Ready to achieve a flawless, sun-kissed tan? Follow these friendly, expert tips to make the most of your self-tanning lotion and enjoy a natural, long-lasting glow. We’ll walk you through every step so you can avoid common pitfalls and get a beautiful tan that looks fresh from the beach—without the sun exposure!

1. Exfoliate for a Smooth Base

Exfoliating is your best friend when it comes to prepping for self-tanner! Use a washcloth or exfoliating scrub to remove any dead skin cells. Pay special attention to thicker areas like your elbows, knees, and ankles to prevent uneven patches. A smooth base will help the self-tanner go on evenly and last longer.

2. Dry Your Skin Thoroughly

Once you’ve exfoliated, make sure your skin is completely dry. Applying self-tanner on damp skin can lead to patchiness, as the lotion won’t adhere evenly. Take a few minutes to air dry or gently pat yourself down with a towel before moving on to the next step.

3. Apply Self-Tanner in Sections

Work in sections for the most even application. Start with your arms, then move to your legs, torso, and so on. Massage the self-tanner in circular motions to ensure smooth, even coverage. This method also allows you to check each area as you go, so you’ll know if any spots need a bit more attention.

4. Wash Hands After Each Section

Avoid the dreaded orange palms by washing your hands with soap and water after applying self-tanner to each section. This quick rinse will keep your hands from absorbing the tanner, giving you a professional-looking, streak-free finish.


5. Blend at Wrists and Ankles

To achieve a natural, seamless look, gently blend the tanner from your wrists onto your hands and from your ankles onto your feet. This softens the transition and helps prevent any visible lines between sections.


6. Dilute on Joints for Even Color

Areas like knees, elbows, and ankles often absorb more product, which can result in darker patches. To balance the color, lightly rub these areas with a damp towel after application or apply a small amount of regular lotion over the tanner. This simple trick will help you achieve a smooth, even tone all over.


7. Allow Time for the Product to Dry

Give your skin a few minutes to absorb the self-tanner before getting dressed. Ideally, avoid sweating or wearing tight clothing immediately afterward to keep your tan smooth. With Boë’s quick-drying products, however, you can be on your way in no time without worrying about streaks or stains.


8. Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen Daily

Even with a beautiful faux glow, sunscreen is still essential to protect your skin. Look for a sunscreen that offers:

  • Water resistance
  • SPF 30 or higher
  • Broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB)

Try Boë’s One-Week Vacation Set

Boë’s one week vacation set contains 1x No.1 Tan Drops and 2x No.4 Tan Maximizer. It is amongst our customer favourite bundles, as it is perfect during the summer and your sunny vacations

For an effortless, beach-ready tan, check out Boë’s One-Week Vacation Set! This popular bundle includes 1x No.1 Tan Drops and 2x No.4 Tan Maximizer, making it perfect for summer trips or adding a radiant glow to your routine.

With these steps, you’ll be able to master your self-tanning routine like a pro!

Read more about our tips, products and Boë in general on our tan talk-page.

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