Nothing can expose the errors in your self tan job quite like your hands and feet. It doesn’t matter how well-matched your shade is or how sophisticated your tanning foam or water formula may be, without the correct preparation and application, you’ll be left with patchy, streaky hands and feet.
So unless you’d like to continue wearing gloves and socks every time you attempt a full body tan, we asked Michael Brown, St. Tropez’s resident expert, and Sara Sidari, the founder of ORRO & Co for their top tips on achieving a flawless tan on your feet and hands, every time.
Scrub…
When it comes to pre-tan prep, a little effort goes a long way. Much like the rest of your body, it is a non-negotiable to scrub your hands and feet free of old tan and dead skin in order to create a smooth, clean canvas.
For a thorough exfoliation, we recommend The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Rough Scrub ($29, The Body Shop).
Moisturise…
Although we’re told to avoid moisturiser up to 24 hours before we tan, the opposite applies to our hands and feet. In fact, according to Michael, “adding a rich moisturiser to the hands [and feet] pre-tan is vital so that tan doesn’t oxidise and go darker on drier skin.”
The goal of this process is to create a barrier between your dry skin and the actual tan, to ensure a natural and even finish.
bh recommends: Kiehl’s Crème de Corps ($55, Kiehls)
Mask…
Okay, so this one isn’t going to become part of your weekly tanning routine (and nor should it). But if your tan is seriously sticking to some majorly dry (and crusty) skin on your heels (it happens to the best of us), we suggest taking a week off from tanning your feet to watch the magic of a mask shine. Our masking recommendation? The Skin Republic Biodegradable Foot Peel ($17.99 at Priceline). This sole-saving solution works to literally slough away pesky dead skin. You might end up feeling like a bit of a shedding reptile for a week, but the results will be worth the minor week-long horror. Once you emerge from the peeling cocoon, we swear the smoothed results will be well and truly worth it for the sake of your (now even) tan.
Make use of tools…
This includes a glove like the Ella Baché Great Tanning Mitt ($9.90, Adore Beauty) or even a dense brush. Similarly to how we smooth out our makeup, we can buff out patches of our tan that are too dark or not evenly distributed. We recommend the: Bondi Sands Body Brush ($24.99, Priceline).
Want to go one better? Sarah recommends ORRO’s Mini Mitt ($9, ORRO and Co.) which sits across three fingers, allowing for precise application into harder to reach areas.
Don’t apply products directly to your hands or feet…
Simply blend the tan down from your legs or arms, using the residue on the glove once you reach your feet and hands. By doing so, you’re controlling the amount of product being applied. And remember, less is more.
However, if you do apply too much product, don’t be afraid to grab a dark coloured towel and wipe your feet clean before starting over again. Just make sure you’re moving quickly.
In case of emergency…
Despite your best efforts, sometimes mistakes are still made. In which case, we recommend enlisting the help of a tan remover like the St. Tropez Tan Remover Mousse ($17.95, Amazon). Another godsend for eliminating patchy palms and orange ankles? Glycolic acid. This AHA (which is usually found in skin care products) will help to actively break down your tan and instantly dull any unwanted dark patches. And while we can understand not wanting to use your precious skin care on a full body scrub, a few drops of glycolic acid across your hands and feet is far more acceptable.
Main image credit: @rosiehw
Do you fake tan your hands and feet? What tips have you discovered for a streak-free finish?
Sometimes, I use a light fake tan, but only on my legs & feet through summer. If you’ve never used a tanning mitt, it’s worth all the hype: it’s much quicker & gives a streak-free finish.
If I get any darker patches, I scrub them with the plastic pot scourer I keep in the shower for exfoliation. My skin is uncommonly tough due to thyroid disease.
I mainly use tan for my legs, if something goes wrong it’s easy to fix : wear long pants for few days.
Good article -I have always had problems with the feet -I don’t do my arms and hands as they tan easily but my legs always need a hand
Did try tanner a while back. Looked nice and left it very shortly, to be subtle and just give a bit of a glow. It turned out to be even.
Always use a mitt
I don’t really fake tan anymore but when I did I would! It looks off if you don’t
The feet can be tricky to tan. Good article.
I don’t fake tan but I do like a good scrub.
Don’t use Fake Tans at all but they look beautiful on other people.
I need this article last weekend.
Im not much of a fake tan person, but i like to play around with it from time to time lol
Good tips and advice.
I oly use light, i have fair skin
I use moisturizer but I wouldn’t bother with fake tan
I was aware of those tips and all very good ones to remember.
Fake tan doesn’t suit my skin
I’m not into fake tanning because it’s all too much hard work for me.
Definitely moisturise
I don’t worry about using fake tans, my skin will have to look fine whatever colour it is.
Moisturise beforehand always works for me
This is not a product i need.
I learnt all this from recently reviewing a tanning product. Great tips.
Exfoliating is a must before I tan, I find moisturising really does help stop getting dark or patchy hands/feet.
Consistent moisturisation is the key!
I feel that using a mitt is common sense?
I’ve never used fake tan before, not a fan of the tan.
I always use a body scrub and body lotion every day, but not a fake tan.