Tailor Your Tan to Your Skin Tone

When it comes to self tanning there are so many different products on the market. While it’s great to have options, the search for your perfect tan can be overwhelming.

One of the most common mistakes made when self tanning is not using the correct formula, which can result in an unnatural looking colour. Think, Oompa-Loompa.

The trick to avoiding this is to tailor your tan to your skin tone. There’s not really a ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to self tan – so where do you begin?

It’s all about the undertone

If you have naturally fair skin, a self tan with an ash base was made for you. The ash undertone will give you a dark cool-brown tan, and prevent you from looking too orange. If you have naturally olive skin or tan easily in the sun, find a self tan with a violet base. Violet tones will result in a deeper bronze-brown tan that suits darker complexions. If you’re unsure, self tans with a green base are a good place to start as they make good all-rounders. A green undertone will result in a dark olive brown tan which suits most skin tones.

The colour of your veins can often be a good indicator of your skin's undertone. If you have greenish veins, then it’s likely you have a warm undertone. People with blue or purple-looking veins usually have cooler undertones.

If you wear jewellery this can also be a good indicator. People who tend to like the way that gold looks against their skin are more likely to have a warm undertone more suited to a violet based tan and silver, a cooler undertone suited to an ash based tan.

Making it last

To get the most out of your self tanner, you can apply two layers to achieve a deeper colour. It’s also a good idea to invest in a gradual self tanning lotion, which can be used to extend the life of your tan. Daily use of a gradual tanning moisturiser will prevent your tan from looking patchy as it begins to fade, and will help get you through to your next tanning day. For more tips on how to prepare your skin for self tan, check out our post on exfoliating and moisturising here.