Prep For Tan: Your Step By Step Guide to a Flawless Base

By Grainne McCoy

A great tan starts long before the mitt ever touches your skin. The secret to a streak-free, long-lasting glow isn't the tan itself — it's what you do beforehand. Here's exactly how I prep my own skin before every application.

Never apply fresh tan over old tan.  It's the number one cause of patchy, uneven colour. My go-to is the Rose & Caramel Purity Excel 60 Second Tan Remover . It lifts old tan in under a minute with no harsh scrubbing, leaving skin genuinely smooth and ready for a fresh coat.

If your skin reacts to stronger formulas, reach for the Vita Liberata The Remover Tan Remover   instead. It's a softer alternative that still breaks down old tan with the use of a gentle exfoliation glove — ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Prep isn't a same-day job.  For me it starts 2-3 days out. Dry, dehydrated skin grabs unevenly onto tan, especially around elbows, knees and ankles. I use the Dripping Gold Nourishing Moisturiser  in the lead-up, then skip moisturiser on the day of application so the tan has a clean surface to bind to.

Once your skin is exfoliated and hydrated, application technique takes over. The Biabelle Rich Velvet Tan Mitt or the Dripping Gold Velvet Tan Mitt & Headband combo   gives a smooth, streak-free finish and keeps your hands stain-free, with a built-in thumb for tricky areas like ankles and elbows. Another option and one I use very regular is the Dripping Gold Tanning Brush, it's a fab accessory for tan and ensuring an even coverage.

Preparation really is everything with tan. There's no point in skipping it, your tan will just not sit as well.  Give yourself a couple of days, follow these four steps, and you'll set yourself up for a flawless, long-lasting fabulous glow every time.