Achieving a Natural Glow: Self-Tanning Guide for Men

Fake tanning is not just for women; more and more men are turning to self tanning products to get the look of a sun-kissed glow. If you’re a man who’s interested in fake tanning, this guide is for you. Here, you’ll learn the best fake tan for men, tips and tricks for successful application, and common mistakes to avoid. Get ready to become an expert in self tanning and achieve the perfect tan!

Why Self Tanning Is For Everyone

Fake tanning is no longer just for women; it's for everyone! Gone are the days when men felt hesitant about using self tanning products. In fact, more and more men are embracing fake tanning as a way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV rays.

There are plenty of reasons why self tanning is for everyone. Firstly, it allows you to have complete control over your tan. You can choose the intensity and shade that suits you best, whether you want a subtle, natural-looking tan or a deeper bronzed glow. We offer a wide range of self tanning products available in all skin tones, there's something for everyone.

Self tanning also offers a range of benefits. It can help to even out your skin tone, reduce the appearance of imperfections, and give you a healthy-looking complexion. Plus, it's a great way to enhance your muscle definition, making you look more toned and fit.

Don't worry about smelling like a walking biscuit either. Our products all contain a signature scent with our Unity unisex range having a designer inspired scent. So, you don't have to worry about that dreaded fake tan smell.

Tanning With Facial and Body Hair

When it comes to the art of self-tanning, the presence of facial and body hair can pose a challenge. We have curated some invaluable tips to help you navigate this situation and attain a seamlessly radiant tan.

1. Pre-Trimming: The first step in your self-tanning journey with facial and body hair is pre-trimming. Trim any excess hair at least 24 hours prior to applying your self-tan. This ensures an even application.

2. Focus on Dry Hair-Prone Areas: Dry areas with hair, such as eyebrows, beards, chest hair, or arm hair, require special attention. These areas have the tendency to absorb more tanner, potentially resulting in a darker and more intense colour. Take a few extra moments to meticulously blend the self-tan into these areas for a natural-looking finish.

3. Exfoliation is Key: Before applying self-tanner, exfoliation is paramount for areas with facial and body hair. This step eliminates dead skin cells, creating a smooth canvas for the tanner to adhere to. It aids in preventing patchiness and uneven colouring.

4. Post-Application Hair Care: After applying the self-tan use a face cloth to gently pat any areas with hair. This helps prevent the tanner from adhering to the hair and potentially altering its colour.

5. Avoid Wet Body Hair: Steer clear of applying self-tanner to damp or wet body hair. Wet hair can lead to streaks and hinder proper tanner-skin interaction. Ensure your body hair is thoroughly dry before applying the tanner for optimal results.

Choosing the right self-tanning product for men

When it comes to choosing the right self tanning product for your skin type, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, think about the desired end result. Do you want a natural-looking fake tan or a deeper bronzed glow? This will help you determine which shade of self tanner to go for. Our Unity range offers a range of shades to suit different skin tones. These tanning foams are available in light - medium, medium - dark, and ultra dark, and have a deep brown base which will adapt to all skin tones, ensuring that there's something for everyone.

Another important consideration is the type of self tanning product you prefer. If you're a beginner or want a more subtle tan, Unity light - medium or Unity Tanning Water might be a good choice. These formulas are lightweight and easy to apply, giving you a natural-looking fake tan without any streaks or patchiness. On the other hand, if you're looking for a deeper and longer-lasting tan, Unity ultra dark might be more suitable. These formulas often provide a more intense colour payoff and can be built up for a darker tan.

Prepping Your Skin For Self Tanning

Prepping your skin before applying self tanner is a crucial step to achieving a flawless and natural-looking tan. By taking the time to properly prepare your skin, you can ensure that the self tanner goes on smoothly and evenly, resulting in a streak-free and long-lasting tan.

One of the first things you should do before applying self tanner is to exfoliate your skin. This helps to remove any dead skin cells and create a smooth canvas for the tanner to adhere to. Our Unity Power Scrub is not only great for removing tan, but its exfoliating properties make it perfect for prepping your skin for your next tanning application. Use alongside our exfoliating mitt to buff away any rough or dry patches. Pay special attention to areas like elbows, knees, and ankles, as these tend to be drier and can absorb more tanner, resulting in a darker and patchy appearance.

After exfoliating, make sure to moisturise your skin. This step is especially important for areas that are prone to dryness, such as your knees, elbows, and ankles. Applying a moisturiser will help to hydrate your skin and create a barrier between the tanner and your skin, preventing it from absorbing too quickly and resulting in a patchy tan. Our Unity Miracle Moisture Mist will keep your skin hydrated for 24+ hours and is lightweight and grease free.

It's also a good idea to shave or wax any unwanted hair before applying self tanner. This will ensure that the tanner applies smoothly and evenly, without getting caught on any stubble or hairs. If you do shave or wax, make sure to wait at least 24 hours before applying the tanner to give your skin time to recover.

Applying Self Tanner Properly For Even Coverage

Now that you have chosen the perfect self tanning product and prepped your skin, it's time to apply the self tanner for that flawless and even coverage. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure you get the most natural-looking fake tan.

Start by applying a small amount of self tanner to your tanning mitt. This will help you have more control over the application and prevent streaks or patches. It's important to blend well and apply the tanner in circular motions to ensure an even coverage.

When applying self tanner to your body, work from the bottom up. Start with your legs and then move on to your torso, arms, and finally your face. This will help prevent any smudging or transferring of the tanner. Our Deluxe Back Tanner is perfect for applying tan to those hard to reach areas.

Be mindful of areas that tend to be drier, such as elbows, knees, and ankles. Apply a small amount of self tanner to these areas and blend well to avoid any dark patches or uneven colour.

When it comes to applying self tanner to your face, use our Unity Face and Body Tanning Drops mixed in with a moisturiser of your choice. This will help ensure that you get the right amount of colour without clogging your pores. Use over a couple of days to create a deeper tan and always remember to wash your hands.

Once you have finished applying the self tanner, make sure to let it dry completely before getting dressed. This will prevent any transfer of colour onto your clothes or sheets.

How to apply self-tanner for a natural-looking glow

Remember, less is more when it comes to self tanning. It's better to start with a lighter application and build up the colour gradually. You can always add more self tanner if needed, but it's harder to remove excess tanner once it's been applied.

Maintaining your self-tan for long-lasting results

Once you've achieved that perfect self tan, you'll want to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Here are some tips for maintaining your self tan and extending its longevity. 

One of the best ways to keep your self tan looking fresh is to moisturise regularly. Applying our Unity Miracle Moisture Mist daily helps to hydrate your skin and prevent it from drying out, which can cause your tan to fade more quickly.

Another important step in maintaining your self tan is to avoid excessive sweating or prolonged exposure to water. These factors can cause your tan to fade faster. If you do get wet, gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing, as rubbing can remove some of the tan.

To touch up your tan as it starts to fade, use Unity Face and Body Tanning Water. This makes it easy to reach those hard-to-reach areas and ensure an even application. Simply spray or apply the product onto a tanning mitt and gently blend it onto your skin.

Now you have become an expert in all things self tan, use my code HOLLY20 for 20% off your next purchase. Enjoy!