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Shop April 19, 2024

Best self tanning tips for the ultimate streak-free glow, according to experts

WATCH: Best self tanners tips for the ultimate streak-free glow, according to experts

If a spring celebration is in your future, you might be looking for ways to get a bronzy glow at home.

The self-tanning world can feel oversaturated with so many different products to sift through. We have all asked the age-old question, "Will it streak?" "Does it smell weird?" and "Will my skin turn an orange hue?" (Hello, 2003.)

Thankfully, Jules Von Hep, celebrity tanning expert and creator of the brand Isle of Paradise, has shared his sunny attitude and extensive self-tanning knowledge to help you achieve a natural glow in your own home. We also tapped Maggie Mariotti, professional tan artist and owner of East Coast Cosmetics to share her best practices for pre and post-tan.

PHOTO: Best self tanners to shop.
ABC News Photo Illustration, Isle of Paradise, Bondi Sands, St. Tropez
Best self tanners to shop.

Where to start?

Von Hep suggests starting with the shade closest to your day-to-day skin tone. "Pick your shade as you would pick your makeup," he said.

If this is still leaving you puzzled, Von Hep suggests starting with a medium shade -- you can't go wrong.

Mariotti shared that the key to a long-lasting tan is starting with exfoliation. "I always advise my clients to exfoliate 12 to 48 hours before tanning. One of my favorite techniques to get a deep exfoliation is using a Korean exfoliating mitt, not only do these mitts work wonders but they're easily accessible and affordable," Mariotti told 'GMA'.

How do I pick my formulation?

Von Hep suggested the following products based on a variety of skin needs.

For the beginner: "If you are already moisturizing daily, facial drops are the easiest place to start."

For dry skin: "I would suggest tanning water."

For those who are busy: "Use a gradual tan product that is easy to add to your day-to-day routine."

For the advanced tanner: "Express foams and butter are the way to go."

How do I apply?

"If you are a beginner to self-tanning, moisturize your entire body in the morning. What that will do is act as a bit of a barrier or the tan absorption, so when you put your tan on at night it won't go as dark," Von Hep said.

Be sure to exfoliate but don't fret if you are unable to.

Pro tip: Be sure to add extra moisturizer to the hands, feet, knees and elbows before and after tanning -- this helps blend the tan out.

"Life is complicated enough," Von Hep said. "Tanning doesn't have to be another thing you have to worry about."

Your sun-kissed glow is just a few clicks away.

How to remove your old spray tan

"For those who are avid tanners and need a little extra help getting off that old stubborn tan. The Rose & Caramel 60 Second Miracle Express Self Tan Remover pairs perfectly with an exfoliation meant to leave you fresh-skinned and self tanned ready," Mariotti shared.

"I also suggest Norvell's Body Buffing Exmitt to help with stubborn areas that you may have missed. I love this product because it can be used right before the tan which is perfect for busy clients who may not have had time to do a deep exfoliation the night before tanning," she added.

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Sunless tan prep products

Seraphic Skincare Korean Exfoliating Mitts

Price: $12.99 · From Amazon

Rose & Caramel Purity Excel 60 Second Miracle Express Self Tan Remover Exfoliating Tan Eraser

Price: $37.18 · From Amazon

Norvell Pre Sunless Tan Body Buff eXmitt - Exfoliate

Price: $9.25 · From Amazon

Face

"Never tan your face too dark -- remember the best fake tan is the one that looks real," Von Hep said. "The Isle of Paradise self-tanning face drops are my must-have recommendation for beginners."

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Natural Glow Face Drops

Price: $32 · From Sephora

TAN-LUXE Super Gloss Instant Bronzing Face Drops

Price: $49 · From Sephora

TAN-LUXE Mini THE FACE Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Price: $25 · From Sephora

Body

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Firming Body Drops

Price: $38 · From Sephora

Isle of Paradise Express Ultra Dark Mousse

Price: $32 · From Sephora

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse

Price: $44 · From Sephora

TAN-LUXE THE GRADUAL Illuminating Gradual Tan Lotion

Price: $34 · From Sephora

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam

Price: $21.60 · From Amazon

Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam

Price: $35 · From Ulta

Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion

Price: $22 · From Amazon

Tanning water

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water

Price: $32 · From Sephora

TAN-LUXE The Express Hydrating Self-Tan Water

Price: $48 · From Sephora

Aftercare

Tanologist Hydrating Daily Glow - Fair/Medium - Hydrating Gradual Tan Lotion - Natural, Sun Kissed Glow - Daily Tanning Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid & Squalane - 8.45 fl oz

Price: $22 · From Amazon

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream

Price: $14.99 · From Amazon

Other tanning tools

"The secret weapon to tanning at home is a tanning mitt and a blending brush -- this will buff and blend everything evenly," Von Hep said.

Isle of Paradise Blending Brush

Price: $24 · From Sephora

Isle of Paradise Over It Magic Self-Tan Eraser

Price: $30 · From Sephora

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Mitt

Price: $10 · From Sephora

St. Tropez Tan Build Up Remover Mitt

Price: $9 · From Sephora