May 11, 2023

Can you put self tanner on your Face?

May 11, 2023

Can You Put Self Tanner on Your Face?

Self-tanning is one of the safest ways to achieve a natural, sun-kissed glow but when it comes to your face, a little extra care goes a long way. The good news? Yes, you can absolutely use self-tanner on your face. The how matters just as much as the whether.

The short answer

Yes — self-tanner is safe to use on your face when applied with the right formula and tools. Your face needs a lighter touch than your body, the right application brush, and a formula that is gentle on pores. Here is everything you need to know to get it right.

Step 1 — Prepare your skin

Great prep is the difference between a natural-looking face tan and a patchy one. Skipping this step is the number one reason face tans go wrong.

24 hours before

Exfoliate gently

Use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells pay special attention to dry spots around your nose, cheeks, and hairline. This creates an even surface so the DHA develops uniformly across your face.

On the night

Cleanse and remove all makeup

Use an oil-free cleanser. Any residual makeup, SPF, or moisturiser acts as a barrier and causes uneven development. Start with completely bare, clean skin.

Just before applying

Moisturise dry spots only

Apply a small amount of oil-free moisturiser to your nose, dry patches, and lips. Avoid moisturising your whole face it can block DHA absorption and create a patchy result.

Pre-tan prep starts with the right tool. Our Natural Exfoliating Glove is gentle enough for sensitive skin and essential for creating a smooth, even base.

Shop the Glove →

How to apply self-tanner to your face

Applying self-tanner to your face is best done at night as part of your evening skincare routine. This gives the formula 6–8 hours to develop without interference from sweat, sunscreen, or makeup.

The best tool

Use the Sunless Tanning Face and Hand Brush

A dedicated face brush gives you the precision that a glove simply cannot. Apply a small amount of mousse to your tanning glove and use the brush to pick up and blend the product think of the glove as a paint tray. Work from the centre of your face outward, blending lightly into your hairline and down your neck. Use a feather-light touch around the nose, forehead, and cheekbones where natural sunlight would hit.

The Sunless Tanning Face and Hand Brush gives you salon-precision application — blend seamlessly into your hairline and around your features for a streak-free result.

Shop the Face Brush →

Always blend the tan down your neck and décolletage so there is no visible line at the jaw. This is the most common mistake stopping at the jawline leaves an obvious demarcation.

How long should you leave fake tan on your face?

Most self-tanning formulas need 4–8 hours to fully develop on the face. Your face has a faster cell turnover rate than your body and is in regular contact with cleansers, makeup, and SPF so colour tends to fade slightly faster. Plan to reapply every 3–4 days for a consistent, maintained glow.

When rinsing off, use just water no exfoliating cleansers or oil-based products until the tan has fully developed (at least 6–8 hours after application).

Is it safe to put fake tan on your face?

Absolutely as long as you choose the right formula. DHA, the active ingredient in all self-tanning products, reacts only with the amino acids in the dead skin cells on your skin's surface. It does not penetrate into living tissue, making it safe for regular use on most skin types.

The key for facial use is selecting a formula that will not clog your pores. Our Invisible Self Tanning Mousse contains Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Oil, and Kakadu Plum non-comedogenic ingredients that actively nourish the skin while the tan develops.

Our Invisible Self Tanning Mousse is ideal for face application — lightweight, clear formula, zero transfer, and packed with skin-nourishing ingredients including Kakadu Plum and Hyaluronic Acid.

Shop Invisible Self Tanning Mousse →

Can fake tan replace foundation?

Many of our customers use a well-maintained face tan as a foundation replacement or find they need significantly less base coverage once their tan is established. A self-tan adds warmth, colour, and definition in a way that looks genuinely natural rather than made-up.

The key is building gradually. Start with one light application and assess how it develops on your specific skin tone before layering more. Your Invisible Self Tanning Mousse is your best option here — because it develops gradually and naturally, giving you full control over the depth of colour.

Do you apply self-tanner before or after moisturiser?

Apply self-tanner before moisturiser. If you moisturise first it creates a barrier between your skin and the DHA, resulting in uneven development. If you need to hydrate specific dry areas, do so lightly and allow the moisturiser to absorb fully before applying your tan.

How to make self-tanner look good on your face

Start light, build gradually. One thin application is your starting point. You can always add more — you cannot easily remove a tan that is too dark.

Always blend down the neck. Stopping at the jawline is the most common mistake. Blend onto the neck and lightly onto the chest for a seamless finish.

Avoid brows, lids, and lips. Work carefully around your eyebrows and never apply to your eyelids. Use a cotton bud to clean up any stray product immediately.

Reapply every 3–4 days. Consistent maintenance looks far more natural than letting the tan fade completely and restarting from scratch.

Moisturise daily. Hydrated skin = longer lasting tan. Apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser morning and night to extend your result.