Have you ever aimed for a ‘Tamer Hagras’ kind of tan but somehow ended up slathered in burn cream? Oops. It’s no secret—we all dive into summer with high hopes for that perfect tan. You know the one: honeyed, bronzed, and screaming, “I had a hot summer by the beach.”
But here’s the catch—many people, even with all the right ingredients for a killer tan, don’t actually know how to get it right.
So, grab a pen and start taking notes—because ELLE editors are breaking down the ultimate tanning method. Let’s get glowing.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
The golden rule of golden skin? Know when to tan. Midday UV rays can be harsh (and frankly, cruel), so the sweet spots are early morning and late afternoon. That’s when the light is soft, the burn risk is low, and your tan has a chance to develop gradually and gorgeously. Translation: you’re bronzing, not barbecuing.
PREP LIKE A PRO
Dead skin cells are the enemy of an even tan. Start with a gentle exfoliation—think dry brushing or a physical scrub—and follow with hydration. The better you moisturize, the more your skin glows. Bonus points for using oils that lock in moisture and enhance your bronze (hi, jojoba, coconut, and carrot seed oil).
TAN SMART: OIL GOES ON WET SKIN
Here’s a pro move most people skip: always take a quick dip before applying your tanning oil. Damp skin not only helps the oil spread more evenly but also keeps your body cooler, which helps your tan develop more slowly and smoothly. Think of it as giving your glow the perfect canvas—hydrated, refreshed, and ready to bronze.
SPF IS YOUR BEST FRIEND (NOT A VILLAIN)
Repeat after us: tanning with SPF still gets you tan. In fact, it gets you a better tan—smoother, longer-lasting, and way less damaging. Go for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or 50 and reapply like you mean it. The glow will still come, just without the regret.
OILS > OOPS
Tanning oils get a bad rap, but the right ones are pure magic. Look for blends with natural ingredients that nourish as they glow—think vitamin E, monoi, or a hint of shimmer. Just don’t forget your sunscreen base. (Glow doesn’t count if you’re peeling three days later.)
And if you don’t have one, here are your best options:
Shop here.
Shop here.
Shop here.
Shop here.
AFTERCARE IS EVERYTHING
A tan without aftercare= painful peeling. If you want to keep the glow for as long as possible, then aloe vera gel, hyaluronic acid, and rich body balms must be your best friends. Drink more water than you think you need– and skip the exfoliating creams and body scrubs for a little while.
Happy summer!
