EXFOLIATION IS KEY TO A GOOD TAN!

Skin preparation is key for a sunless tan and will give the best results – the biggest mistake people make is not spending enough time preparing their skin.

Exfoliating is key and will remove a build-up of dead skin cells so that the tan will blend and be absorbed more easily.  We recommend using THE WASH in conjunction with the ELLE EFFECT EXFOLIATING MITT to ensure a gentle exfoliation that will melt tan build-up away.  Focus on rough spots like elbows, knees, ankles and heels as self-tan notoriously collects around these areas. 

For your face, use a gentle cleanser or micellar water to remove any excess tan or makeup, prior to application.

Avoid anything oil-based because it leaves behind a residue that causes streaks and can remove the tan.

Beauty treatments like waxing, shaving, or even manicures can remove self-tanner so we recommend doing these treatments before applying the ELLE EFFECT TAN.

SHOULD I MOISTURISE BEFORE APPLYING THE TAN?

At ELLE EFFECT HQ, we don’t moisturise before tanning.  The most common cause of a patchy tan is dry skin, so it’s crucial to moisturise daily once you are tanned– especially problem areas (wrists and hands, elbows, knees, ankles and feet). Avoid hot showers throughout the duration of your tan and always wait at least 10 minutes after showering until you are fully dry to apply your tan.

BEST WAY TO APPLY TAN

Using the ELLE EFFECT TANNING MITT, smooth on your ELLE EFFECT Mousse in circular motions.  This ensures that the tan is streak-free, lasts longer and fades better. At ELLE EFFECT HQ, we start at the ankles and work our way up the body, to prevent any marks from bending over. 

Save your hands and feet for last – using the excess product on your Mitt, make a claw with your hands and go over the hands and fingers, buffing and smoothing as you go.

Always apply tanner in a cool, dry area to keep yourself from perspiring, as humidity, water, and sweat can break down the tan when it’s applied to your body. 

We recommend applying the ELLE EFFECT TAN 30 minutes after showing.  If you do shower before you apply, blast yourself with cold water to close your pores.

HOW TO CORRECT A TANNING MISTAKE

Use a small amount of THE WASH in conjunction with your ELLE EFFECT EXFOLIATING MITT and apply to the Mitt.  Brush the skin upwards and the mistake should melt away.  This will lift the top layer of tan off, without harming your skin.  Repeat again if necessary.

HOW CAN I MAKE MY ELLE EFFECT TAN LAST?

HYDRATION is key to keep your golden glow… that means you need to moisturise daily, once tanned, to avoid dry flaky skin, which will turn your tan patchy.  When skin is hydrated, your tan will look more radiant and fade more evenly. Oil breaks down your tan, so opt for a hyaluronic-based body moisturiser and use products that are oil-free and fragrance-free.  As the face is washed more regularly, top up your face every 2-3 days so that the colour stays consistent from head to toe.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH TAN TEXTURE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

The mousse formation of the ELLE EFFECT is perfect for all skin types and is lightweight enough to use on the face.  The buildable formulation of the ELLE EFFECT will adapt to your skin tone so that when you apply the tan, it doesn’t sit lifelessly on top of the skin but instead elevates your skin to give you the perfect golden glow.