Festival season is (finally) here! While you’ll likely be having too much fun to even think about your self-tan maintenance routine, we’ve created this simple festival tanning guide to help you prepare and look after your tan while you’re there.

When you’re living in a tent in a field for a weekend, where your main priorities are catching the next act and having fun with your friends, your usual tanning and skincare commitments can slip right down to the bottom of the agenda. To make things a little easier, we’ve made a quick and simple fake tan prep and care routine, so you have one less thing to think about.                                                      

Before the festival

1. Preparation

Prep is always key! We recommend completing your ‘everything shower’ 24 hours before you plan on tanning: this includes everything from washing your hair to shaving your legs. Use your Deluxe Tan Remover and Tan Removing & Skin Polishing Glove to remove any old tan and prime your skin for a new application. Ensure that you exfoliate your skin at the end of your shower to remove any residue of the hair/body products, and ensure that you have a clean, sleek base for your tan application. 

 2. Application

Body application: Before you start your tan application, apply moisturiser to any dry skin areas, including your hands, feet, ankles, wrists, knees, and elbows. With your chosen Loving Tan mousse, use your Deluxe Applicator Mitt to apply it to your body in circular motions. To ensure an even application, check your entire body is covered in the colour guide. Use a makeup or buffing brush to even out the tan on these areas for the best results. We recommend applying your tan the day before your festival starts to allow for the colour to fully darken and develop. 

Face application: Apply your Deluxe Face Tan evenly with your fingertips over your face and neck, blending lightly into your hairline and avoiding your eyes. Make sure to wash hands, fingers, and nails immediately after application with warm, soapy water.

Rinse: Depending on your chosen mousse, gently rinse off the tinted colour guide in the shower using water. This will be after 8 hours for Bronzing Mousses. Pat your skin dry and avoid using lotions or moisturisers for 24 hours while the tan darkens and develops. 

Pro tip: You can leave your tan on for longer than the recommended time for a darker result.  

3. Colour Boost

If you’re looking for an extra boost of colour, apply Deluxe Gradual Tan the night before the festival and rinse off the tinted colour guide in the morning before you go! 

During the festival

4. Stay hydrated

With all the promise of sunny skies, glittery eyes, dancing and great music, there is very little you need to do to maintain your tan while at the festival. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and applying moisturiser to your skin when you can. This will help prolong your tan's life and ensure it looks amazing while you enjoy all the festivities! 

5. Instantly enhance

No outfit or makeup look is complete without using Bronze Shimmer Luminous Cream. With this cream, you can instantly enhance, illuminate, and bronze your skin for the perfect airbrushed finish. Simply apply it over your tan for the ultimate bronze finish. This tan-enhancing formula is transfer-resistant and contains micronised pigments, providing a natural, soft-focus effect - perfect for flash photography! 

Ready for the festival season? Make sure you tag us on socials @lovingtanofficial for your chance to be featured.