The ultimate guide to streak-free tanning

Whether you are a fake tan first-timer or a sun(less)-worshipper these simple steps will help you to prepare, bare and care for your skin to achieve a streak-free, healthy glow no matter the weather.

How to prep your skin for tanning

Exfoliate everywhere
Smooth skin is less likely to streak and exfoliating can also enhance the life of your tan. Use the super-fine and gentle Seriously Smoothing Exfoliator the night before to delicately buff away dead skin cells to create a smooth surface for tanning application. Massage the exfoliator on damp skin in circular motions, paying attention to areas prone to dry skin such as elbows, knuckles, hands, feet and knees. To help your colour fade evenly, exfoliate with Seriously Smoothing Exfoliator 4 days after tanning.

Remove unwanted hair at least the day before

It is important to wax or shave to remove unwanted hair at least 24 hours before applying fake tan as hair removal after tanning will strip your gorgeous new glow. Waiting a day or so will also allow time for the pores on your skin to close, preventing dark spots that can appear when product sets in the pores (areas such as the legs are particularly prone to this). If shaving is your chosen hair removal method, it is recommended to use a fresh razor to help shave away dead skin cells.

Moisturise dry areas such as the knees, elbows, knuckles and feet

Dry skin tends to soak up more tanning product compared to other areas and may result in a darker and more uneven tan. To prevent this use the Seriously Smoothing Moisturiser which is super hydrating and contains plant collagen. This light yet nourishing moisturiser helps to prime the skin creating a barrier between your skin and the tanning product for an even application, plus it helps to prolong the life of your tan.

How to apply fake tan

Use a tanning mitt

The Effortlessly Easy Tanning Mitt will not only help with the smooth and even application of your fake tan for a flawless and streak-free glow but it will also help protect your hands from staining (a tell-tale sign of a faux glow). The flat and smooth surface of the mitt (unlike your hands) helps to distribute product evenly plus as it has a much larger surface area it will also speed up the time it takes to apply.

Top tip: Don’t forget to hand wash your mitt after each application as dirty tanning mitts loaded with old tanning product could lead to an unwanted, uneven tan.

Apply in a circular, upward motion

Dispense your favourite Kissed by Mii tanning product onto the Tanning Mitt and apply in an upwards circular motion focusing on one part of the body at a time. Start at the bottom and work your way up (this way it helps to reduce the risk of smudging), although we would recommend leaving your hands, feet and face until last.  Ensure that the product has been applied all over, remembering areas that tend to get forgotten such as the insides of your arms and legs. When applying to your face, neck and hands start off by using any excess product already on the mitt before adding more. When applying to the hands, blend towards the wrist and remember to wipe the palms clean with an oil-free wipe as they do not naturally tan.

Top tip: Use Seriously Smoothing Exfoliating Wipes to remove any excess tan found between your fingers and toes, palms of hands, bottoms of feet and cuticle area.

Allow the tan to dry

Give your tan a little time to dry before you put your clothes back on and if possible, choose something with a loose fit to avoid marks on your new faux glow. Kissed by Mii products are quick-drying and develop within 4-8 hours. Once the colour has fully developed you can take a quick shower to wash away any excess product.

How to make your tan last and fade evenly

The number one rule for prolonging the life of your tan is to keep your skin hydrated and moisturised (daily, if not twice daily). You can also opt to use the Daily Boost Cream in place of your normal moisturiser every 2 days to boost your tan and prolong your glow.

After 4 days from applying your tan exfoliate using the Seriously Smoothing Exfoliator.

If you are a little nervous still, start with a Gradual Tan which can be used daily to build a subtle sun-kissed, year-round glow. Or try Instant Shimmer Temporary Tanning Lotion that adds an instant radiance and a silky shimmer but can be simply washed off. To build up your sun-kissed glow apply bronzer, such as Glamorous Trio, where the sun would naturally hit the skin.

How do I get my makeup to stay on under a mask?

Resist piling on the products, as this can actually encourage makeup transfer, and instead stay safe and secure your look by choosing high-performing, longwearing products that are built to last and proven to stand the test of time.

Step 1 Prime
Apply Smoothing Face Prep Primer which instantly glides over your skin and helps to create a flawless base for longer-lasting makeup. Apply a few pumps to the back of your hand before blending onto a clean face with fingertips. Work over the T-zone and noticeable pores and lines, taking it under the eyes to smooth the skin.
Step 2 Foundation
Follow with Absolute Face Base, the go-to foundation that delivers exceptional, buildable coverage. The skin-loving ingredients will help to improve the condition of your skin throughout the day. Containing natural pomegranate moisture complex to actively lock in moisture and gotu kola extract to promote healthy skin and help stimulate collagen production.
Following the application of Smoothing Face Prep primer, dot the foundation onto key areas of the face – forehead, nose, cheeks, chin (where needed) and blend with clean fingertips or for a more professional, longer-lasting finish, blend with a Base Brush in upward sweeping motions following the contours of your face.
Step 3 Powder
Apply Mineral Perfecting Pressed Powder to remove shine and smooth skin. The blend of skin loving ingredients such as antioxidant rich Vitamin C and Grape Seed Extract, and Passion fruit oil, Goji berry and Magnolia bark to sooth, soften and calm the complexion, leave a creamy super fine finish that gives you beautifully smooth, revitalised skin.
Lightly buff into skin with Precise Mineral Kabuki Brush. Apply more densely to those areas in contact with the mask, such as your nose.
Step 4 Set
Finally, lock in your look with the Supercharged Setting Mist. Infused with hydrating Coconut Water, energising Matcha Green Tea, vitamin rich Peach and Grape Seed Extract, the micro-mist fixes without drying, for a longer lasting, shine-free look whilst keeping your skin feeling fresh and energised.
Spritz in an ‘X’ and ‘T’ motion over the face for optimal setting without overloading the skin.

Shop the transfer free makeup recommended products.

Where should I apply
my blusher?

For perfect positioning, smile to make the apples of your cheeks stand out then sweep blusher onto them. Blend the blusher softly so there are no defined lines of colour.

Mii’s Uplifting Cheek Colour Blusher comes in 5 flattering shades to give cheeks a healthy hint of colour. Use with our Perfect Blush Brush to acheive an even application.

How do I stop my eyeshadow
from creasing throughout the day?

Simple – an eye primer. Not only will this help to keep your eyeshadow in place all day, but it will further enhance the colour too. Apply sparingly using your finger or a concealer brush, blend gently and evenly up to the brow bone.

What is the best way
to apply foundation?

Start with clean, moisturised skin. A primer will help your base to apply flawlessly and last even longer, so try Mii Smoothing Face Prep, smoothing over the skin to hide pores and fine lines. We always recommend using a brush to apply foundation as this will give the smoothest, most even coverage.

So using your favourite base brush and starting in the middle of your face, blend the foundation outwards. Pay extra attention to your jawline and hairline to ensure the colour is perfectly blended.

How can I make my lipstick
last longer?

The answer is simple – lip liner! Using a complementary shade for your lipstick will give you a precise finish, intensify the colour and help it to last longer. Then apply 2 coats of lipstick, blotting in between.

How often should I clean my
make up brushes?

To keep brushes hygienic and performing beautifully, we recommend washing them once a week. Use either a specific brush cleanser or baby shampoo, wash gently with warm water and rinse thoroughly. It’s important to leave your brushes flat to dry completely so the water doesn’t drip down into the ferrule (the base of the hairs), as this can cause them to shed.