How to apply a Professional and Dark Fake Tan

Want to know how the Manly Seabirds get their amazing and flawless tans?  Read on for a winner’s guide to performance ready sunless tan success!

A tan that has been well prepared for, and well applied can add significant value to your look.  A tan can even your complexion, create toning contours, and provide coverage for any scratches, dimples or bumps.  

How to prepare your skin

Your skin is your biggest organ.  It's critical that you exfoliate extremely well before your tan to ensure the freshest skin cells possible are available to be tanned.  The last thing you want when you are tanning for game day, is to apply fresh tan on top of old tan that really needs removing.  Try a tan removal mitt, using the Best Body Scrub or soaking in a hot bath to wash back old tan.

How to prepare for a spray tan appointment or self-tan session

Your skin must be free of any moisturiser, oils, deodorants, make-up or perfumes before being tanned. These products act as a barrier, which will stop the tan absorbing and working correctly on your skin.

Any waxing or shaving should be done at least 24 hours prior to your tan application to ensure the pores of your skin are closed. Leave as long as possible between your shower and your tan so your skin has time to cool and dry after your shower.  

After your tan

While your tan is processing, it’s important to avoid activities that will cause the bronzer to alter.  You want your skin cool, and try to avoid any rubbing, which may mark your final result.  Your tan can be washed off after 2 hours – but the longer you leave it, the darker it will go. 

When you have your first post tan shower – do not wash in soap or wash your hair.  Only wash off the bronzer with lukewarm water.  If you don’t, you could end up with streaks from the ingredients in soaps/hair products and this will not give you a game day quality tan.    You can use a soap that contains no sodium laureth sulfate -like our goat's milk & honey soaps to extend the life of your tan.

After your shower

Apply plenty of moisturiser.  Any tan is only going to stay on the skin as long as the cells applied stay put.  So moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.  If you can use a moisture lock cream, like ours - you'll be guaranteed a lasting tan.

Be careful

Cheerleading is a strenuous activity.  Activities that cause you to perspire more than normal as this will reduce the life of your tan.  It is critical that you do not perform with the bronzer of your tan still applied.   You need to plan your tan for a few days prior to game days and other important events.  Custom Tan can be applied each day over a few days to achieve a darker skin tone.  Your tan should definitely not be an afterthought. 

Get the Manly Seabirds tan here