How to apply self-tanner without streaks or patches? Step-by-step instructions and frequently asked questions.

Sunless tanning and self-tanner mean the same thing. They help your skin tan without the need for sun (UV light). Therefore, this is a healthier way for your skin to still get a tan.

Especially when you choose non-toxic products such as these from Mii Cosmetics, without harmful ingredients, without parabens and with as many natural ingredients as possible .

Below I explain the different types, how to best apply them for the best results, and other frequently asked questions about tanning without the sun.

What types of self-tanner are there?

Mii Cosmetics has a complete range of “Kissed by Mii” self-tanners and everything you need for the perfect tan.

You have the classic self-tanning lotion , ideal for dry skin, but also a self-tanning mousse that is even easier to apply, especially for those who are not used to tanning without sun.

Both textures are available in 3 shades, dark, medium and light , extra light shade of self-tanner for light skin .

You can also apply a tinted body lotion and tinted face cream daily to gradually build up your tan. This product contains a lower concentration of DHA (which is responsible for your tan), allowing your skin to tan gradually.

There's also a tinted body lotion that doesn't contain sunless tanning , but does give your skin a tan. Ideal for an instant tan, immediately after application. I explain more about this lotion in the blog post: A sun-kissed tan if you're afraid of sunless tanning .

Step-by-step plan on how to apply self-tanner.

Step 1: Remove hairs

If there are still hairs on your legs, remove them first .
You should epilate 2 days before your tanning session and shave 24 hours beforehand.

Step 2: Scrub

Exfoliating your body removes dead skin cells . This is important because these skin cells often absorb more tanning, leading to darker patches. This often occurs on the knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists. You can do this with the Seriously Smoothing Exfoliator from Mii Cosmetics . You can do this just before applying self-tanner, but preferably the day before. Always moisturize your skin well after exfoliating. (See step 3.)

Also from the 4th day after your tanning , it is best to use a scrub again, so that your colour remains even as it becomes lighter.

Step 3: Hydrate

Properly moisturizing your skin ensures a more even tan and long-lasting results . This is achieved with Seriously Smoothing Moisturizer , which allows you to blend your tan beautifully. The better your skin is cared for and hydrated, the better your tan will look.

Step 4: Ready for the color

Shake the self-tanner, apply a small amount to the tanning glove to protect your hands (I find this glove makes it easier to blend), and rub it in evenly. Because Mii Cosmetics self-tanners are already tinted, it's easy to see where you've applied it, so you can apply it evenly. Take a small amount at a time and blend it in.

Tip: Use the Seriously Smoothing Exfoliating Wipes to remove any tan residue from your nails, between your toes, between your fingers, on the palm of your hand, and possibly your heel and the side of the sole of your foot.

Wash your tanning glove after each use to ensure hygiene and a flawless next tan. I machine wash it with a dark wash at 40°C.

Step 5: Let it work

The tanning must be left on for at least 7 hours . Let it dry briefly, then you can put on your clothes, but I recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding tight, form-fitting clothing. It's important that you don't come into contact with water on the tanned areas during these 7 hours, otherwise it will rinse off too quickly.

Step 6: Rinse

After 7am you can rinse off the tanning . You can also shower later (e.g. the next morning) because the tanning has worn off and your skin will not darken any further.

If you have a white or light shower floor, you'll notice some color flaking off. This is the indicator color you rinse off (the tint that was added so you can see where you've already applied it). This isn't the actual color your skin got from the sunless tan. Underneath this color is your "real" tan—well, your sunless tan ;-)

I recommend moisturizing thoroughly after every shower with the Seriously Smoothing moisturizer to ensure your skin stays hydrated. This will help your tan last longer .

In this video you can see how I apply it:

Test with the tanning mousse.

I was a bit apprehensive about tanning without sun before I tried this tanning mousse from Mii Cosmetics. But I wanted to test it so I could give honest advice, assuming it really is that easy.

I used the medium shade, which is the best for my skin tone. And it didn't leave any patches or streaks.

My before and after:

When can you shower after applying a sunless tan?

You can shower 7 hours (or later) after applying the tan. Don't forget to moisturize afterward to help your tan last longer.

When is the best time to apply self-tanner?

This is entirely up to you, but keep in mind that you'll want to wear looser clothing afterward. I think it's easiest for most people to do this in the evening and then shower in the morning. Your tan will wear off after 7 a.m., so it won't get any darker.

How do you make your tan last longer without the sun?

It's important to moisturize well , once or twice a day, and from the fourth day on, you can exfoliate every two to three days . This is often avoided for fear of removing your tan, but if you don't exfoliate, dead skin cells can build up, causing your skin to darken in that area and create a grayish-gray appearance.

From day 2 after your self-tanner , you can also apply the Daily Boost Cream , this tinted body lotion with a smaller amount of DHA (an ingredient that ensures you tan without a sun tint), so that it gives your tan a boost again and ensures that your color lasts longer.

How does a self-tanner work?

All self-tanners contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone) , a synthetic sugar that reacts with the proteins in the outermost layer of skin, which consists of dead skin cells , creating a brown color. Therefore, it's best to exfoliate beforehand to prevent dead skin cells from accumulating in certain areas (e.g., knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, etc.). The more dead skin cells that accumulate, the darker the tan will be in those areas, resulting in an uneven tan.

Why does self-tanner often smell?

The smell comes from the ingredient DHA , although Mii works as naturally as possible, they have added a little perfume in addition to fruit extracts to neutralize the smell, so that their self-tanners smell pleasant, but are still skin-friendly.

Is self-tanner safe during pregnancy?

Mii Cosmetics self-tanners are mineral-based and as natural as possible . They contain no toxic ingredients and are safe to use during pregnancy.

Is self-tanner waterproof?

Self-tanner doesn't wash off immediately upon contact with water, but depending on the length of time it's in contact with water or if you go swimming with it, your tan may lighten more quickly.

Do you have any questions about self-tanners, how to apply them, or anything else about your beauty routines? Email me or leave them in the comments below so I can give you some additional tips.