While self-tanning gives you a healthy, quick glow, one thing I’ve struggled with is getting a tan that is dark enough yet still natural looking. Buying the darker formulas isn’t always the answer, as they can leave you more orange than tan - that’s part of why I’m always testing and comparing different shades of the same self-tanners to see which is best. Beyond the simplified advice of applying a gradual self-tanning lotion to continue building your tan over time, I wanted to share my best tips and tricks for a more immediate, darker self-tan.

tips for making self-tanner darker

If you need your self-tanner to be darker for a special event, I personally recommend getting a spray tan (not the Mystic booth), as the tan artist will work with your natural skin tone to custom-mix the right color for you and your goals.
Always shower before you apply self-tanner. My skin is sensitive so I tend to exfoliate the day before, but you want to make sure you wash off any lingering lotion or moisturizer that would “block” the self-tanner from fully absorbing into your skin. I use my normal body wash, but if you use an extra-hydrating wash, you might want to find a gentler formula to ensure it isn’t leaving a moisturizing film behind (ex: Dove).
Let your skin fully dry after showering, and don’t apply any oils or lotions.
As I mentioned above, you don’t always want to go for the darkest option, as it can leave you more orange than tan. I use the Loving Tan 2 HR Express Mousse in Dark instead of Ultra Dark, which is also streakier, patchier, and doesn’t fade well. The Platinum version is also much too orange on my skintone.
Instead, my go-to formula is leaving the self-tanner on longer than specified, and applying another coat halfway through. For example, I’ll apply the 2 HR Express formula and plan to leave it on for 5-6 hours, setting a timer to apply another coat 2.5-3 hours in. Below, you’ll see the comparison of leaving the tanner on for 2 hours as directed, versus leaving it on for 5 hours, with a second coat applied at the 2.5 hour mark.

When you do the initial application of your self-tanner, let it dry completely and then apply a second coat.

Wash your tan off using warm or cool water; too hot will dry out your skin, making it more likely to fade quicker (or not reach its maximum results).
This may seem counterintuitive, but don’t moisturize after you wash your tan off. Self-tanner is drying by design, but hydrating lotions can sometimes provide a barrier that prevents your tan from fully developing over the next 24 hours. If my skin feels extra dry, I’ll apply lotion in the morning (I tan in the evening, not overnight) so I go at least a few hours lotion-free.
Avoid using moisturizing oils, as that breaks your tan down further.

Some people “double-dip” and spend a few minutes in a tanning bed before getting a spray tan. You never want to use a tanning bed, but you also don’t want to “double-dip” and get a spray tan the same day you use self-tanner at home. Instead, you can start with the spray tan and then use a self-tanner 48 hours later; that way the spray tan has a full 24 hours to develop first.
24 hours after applying self-tanner, you can also apply a buildable, gradual self-tanning lotion to deepen your tan; this also helps prolong it.