Rose & Caramel’s Ultimate Guide To Achieving A Flawless Self-tan All Year Round

Industry leading, British-based, cruelty-free tanning brand, Rose & Caramel believes that we don’t tan for other people, we tan for ourselves – and achieving an all-over, flawless tan at home isn’t too out of reach. To achieve the perfect golden glow all year round, you just need to follow the right guidance.

Although we might look better with some colour, it’s how its customers feel on the inside that is the driving force behind Rose & Caramel. The brand has been covering people in confidence since 2010, and is now sharing its go-to guide to achieving a flawless at-home tan for those who still need some colour in their lives.

PREP & HYDRATE

Achieving an all-over flawless look with self-tan is about the preparation. Prepped skin equals guaranteed flawless results, every time – and just like an artist needs a blank canvas to create a masterpiece, the best results for self-tanning start with the clearest of skin.

Body hair is not your friend. It’s super important to shave or wax 24 hours prior to tanning. This gives your skin a chance to recover from any abrasion, and ensures that you have an ultra smooth surface for when it comes to applying the self-tan.

Don’t even think about tanning on top of old tan. Your skin should be completely free from self-tan, so removing your old tan first is vital. Rose & Caramel’s tan remover range, Purity, includes the world’s first Tan Removing Bubble Bath, Shower Gel and Foam. Make sure you use an exfoliating mitt, and within minutes your skin will be fresh and completely tan-free.

No make-up, deodorant or perfume/aftershave. Keeping your skin completely product free prior to applying self-tan is essential, as anything extra on the skin can affect the tan’s formula and how it develops.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Hydrated skin is happy skin, which is why it’s also important to ensure your skin is moisturised – and be sure to pay extra attention to dry areas such as the hands, feet, knees and elbows. Rose & Caramel’s Prep & Protect Hydration Mist ensures all-over, even results.

HOW TO APPLY YOUR SELF-TAN

Circular motions: Using a deluxe tanning mitt, pump on a generous amount of your chosen tanning mousse and sweep across the body in circular motions, ensuring all areas are covered evenly.

Mitt magic: When it comes to an even tan, the dry side of the mitt is paramount. Take extra care around your hands, feet, wrists and knuckles, buffing them thoroughly with the dry side of your mitt.

Darker shades: For a darker tan, apply a second layer following the same application method, once your first layer is touch-dry.

Duo tanning: Take your tan to the next level with duo tanning. This extra layer of a clear, aerosol tan helps to seal in the colour, deepen your tan’s development, and gives an all-over airbrush effect. Lightly mist the aerosol over your tan, ensuring you elevate arms and legs to avoid overspray landing on them. Mist over your hands and feet lightly and, from a distance, slightly clawing your fingers.

Rose & Caramel’s award-winning Nudity Glow Gradual Tanning Water is ideal for duo tanning. It gives all skin tones a healthy glow, doesn’t block pores, and is also perfect for facial tanning.

SELF-TAN AFTERCARE

Wait until it’s dry: When you’ve finished applying your products to the skin, check that they’re dry to the touch before wearing loose-fitting clothing while your tan settles into the skin. Avoid any tight-fitting footwear, and do NOT get your skin wet.

Let your tan develop: Allow the tan to develop for a minimum of eight hours, or overnight, then wash off with a light rinse in the shower, patting yourself dry with a towel (no rubbing!)

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Make sure that you keep your skin hydrated for a longer-lasting tan. This will help boost your tan’s appearance on the skin.

Top up: For people who are active and those whose skin types struggle to hold a tan for long periods of time, topping up with a clear aerosol or tanning water is the perfect way to boost colour in between applications.

Rise and repeat: When your tan is ready to come off, ensure you use an exfoliating glove and tan remover (Rose & Caramel’s bubble bath, shower gel or foam are perfect for this) to completely get rid of the old tan from your skin, ready for your next application. Repeat the process again as above to achieve a flawless, airbrushed result, every time.

All of Rose & Caramel’s products are cruelty-free, and free from alcohol, parabens and perfumes. Shop the products and discover more of Rose & Caramel’s range at lovelula.com