What to Do Before and After Self-Tanning for Flawless Results
Alright, so it’s summer, and the number one thing on your bucket list is to have a healthy, bronze look.
Self-tanner season is in full swing, and yes, you can absolutely get that sun-kissed glow without sun damage or risking sunburn.
If you're craving the glow but new to self-tanning at home, don’t worry - we've got you covered.
Let’s be honest: You could just slap on some tanner, send up a prayer, and hope it turns out okay…
However, at Honey Girl Organics, we understand that achieving a smooth, long-lasting, and streak-free bronzed look begins with proper body care. And luckily for you, we know all about that!
Here’s how to fake tan the Honey Girl way:
1. Exfoliate the Night Before
Your Secret Weapon: HGO’s Facial Scrub
If you've self-tanned before, you know the dread: dark spots that resemble bruises, or oddly deep-toned knees and elbows that subtly ruin the vibe. No more of that!
If you want a smooth, even tan that lasts, it all begins with exfoliation.
Grab your Honey Girl Organics - Facial Scrub:
This gentle and effective exfoliant is made with aloe butter and super-fine cane sugar to buff away dead skin while deeply nourishing with coconut oil. It gives you that smooth, radiant base from head to toe, and unlike conventional scrubs, ours won’t dry you out or irritate your skin.
Use it on:
Elbows, knees, ankles, or anywhere you have dry, patchy skin, so the tanner doesn’t cling and darken those spots.
When to exfoliate:
The night before your tan! You don’t want to open pores and layer self-tanner right on top. Exfoliating the night before helps protect your skin barrier and prepares it beautifully. You can also shave during this time (never after), as shaving after a tan can result in streaks and faster fading.
2. The Day of the Glow: Shower + Hydrate Your Whole Body
Say Hello to “The Lotion”
You prepped your skin the night before, so now it’s time to rinse off in the shower. Once you’re clean and completely dry, it’s time for lotion.
Hydrating your whole body before applying self-tanner is crucial and often skipped. Without this step, you’ll see uneven color, patchiness, and a tan that disappears within a day.
Pay extra attention to:
Knees
Elbows
Ankles
Wrists
Tops of hands and feet
And any dry patches!
Grab your Honey Girl Organics - The Lotion:
This lush, silky moisturizer is your tan’s best friend. It deeply penetrates dry skin and spreads evenly and easily.
3. Apply Your Self-Tanner + Blend with Care
Skin prepped? Time to tan, honey!
Use gloves or a mitt (we’re not trying to rock orange palms). Start from the legs and work your way up slowly, blending carefully as you go. Do not rush this step! Take your time to blend in for the most even coverage and long-lasting results.
4. Let It Set
After applying your self-tanner, allow it time to set; at least 15+ minutes of no clothes, no friction, and no sitting on fabric. If you get dressed too quickly, you risk rubbing the product off and creating uneven spots.
Honey Girl Tip: While you wait, it’s the perfect time to do your Honey Girl facial routine; cleanse, tone, moisturize, and glow from the neck up while your tan sets in!
5. The Morning After: Lock in the Glow with Super Skin Food
Even if you use a no-rinse formula, we highly recommend showering off the next morning to rinse away any lingering self-tanner formula!
Then: Hydrate like your glow depends on it (because it does).
Start with The Lotion all over your body, then seal it in with Super Skin Food. This rich balm is packed with organic olive oil, beeswax, and royal jelly. It deeply moisturizes and helps extend your tan for days. For this product, focus on the drier areas you exfoliated the night before.
3 Ways to Make Your Tan Last Longer
Moisturize daily: Especially after showers. Use The Lotion each time you towel off to keep your bronzed look glowing.
Avoid long, hot baths: Heat and steam fade your tan faster. If you’re prepping for a vacation or an event, opt for warm showers instead!
Pat dry only: No rubbing! Friction strips the pigment, causing uneven fading.
Now that you’ve prepped your skin and picked the right products to support your glow, your self-tanning ritual can be radiant, streak-free, and deeply nourishing.
If you’re serious about clean beauty and choosing greener options for your body and health, comment down below with the words "non-toxic tanning" and we’ll create a cheat sheet on how to pick the healthiest, botanical-based formulas for glowing skin; no nasty chemicals required.
Happy glowing!
Love,
Ashley & the Honey Girl Organics Team