We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again (and again, and again…) – sunless tanning is the only way to get a gorgeous, golden glow in 2024. Not only does it save you from lasting skin damage and potentially life-altering health consequences, but fake tanning also allows you to create an even, all-over sun kissed glow to your desired shade and depth. Biiiiig slay. Huge.
While many of us have now successfully mastered the art of fake tan after years of trial and error, one area that’s been long overlooked, but is crucial to get right, is the face. Gone are the days of matching your ‘summer’ foundation to your manufactured golden glow. Now, there are a plethora of skin-friendly self tanning waters and other products available that’ll help you bronze up your face without provoking pesky breakouts.
If face tanning has felt a little scary until now – because, you know, it’s your face we’re talking about – you’re not alone. But, if there’s one beauty hack you try out in 2024, we reckon it should be this one. Keep on reading to get the full lowdown on how to tan your face properly, things to know before you dive right in, and of course, all about our go-to product – the Remake Fruity Reboot-y Facial Tanning Water.
Why use face tan water?
Depending on where you shop, there are usually a few types of face fake tan to choose from, including drops, masks, and moisturisers. In our humble opinion, though, the best fake tan for the face is a face tanning water or mist. There’s a couple of reasons we love self tanning water so much, starting with how convenient it can be – simply prep, spritz, and enjoy a gorgeous glow; no tanning mitt, stained hands, or fancy applicators required. It’s literally so simple, making it the perfect minimalist or lazy girl hack.
It’s also very easily buildable, which sets it apart from other formulas. Upon first application, you might notice that your tan isn’t particularly deep, but don’t fear! You can apply facial tanning water day after day until you achieve your desired glow. This also makes it the perfect type of product for regular touch-ups, meaning you’ll see less flakiness, fading, or that tiger bread look every experienced tanner knows (yes, it can happen on your face if you’re on the dry side…).
How to use face tanning water
Like with all self-tanners, the application process will make or break your tan – it can be the difference between a golden glow that lasts upwards of a week, and the urge to scrub all your tan off 12 hours after you applied it because you’re mad at your application skills (true story).
The pre-tan prep
Whether it’s your first time tanning your face or your fiftieth, there’s no negotiating this first step – you’ll need to prep your skin so you have a smooth base to work with. The key to this is, of course, the right skincare. If you plan on tanning your face on the reg, one of the most important products to have in your skincare routine is a chemical exfoliant. Formulated with AHAs, BHAs, or perhaps even both, like our super skin-enhancing No BS Liquid Exfoliant, chemical exfoliants slough away dead skin cells gently, revealing a fresher, smoother complexion without all of the harsh manual exfoliation of a physical scrub. The frequency you use a chemical exfoliation may vary based on your skin type and any sensitivities, but once every second day is a good guide.
Moisturiser is also a must for avid face tanners. Be sure to keep your skin as supple and hydrated as possible by regularly (ideally twice daily, morning and night) applying moisturiser that’s designed for your skin type. The best part about self tanning waters and mists, though, is that they’re inherently hydrating, which means they’ll just add to all that juicy goodness after you’ve moisturised, rather than dry you out.
The application
When you’re ready to get your glow on, start by first cleansing your skin. Then, it’s time to go in with your face tanning mist – our choice of product is, naturally, the Remake Fruity Reboot-y Facial Tanning Water. Shake the bottle well, close your eyes, and then spritz the product all over your face, neck, and decolletage, holding the bottle roughly 20 to 30cm away. Be sure you evenly disperse the tanning water to avoid patchiness.
The aftercare
Once you’ve applied your face tan, leave the product to dry on your skin for at least 10 to 20 minutes before you apply any other skincare, as this will ensure you don’t create any unwanted streaks or ruin your handiwork. We recommend applying your tan at night time so that it can thoroughly sink into the skin and your golden glow can develop before you apply makeup the next morning. Then, two to three days later, you can reapply your tanning face mist as desired to intensify the depth of your tan. The formula and convenient application make it easy to tailor your tan to your liking, applying a new coat every few days if you prefer a darker glow, or using on demand for a quick hit of hydration and colour.
If you want to remove your face fake tan, here are two foolproof ways. You can use an oil-based cleanser, which will break down the DHA in fake tans such as Fruity Reboot-y, helping the colour to melt off your skin for a clean slate. Keep this in mind when you’re trying to preserve your tan, too – oil-based cleansers are a no-go if deepening and maintaining that glow is at the top of your priority list. The other easy way to remove fake tan is to use an exfoliant, be that chemical or physical. Physical exfoliants tend to work more immediately, making them the right choice if you need to get your tan off in a jiff. Alternatively, a chemical exfoliant on a cotton pad will do the same thing, but you may need to persevere a little more or apply your product for a few days in a row to completely slough off all that tan.
About the Remake Fruity Reboot-y Facial Tanning Water
Our go-to facial tanning mist, the Fruity Reboot-y Facial Tanning Water, is formulated with juicy watermelon, which means it’ll leave your skin feeling quenched and looking beautifully bronzed.
So, not only is it packed full of the right ingredients to tan your skin to perfection, but it’s also working away in the background to ensure your complexion looks dewy, feels supple, and is the perfect canvas for your glow.
This is because watermelon is 92% water, and also contains some amazing amino acids and antioxidants, all of which are helpful hydrators that will bind moisture to the skin. Antioxidants are also fantastic at protecting the complexion against environmental stressors, making this product a great addition to your routine when used in conjunction with SPF. While watermelon has taken its sweet time to gain popularity in the skincare world, it’s now fast becoming a go-to ingredient for dehydrated and dry skin types in particular – the key to a supple, nourished, positively juicy complexion.
Oh, and did we mention that the Fruity Reboot-y Facial Tanning Water – and all Remake products – is cruelty-free, vegan, and has been made ethically using sustainable ingredients and packaging? So, you’ll never have to worry about the story behind your glow ever again. Shop the Remake Fruity Reboot-y Facial Tanning Water and our other no fuss, minimal skincare products now. Happy tanning!