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Do you want to start your upcoming summer with naturally tanned skin? A good self-tanner can help you achieve the desired complexion without harmful UV radiation or sunbed visits. This practical guide will show you step by step how to optimally prepare your body for a beautiful, even tan.
Skincare Preparation Before Your Beach Holiday
Proper skincare is the most important foundation for a flawless and natural-looking result. Your skin should be thoroughly cleansed beforehand so that the self-tanner can adhere optimally and prevent unsightly streaks later.
Why Exfoliating Before Self-Tanner is Essential
A gentle exfoliation about a day before application reliably removes dead skin cells. Only on a smooth skin layer can the tanning product be absorbed absolutely evenly later. Preparing for tanning before a beach holiday begins precisely with this essential step.
It is best to use a nourishing body scrub while showering. Gently massage it in circular motions, focusing on rough areas such as elbows or knees. Afterwards, rinse off all residue thoroughly with water.
This method allows your skin to absorb moisture and nourishing active ingredients much better. If you repeat this regularly before your holiday, you guarantee yourself a long-lasting, even result.
Targeted Moisturizing for Dry Areas
After exfoliating, a moisturizing lotion is particularly important for dry skin areas. By moisturizing these areas well, you will avoid unsightly dark spots later. A smooth preparation for your beach holiday requires precisely this targeted care for sensitive areas.
However, avoid highly oily products, as these can impair the tanning effect. Opt for light gel-creams that absorb quickly and leave no residue. Then wait until the skin is completely dry.
- Thorough cleansing: A thorough bath removes dirt and cream residues that could interfere with the result.
- Gentle exfoliation: Removes dead skin particles and creates an ideal surface for application.
- Light moisturizing: Provides the skin with necessary hydration without hindering tanning.
- Sufficient drying time: Give the skin about 15 minutes for all moisture residues to evaporate completely.
Practical tanning drops like our Magic Tan® Drops ensure streak-free tanning without harmful sun exposure. You simply mix them into your usual body lotion and can control the intensity yourself as desired. This way, you not only get a beautiful complexion but also nourish your skin with valuable nutrients.
Plan Patch Test and Shaving Correctly
As a precaution, always test the product first on a small, inconspicuous area, such as the crook of your arm. This way, you can rule out undesirable skin reactions risk-free from the start.
Ideally, shave at least 24 hours before applying the self-tanner. This gives irritated pores enough time to close and calm down. Only then is your skin truly perfectly prepared for the subsequent tan.
Magic Tan® Self-Tanning Drops
- ✓ Vegan, dermatologically tested, for sensitive skin
- ✓ Mix-it-into-your-cream principle, control intensity yourself
- ✓ From Switzerland, approx. CHF 0.30 per application
When and How to Apply Self-Tanner Before Your Holiday
Do you want a natural, flawless tan for your vacation? The perfect timing and a clean technique are crucial for this. Here we show you how to ideally dose and apply our Magic Tan® Concentrate so that the effect is absolutely perfect.
Choosing the Right Starting Time Before Departure
It's best to start three to four days before your trip to gradually build up the color. When you apply self-tanner before your holiday, good planning is key. This way, the color lasts longer, and you still have time for minor corrections, if necessary.
- Day 1 (4 days prior): A first, light moisturizing layer with 2–3 drops tests skin compatibility.
- Day 2 (3 days prior): The second layer with a similar amount ensures a gentle build-up of the tone.
- Day 3 (2 days prior): Optional third application for more color or to consolidate the tan.
- Day 4 (1 day prior): Final fine-tuning or simply providing the skin with intensive moisture.
Always wait at least three to four hours between applications. If you reapply too soon, it can lead to uneven spots instead of an even complexion.
Dosing Tanning Drops and Mixing into Cream
The dosage determines how intense your tan will be: this is the great advantage of Magic Tan®. The question of when to tan before your holiday therefore also depends on how strong your desired effect is.
Simply add the drops directly to your usual body lotion for the body. Then stir the mixture thoroughly until no streaks are visible. A cream that is not well mixed can later lead to undesirable discoloration.
| Number of Drops | Tanning Intensity | Suitable for | Visible After |
| 2–3 drops | Light golden | Fair skin, natural look | 3–4 hours |
| 4–5 drops | Medium tan | Normal skin, maintenance | 3–4 hours |
| 6–8 drops | Intense dark | Darker skin, strong look | 3–4 hours |
Application Technique for Body and Face
A very thorough application of self-tanner is the key to a perfect result. We recommend using an applicator mitt for this, so you can distribute the product evenly and keep your hands clean.
- Bottom to top: Start at your legs and work your way up: this way you maintain an overview.
- Circular motions: Spread the cream with gentle circles to avoid streaks.
- Less on dry areas: Apply very sparingly to knees and elbows, as the skin there is prone to spots.
- Treat face separately: Here, mix only 1–2 drops of Magic Tan® into your normal facial cream.
Massage the mixture in well for two to three minutes until it is completely absorbed. The active ingredient dihydroxyacetone then reacts with the outermost skin layer and ensures a beautiful, natural effect without streaks.
Here you can find our Magic Tan® Self-Tanning Drops for face and body.
Aftercare and Sun Protection for a Lasting Holiday Glow
After you have applied the self-tanner, the developing time begins: a little patience is very important here. These first few hours, in particular, significantly determine how natural and long-lasting the beautiful effect will be.
Observe developing time for a streak-free result
After application, wait about ten minutes before getting dressed again. The lotion must be completely absorbed to avoid unsightly stains on your clothes. Tanning before a beach holiday only works well with this brief exercise in patience.
- Wait at least 10 minutes: The product absolutely needs this time to properly penetrate the uppermost skin layer.
- 4–6 hours no water: Sweating or direct moisture can disturb the reaction and quickly lead to uneven spots.
- After 6 hours: Showering is possible: Now you can shower to get rid of excess color and reduce the smell.
Many prefer to let the product work overnight: this works perfectly. This way, you stay dry for hours, and the tan can develop completely evenly and without streaks.
Can you go in the sun with self-tanner?
Unfortunately, self-tanner offers no protection against UV radiation. Good self-tanner aftercare therefore always includes extra sun protection with at least SPF 30 or, even better, SPF 50.
It is best to apply sunscreen directly after the developing time. High-quality sun protection with antioxidants – similar to those in our self-tanning drops – also nourishes the skin and helps the color fade slower.
Maintain and Refresh Tan During Holiday
Your beautiful summer tan usually lasts three to five days before it slowly fades again. After about two weeks, the color is completely gone – unless you actively prevent this with the right care.
- Daily moisturizing: A rich lotion slows down skin flaking, so the tan remains visible longer.
- Refresh 1–2 times a week: Simply reapply the drops to keep your complexion fresh and radiant.
- Moisturize after showering: Regularly moisturizing on slightly damp skin ensures that the well-deserved color lasts longer.
For the perfect summer, we always recommend a thoroughly prepared routine with a gentle exfoliation for the entire body. How to achieve a flawless application is explained in detail in our guide to self-tanner application.
Magic Tan® Self-Tanning Drops
- ✓ Vegan, dermatologically tested, for sensitive skin
- ✓ Mix-it-into-your-cream principle, control intensity yourself
- ✓ From Switzerland, approx. CHF 0.30 per application
Frequently Asked Questions
Is self-tanner before a holiday really worth it?
Yes, self-tanners before your vacation are absolutely worth it! You achieve a natural tan completely without harmful UV radiation. Your skin immediately looks fresh and vital, without having to wait for the sun. With our Magic Tan® drops, you can easily determine how intense your tan should be.
Can I apply self-tanner at night?
Evening application is even ideal! Overnight, the self-tanner can develop calmly and evenly. The next morning, you simply shower it off - and boom - your skin has a wonderful, natural glow. Make sure to use a good moisturizer.
What are common mistakes when applying self-tanner?
The biggest mistake is not preparing the skin. Don't forget to do a thorough exfoliation beforehand and provide it with rich care. Otherwise, the self-tanner can become patchy or form unsightly streaks. For perfect distribution, it is best to use the Magic Tan® drops together with an applicator glove and work particularly thoroughly.
