder / Makeup: Helen Samaryan using Tom Ford Beauty / Flowers: Kindred Floral 2/ Gown Belladonna by Wendy Makin , Jewellery: Pandora ,Photography: Lost in Love Photography
Disaster 2: You are not dark enough
Round two: Don't be afraid of applying a second or third layer for a darker glow. I like to start my fake tan Friday ritual on a Thursday so I have a few days of building up my colour till I reach my glow goals. Or even apply an instant tanner for a glow on the go.
The Bondi Sands 'Glo' Collection - RRP: $17.99 Each. Available exclusively at Priceline from July 2018.
Disaster 3: Too much tan on face, ankles and didn't wash your hands #orange
Moisture is key: Always moisturise your hands, elbows, knees and feet. This acts as a barrier against tanner going too dark in these drier areas.
If you have gone slightly tangelo, use a warm face washer or an exfoliating mitt to remove those areas, scrub in a circular motion. Another great tanning hack is the Bondi Sands Tan Eraser #holygrail
1 / HMU: Janice WU / Photography: Lost in Love Photography 2/ Gown: Goddess by Nature / Jewellery: Pandora / Photography: Lost in Love Photography / Stylists: Kimberlee Kessler & Rosemary Slade / Stylists’ Assistant: Camilla Prangnell / Hair & Makeup: Renee Sayed at The Future Mrs using Moroccanoil and Zoeva Cosmetics / Hair Extensions: Showpony Professional
Expert tip:
"Aftercare is also very important. Skin hydration is key to maintaining your colour, therefore we recommend using our Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk daily, since this will not only keep your skin hydrated but will also prolong your tan." Co-Founder of Bondi Sands and self-tanning expert Blair James.
Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milks $17.95
Want a little more glow? These products will have you positively luminous!
Feature image: Photographer: David Hausermman / HMU: Emma Plant / Art Direction and Styling: Megan Ziems / Gowns: Grace Loves Lace / Jewellery: Harlequin Jewellery