Five self tan mistakes we all make, according to an A-list tanner

Picture your favourite celebrity. If said A-Lister is known for their gorgeous glowing skin, there's a good chance that James Harknett is the man behind the tan.

Dubbed "The Tom Ford of Tanning", Harknett isn't just the rich and famous' favourite spray tanner, he is beloved by just about every beauty editor (myself included) for his meticulous approach to creating an ultra-flattering, layered and personalised bronze, no matter your natural skin tone. Sadly, we can't all visit the man himself at the W Hotel Away Spa every week, so as we dip our toes into legs-out season, who better to ask for advice on the business of applying the best self tan at home?

“Having the opportunity to tan over 250 people a month and being an industry expert for 20 years I get the opportunity to hear every struggle that self tanners have encountered," says Harknett. "You could say that’s why they come to me, however, the same prep mistakes keep occurring.” Whether you prefer the best instant tans or gradual formulas, read on to discover what to know before self tanning and his top five tanning pitfalls – plus how to avoid them.

The 5 most common fake tan mistakes, according to an industry pro

Mistake 1: Waxing then tanning

“The most commonly occurred mistake pre-tan is around hair removal; wax 48 hours before any self tanning, shaving can be 24 hours. The reason being self tan is not makeup, a paint or a wash-away dye. It’s a naturally derived ingredient from sugar fructose that gives a golden tan by reacting with the amino acids on the surface of the skin, i.e. dead skin cells. Therefore waxing and shaving sloughs that layer of skin away. The body needs to rejuvenate and then the tan will have skin to cling to.”

Mistake 2: Patchy build-up

Orange palms and overly tanned feet are common concerns with self tan. “Just think of the less fleshy and delicate areas of the body, layer some moisture over these parts of the skin and you will find this will thin out the product and leaving a much more natural finish.” If you forget to prep like this and end up with build-up, read our guide on how to get fake tan off hands – which can be important to know even after applying one of the best fake tans for face!

Mistake 3: Layering up

“Another no-no is tanning on top of older self tan that’s still visible. It’s normally around the top of the underarms, neck and inner thighs. It's this sort of loading up that can cause dehydration, darker patches and a flaky uneven wear off that has us asking 'is fake tan bad for your skin?' Answer: Not as long as you prep properly. The new Fake Bake Corrector & Eraser can help. With six minutes on the skin the mango scented foam dissolves the older tan away, leaving a clear base for your tan to settle evenly.” The only tan products designed to be layered are the best gradual tan formulas, which offer a veil of color and tonnes of moisture. If you are using a stronger developing mousse (and do read our Coco & Eve tan review if so) then you must get rid of the old before welcoming the new. 

Mistake 4: Giveaway creases

It doesn't matte if you're using one of the best fake tans for pale skin the best fake tan for mature skin, un-tanned circles is also a common self tan faux pas. “When we sit, our knee caps stretch and the skin expands, so if they are tanned it shows round lines. A simple trick is to lift your leg on the bath edge, for example, and gently work the self tanner in the knees. Depending on your strength of tanner, it’s a good idea to mix the tan with some plain moisturiser.”

Mistake 5: Forgetting maintenance

Up keep of a tan is as important as application To keep the colour for a good week avoid baths and keep showers a little cooler. Moisturise twice a day by using an oil free moisturiser. Try the Aveeno moisturiser in a spray can” (Aveeno Daily Moisturising After Shower Mist). “It takes the hassle out of being sticky. If you’re on holiday avoid chlorine pools, ocean water is much kinder. And one last thing – if you’re in a warm climate and worried about perspiration, sprinkle a little medicated talc in the bra or bikini. It works wonders."