HOW TO APPLY

As Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe is especially for experienced fake tanners, it contains much higher levels of DHA - the active tanning ingredient - than other products in the Xen-Tan range, so it requires careful application to ensure the same flawless results. To help you, we've included some additional application tips, to make sure you enjoy the darkest and most natural-looking finish.

Before:
Exfoliate skin thoroughly in the shower or bath. Make sure you choose an exfoliator that doesn't leave an oily film behind, as this will act as a barrier and stop your tan being absorbed. Xen-Tan Body Scrub is an ideal choice.

Elbows, knees and ankles can be tricky when using darker fake tanning products. To avoid any problems, apply a thin layer of unperfumed moisturiser to just these areas before tanning, to make sure product doesn't gather.

During:
Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe has a deep olive guide colour, so it's easy to see where it's been applied. Experienced Xen-Tan users will notice the guide colour is not as dark as Dark Lotion - don't worry, this is not an indication of your final colour; it's simply to guide you when applying.

As this is the darkest product in the Xen-Tan range, when it comes to applying, you only need one application to enjoy incredible results, so take care not to apply a second coat.

Use a Xen-Tan Luxury Tanning Mitt and immediately after use, wash your hands and mitt thoroughly using bar soap (stronger than liquid soap). Alternatively use bare hands or vinyl gloves (avoid latex gloves as these can catch skin, making it harder to achieve a smooth, even finish).

Legs and feet:
One of the beauties of Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe is that it offers the deepest finish, even on parts of the body that some people say are their .hard to tan areas'.

Before you begin, apply a thin layer of Vaseline around your toenails, to avoid any product buildup while you're applying.

Starting with the lower leg, apply Xen-Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe in circular motions and blend upwards, taking care not to over-apply over the knee. Continue circular motions up the leg and around the thigh. Finally, do your feet. When applying a dark self-tanner to feet, use a cotton wool pad or cosmetic sponge and only use a small amount of product, for a balanced, even result.

Chest and arms:
Use circular motions to blend Xen-Tan over your shoulders, chest, stomach and arms, and as far around your sides as you can.

Back:
Due to the intensity of this product, we recommend you find a willing helper to assist in applying tanner smoothly across the areas you can't quite reach.

Hands:
As with any fake tan product, if you've used your bare hands to apply it, make sure you wash them thoroughly with bar soap for around a minute to break down and remove any colour residue. If you've used the mitt it's still worth washing your hands thoroughly to make sure no lotion has transferred through. Let your hands dry for at least 10 minutes before applying a small amount of tan, using a cotton wool pad or cosmetic sponge.

After:
Thanks to Xen-Tan's expert formula it dries incredibly quickly. Your tan will start to develop immediately and will be fully developed within approximately 8 hours. For 8 hours after applying your tan, avoid wearing tight fitting clothing and try not to do anything that will make you perspire or will wash off your tan product, such as going to the gym, sunbathing or swimming.

When you first shower after tanning, just wash with water and only use oil-free shower gel or soap in the areas needed. It's fine to go back to your normal routine after this, ensuring your body-cleansing product is oil-free. For best results, use Xen-Tan Body Scrub - its light granular texture leaves skin feeling wonderfully smooth and best of all, it's completely colour safe, so it won't strip your colour, giving you a longer lasting tan.

Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe is the longest-lasting product in the Xen-Tan range - giving beautiful results for up to 10 days. To maintain the most flawless finish and ensure even fading, it's important you exfoliate and moisturise your skin from day one, with oil-free, fragrance-free products. To help extend your tan even further, try using Transform or Transform Luxe as a .tan extender', and apply around 4-5 days after your initial application.

How long does Xen-Tan last for?
Once applied, Xen-Tan Dark and Medium products create an instant, seductive colour that intensifies over the next 8 hours, whereas if you opt for a Light/Gradual Xen-Tan product, your colour will start to develop within 3-4 hours, and will continue deepening for the next 4 hours. You'll then be getting envious looks and adoring glances for up to ten days, which can be extended using our Transform gradual tanner as a tan extender.

Xen-Tan is packed with moisturisers that penetrate deep into your skin to prevent dry patches from occurring. This also makes it easier to apply to problem areas like hands and feet. So once you're done, all you're left with is a sensational look and dreamy smooth skin. Nothing more, nothing less.

What fragrance does Xen-Tan have?
Each product has a different light and delicious fragrance, which are not at all .biscuity' like other fake tans often are. Due to its high levels of DHA, Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe also contains Scent Secure - a revolutionary new ingredient that locks out any chemical odour.

Do I need to be an experienced fake tan user to use Xen-Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe?
As this product has been specially formulated for experienced tanners, we recommend you're confident at applying first. Within the rest of the range there are a number of application options, so you're sure to find one that suits you.

Just how dark is Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe?
Although it's the darkest in the range, it still offers an incredibly natural-looking finish. Developed especially for experienced tanners, it achieves the same depth of colour in just one application that previously required two applications of Dark Lotion. This is due to the increased levels of DHA that it contains. Experienced Xen-Tan users will notice the guide colour is not as dark as Dark Lotion - don't worry, this is not an indication of your final colour; it's simply to guide you when applying. And thanks to Scent Secure, it smells as delicious as all other Xen-Tan products, without any chemical odour.

No matter which fake tan product I try, I still find some areas harder to tan. Any suggestions?

Each person tans slightly differently, and some say they have areas where their tanner never seems to develop as deeply. Our research suggests Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe could be the answer, as users tell us it gives outstanding results, even on their .hard to tan' areas.