How to Get the Perfect Tan on Your Hands
"People always get the hands wrong," says James Read, founder of James Read Tan. "I recommend you work the excess tan using a tanning mitt from the arm and stop just as you come to the hands. Then, using a small amount of moisturizer, lightly buff to blend over the hands. Then, using a tanning mist, spray over the hands, then buff again using a mitt. I always do two coats — don't forget to do the Gaga claw."
How to Fix Your Tan If You Get Wet
The most common questions experts get are how to fix a mishap if you happen to get wet or sweat before it's time to rinse your tan. There are options, but the timing is crucial.
"How much time has passed will determine the best course of action," says Veronique Munro, founder and CEO of Infinity Sun. "If it happens within an hour of your spray tan, it may be best advised to rinse off and respray. If several hours have passed, it is likely that the tan has begun developing enough to when you take your first shower and remove the cosmetic bronzer, your tan will be even." (Most airbrush tans include a cosmetic bronzer, which produces the immediately tanned look while the actual tan is developing and washes off in the shower.)
How to Tan Dry Areas
"A common tanning mistake for beginners is applying too much tan to drier areas, such as hands, elbows, knees, and feet, which results in an uneven finish," says Clara Anderson, head tanner of Vita Liberata. "To avoid this, apply a light layer of an oil-free moisturizer to those areas prior to tanning and use a makeup brush to buff product lightly over the skin. Don't forget to wipe the knuckles and the palm of the hands clean when you're finished to remove any excess product, giving the most natural finish."
Anderson also suggests wearing loose-fitting pants instead of a skirt, dress, or shorts so the tan doesn't move if your legs rub together. "This will help the guide color remain even on the skin as well as ensure you don't rest your hand on your leg and have the product develop on your palm," she says.
