Achieving the perfect flawless tan

Follow these simple steps and enjoy a gorgeous, natural-looking and even tan every time.

Before:

Prepare skin by exfoliating 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 a perfect choice, and leaves skin feeling silky smooth. It's a great way to treat your skin even if you're not tanning!

Elbows, knees and ankles can be tricky. 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:

When it comes to applying, use a Xen-Tan Luxury Tanning Mitt. Immediately after use, wash your hands thoroughly using bar soap (stronger than liquid soap) and wash the mitt to make sure it is ready for the next use. 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:

Starting with the thighs, apply Xen-Tan in circular motions and blend down lightly over knees. Continue circular motions around calves. When applying self-tanner to feet, use a cotton wool pad or cosmetic sponge 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:

If you don't have a willing helper to help do your back, try this simple trick - cut a piece of cling film about 500cm/1.5' long and fold to make a long strip. Next, apply three dots of tanner along the strip and, taking an end in each hand, rub across back and shoulder (a bit like towelling dry after a shower).

Hands:

If you've used your bare hands to apply your tan, 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 the mitt. 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 advanced formula, it smells delicious and dries almost immediately, so you can apply it and then get on with your day. If you do want to tan and go, we advise you wear dark, loose clothing.

If you can (or dare), don't wear a bra after tanning. This will avoid telltale marks where your straps have rubbed.

Xen-Tan will start to develop within 3-4 hours and will be fully developed in approximately 8 hours to fully develop. For 8 hours after applying Xen-Tan avoid doing anything that will make you perspire or will wash off your tanning product, such as going to the gym, sunbathing or swimming.

When you first shower after tanning, just wash with water and only use Xen-Tan Body Scrub, 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, which has been developed to work in synergy with our tanning products. 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.

To extend the life of your tan, apply one of our Transform gradual tanners about three days after your initial application. This should make your tan last around 3-4 days longer. Just follow the same simple procedure and make sure you wash your hands or tanning mitt thoroughly afterwards.