Avoid A Fake Tan Disaster Posted by Entertainment 14 November, 2008 - 4:52 PM

(Photo: women.timesonline.co.uk/)

Find out how to apply fake tan properly and avoid looking like an Oompa Loompa this summer.

Even the stars who have all the help they need seem to get it wrong sometimes.

Check out our gallery of Celeb Tanning Disasters.

Here's some tips from the experts on applying fake tan.

1.  Remove unwanted hair. It will help for a smoother application.

2. Exfoliate. Use a body scrub, loofah or glove to get rid of dry skin. Self-tan works by staining the surface layer of skin, new skin means a less patchy tan. 

3. Moisturise. Dry skin equals a patchy tan. Try using a water not oil based moisturiser too.

4. Start at the chest then work your way down. Do you knees, elbows and ankles last and apply sparingly.

5. Let it dry. Even if you opt for a spray tan wait at least five minutes to put your clothes back on. Today's fake tans dry alot quicker. 

Remember: fake tan doesn't protect you from the sun.  So apply plenty of SPF when heading outdoors.

Know how to apply or get rid of fake tan like a pro? Send in your tips and suggestions here.

Leave your comment

• Jean says

  The best is to get it professionally done if you go weekly they usually will then charge you $25 a tan. That works out the same as buying it yourself and then not having to worry about the mess.
  To get ride of a spray tan fast use a soap body wash or bar not the soap free type and exfoliate in the bath. If applying tan yourself wash the insides of your hands with toothpaste. If you have any stubborn tan on knuckles etc use a bit of nail polish remover with a cotton ball to remove.

  Posted Friday 21 November, 2008 5:01 PM
• Nicole says

  Just use sun block and stay out of the sun. There really is no reason to have a dark tan - it just makes you look unheathly. Just look at Nicole Kidman - being sun smart is beautiful.

  Posted Monday 24 November, 2008 4:24 PM
• AC101 says

  i agree with nicole, i am as pale as can be and take that for granted, and it really annoys me when people lash out on expensive tans!! look natural, like i do.

  http:// www.myspace.com/aledcole

  Posted Monday 24 November, 2008 6:03 PM
• marama says

  just get a real tan..uknow from the sun and all :O

  Posted Wednesday 10 December, 2008 12:18 PM
• amee says

  Fake tan is awsome! although i tend to stick to the professionals-spray tans as theres no streaks or mess that way also its a lot safer than baking in the sun or in a tanning bed!

  Posted Wednesday 10 December, 2008 4:40 PM
• Charlotte says

  y do people fuss ova fake tans??

  lol i'm lucky i dont need one!!!
  I've got a natural tan not from the sun..hehehe... was born with it
  (benefits of being an island girl)

  Posted Wednesday 10 December, 2008 7:45 PM
• Claire Banham says

  Buy a packet of make-up removing pads (e.g. Swispers). Apply fake tan with your hands to your body except for hands and feet. Once finished, thoroughly wash your hands and put a bit of fake tan on the make-up pad and lightly using feathery strokes apply fake tan to hands and feet.

  It allows the fake tan to blend in perfectly. (And gives you a better job than most professionals can give!!)

  Posted Monday 22 December, 2008 3:49 PM