Here are our favorite tips to help prepare your skin for the perfect tan with your IONIQ sprayer.
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EXFOLIATE & REMOVE HAIR Exfoliate and remove hair 24 hours before you apply your IONIQ tan. This prepares your skin and allows for a perfect base for your tan. If you do not shave, you can still successfully apply the tan due to IONIQ technology. Hair is neutrally charged, which allows the droplets to pass through to the skin. The tanning only reacts with the top layer of skin and not with the hair. |
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CLEANSE SKIN Cleanse your skin thoroughly with a mild soap. |
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AVOID PERFUME & DEODORANT Avoid wearing deodorant and perfumes when applying the tanner. These can prevent the tan from penetrating the skin and can leave you with streaks or patches. To make this easier, we recommend applying your tan in the evening. |
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MOISTURIZE DRY AREAS Treat dry areas such as elbows, knees or feet with moisturizer right before applying your IONIQ tan. This is to prevent these areas from over-absorbing the tan, which could lead to dark spots. Ensure all moisturizer has fully absorbed before applying your tan. |
Getting a perfect self-tan isn’t just about grabbing a bottle of self-tanner and going to town. It’s about taking the time to prep. Seriously, skin prep work can totally change the game. There are a few steps you can follow that really make your skin look way better. Over the years, I’ve picked up a bunch of tips for prepping your skin for self-tanner, and I’m excited to share them with you.
1. Exfoliate a Day Before Tanning
Why Exfoliation Is Key
Okay, so let’s get one thing straight—exfoliating is not optional. Seriously, don’t skip it. I know because I’ve been there. At first, I thought, “Exfoliate? Nah, I can skip that part.” Big mistake. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, preparing a smooth base for the self-tanner to work with. Exfoliation is key to preparing your skin and making sure it doesn’t end up patchy or dry.
The Right Way to Exfoliate
So, how do you get this right? It’s simple. Just don’t exfoliate and tan on the same day. Give your skin at least 24 hours to chill. I know, it feels like extra prep time, but it makes a huge difference. I always use an exfoliating mitt—it’s way gentler on the skin than those harsh scrubs. Focus on the dry spots (like your elbows, knees, and ankles), but don’t go overboard. You don’t need to scrub your skin raw—just enough to prepare your skin and get rid of dead cells. And after exfoliating, make sure to moisturize those dry areas. That’ll help your tan go on smooth without any weird dark patches. Simple prep steps, but they’re game-changers.
If You Do This Prep Step Wrong with a Regular Self-Tanner
Skipping exfoliation leads to patchy, dry skin. And exfoliating right before self-tanning isn’t the best move either. You’re opening up your pores, which means regular self-tanner can sink in unevenly, leaving you with dark spots or streaks. I’ve been there. My knees and elbows? Totally dry and way darker than the rest of my body. And my feet—oh man. Completely out of sync with the rest of me. Honestly, it’s frustrating. The more you skip the prep steps, the more you have to fix later, and it’s just not worth it.
No Need to Exfoliate with IONIQ One Sprayer + TAN
Honestly, if you skip exfoliating with the IONIQ One Sprayer + TAN, nothing major happens. Thanks to the unique technology, the self-tanner still goes on evenly, even if you haven’t properly prepared your skin. IONIQ’s formula works with all skin types, so it’ll apply smoothly without clinging to dry patches. Of course, exfoliating is always a good prep step for a smoother finish, but with IONIQ, you’ve got more flexibility if you’re in a rush or just didn’t get around to preparing your skin.
2. Remove Hair 24 Hours Before Tanning
Why You Should Wait a Day
Shaving or waxing right before applying self-tanner? Yeah, that’s also a big no-no. After you remove hair, your pores stay open for a while. Giving your skin time to recover and prep lets your pores close up, so your self-tanner goes on nice and even, without any weird blotches.
How to Get Hair Removal Right
To avoid all that mess, just make sure you shave or wax at least 24 hours before you apply self-tanner. It’s really that simple. Properly preparing your skin makes all the difference.
If This Prep Step Done Wrong with a Regular Self-Tanner
You’re setting yourself up for uneven results. Your pores are still open, and the self-tanner sinks into them, leaving you with dark spots and streaks. I’ve been there—dark patches all over my legs, and no amount of fixing made it look any better. It’s frustrating. Skipping this prep step can make your tan look uneven and patchy, and no one wants that.
Skip Shaving and Waiting with IONIQ One Sprayer + TAN
If you skip shaving, you can still apply the tan successfully with IONIQ’s technology. Thanks to how hair is neutrally charged, the tanning droplets pass right through it and go straight to your skin. The self-tanner only reacts with the top layer of your skin, so no worries about it sticking to the hair. This makes the whole process way easier and more forgiving, even if you’re in a rush and don’t have time to shave. It’s that simple—no extra prep required!
3. Avoid Deodorants and Perfume
Why Skip Deodorant and Perfume Before Tanning
Deodorant and perfume are great, but not right before you tan. I know, it seems like no big deal, right? But if you want your tan to look its best, you’ve got to skip them. Deodorant and perfume can block the self-tanner from sticking evenly. Plus, some deodorants can actually react with the self-tanner, turning your skin a weird greenish color. I’ve made that mistake before, and let me tell you, it’s not pretty. Just skip those products when prepping for a tan.
If You Don’t Skip Perfume or Deo with a Regular Self-Tanner
Oh, you’re pretty much asking for an uneven, patchy tan. When deodorant gets on your skin, it can mess with how well the self-tanner adheres, leaving you with streaks or dark spots in places you don’t want them. Same goes for perfume—it can cause the self-tanner to slide off, especially if you use strong, fragrance-heavy products. I’ve had perfume stains on my clothes transfer onto my skin after I tan, and it’s just a mess you don’t need. You’ll soon see that skipping this this prep step is one of those small things that makes a big impact on your final result.
Don’t Worry About This with IONIQ One Sprayer + TAN
With the IONIQ One Sprayer + TAN, you can actually wear deodorant and perfume before you apply your self-tanner, which is pretty awesome. Normally, I’d avoid putting on anything scented before tanning because it can mess with how the tan goes on, leaving streaks or uneven patches. But with IONIQ’s tech, it’s no big deal. Their formula works around deodorants and perfumes, so you don’t have to worry about your scent or your tan not blending well. Plus, you can smell good while you get your tan, which is a win in my book!
4. Pick the Right Tan Shade
Why Picking the Right Tan Shade Is So Important
Okay, let’s be real—choosing the right tan shade is kind of a big deal. If you pick one that’s too dark, you end up looking like you’ve been dipped in paint, and if you go too light, you might as well not even bother. I’ve been there. The first time I tried self-tanner, I went a little too dark, thinking it would make me look bronzed and glowing. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. I looked more like a tangerine than a sun-kissed goddess. It was a mess, and I was frustrated. So, picking the right shade is about preparing for that perfect balance. You want something that gives you a natural glow, not something that screams, “I’m wearing self-tanner!”
The Struggles of Picking the Wrong Shade
Honestly, I’ve been down both paths. Too dark? You’re left with streaks, blotches, and a tan that’s way too intense for your skin. It’s like you’ve tried too hard, and no one needs that. Too light? Well, you end up with a barely-there glow that’s more “I spent 5 minutes in the sun” than “I’ve got a tan.” I remember once trying a super light self-tanner because I didn’t want to go too dark. I ended up with a weird, almost invisible tan that left me wondering why I even bothered. It just didn’t look right. Finding the right shade really does take some experimenting and preparation. You’ll notice the difference. It's worth it to get it just right.
How to Pick the Right Tan Shade for You
Here’s the trick: think about your natural skin tone. If you’re fair, go for a light to medium shade. Too dark and you’re risking looking like you got into a fight with a bottle of self-tanner. For medium or tan skin, you’ve got more options. You can go for something a little darker, but don’t go overboard. My rule of thumb is to pick a shade that’s one or two levels darker than your natural skin. It gives that perfect, sun-kissed look without going too far. Also, look at the undertones of the self-tanner. Some have a more olive or green tint, and they’re usually the most natural-looking. I personally stay away from anything with too much orange in it. After a little trial and error, preparing your skin and picking the right shade will give you the glow you’re after.
How to Pick the Right Tan Shade of IONIQ TAN
Okay, so picking the right shade with IONIQ really comes down to how deep you want your tan to be.
If you’re super fair or just want a light, barely-there glow, The TAN Light is your best bet. I use this one when I want a really subtle, sun-kissed look, nothing too intense. It’s great for those days when you want just a touch of color, but nothing too heavy. It gives you that “I’ve been out in the sun for a while” look without going overboard.
Now, if you’re after something that stands out a bit more but still looks natural, The TAN Medium is the way to go. This one’s great for most skin tones and gives you that bronzed look without looking overdone. I’ve used this when I want to feel a bit more glowy, but still keep it chill.
Finally, if you’re all about a deep, vacation-style tan, The TAN Dark is your go-to. It’s bold, it’s rich, and it gives you that full-on bronze glow. I’ve used this when I’m craving that deep tan that just screams summer. It’s perfect for when you want to look like you’ve been soaking up the sun all week.
So, just pick what feels right—light, medium, or dark—there’s really no wrong choice, just go with what fits your vibe!
5. Always Use a Tanning Mitt
Why Use a Tanning Mitt
Using a tanning mitt? Honestly, it’s one of those things you don’t really get until you try it yourself. I remember the first time I tried self-tanner without one—what a mess that was. My hands were totally orange and streaky, and no matter how much I washed them, I couldn’t get rid of the stains. The mitt just makes everything cleaner and so much easier. It’s like trying to paint a wall with your hands vs. using a brush. The mitt helps the self-tanner go on evenly, without making a mess of your palms or leaving weird streaks. Plus, it makes the whole process feel way smoother and more controlled.
How to Use a Tanning Mitt Properly
Using a tanning mitt is pretty straightforward, but there’s a little trick to it. First off, make sure you apply the self-tanner to the mitt, not directly to your skin. I usually squeeze a bit of the product onto the mitt and then work it in using gentle, circular motions. The key is to go slow and blend it all in as you go—don’t rush it. And don’t forget about your hands and feet! I always make sure to lightly go over my fingers and toes to avoid any buildup. After I’m done, I wash the mitt right away to avoid staining or product build-up. It’s a simple prep step, but it makes a huge difference in how your tan turns out.
What If You Skip the Mitt with a Regular Self-Tanner
Skipping the mitt? You might regret it. I know I did. The first time I went without one, my hands were a total disaster. Even though I scrubbed them right away, they still had that orange tint that wouldn’t come off. On top of that, the self-tanner was patchy and uneven, especially around my wrists and ankles. I realized that blending without the mitt is a whole lot harder, and it’s just not worth the frustration. The mitt gives you that smooth, even coverage that’s so much harder to get otherwise.
No Extra Tools Needed with IONIQ One Sprayer + TAN
You don’t need a mitt or anything else—it makes the whole process way easier. I used to always rely on a mitt to make sure my tan went on evenly, but with the Magnetic Skin technology, the IONIQ One Sprayer covers every inch of your skin, even the hard-to-reach spots like the back of your legs or elbows. I was actually surprised how well it worked the first time I used it—no streaks, no missed areas. The mist just glides on, and I didn’t have to stress about blending it in. It’s one of those “wow, this is so much easier” moments, and I’m all for it. No extra prep, just spray and go.
Wrapping It All Up
So, when it comes to prepping your skin for self-tanner, it really boils down to a few steps that make all the difference. You want to exfoliate at least a day before applying, moisturize, and give your skin time to breathe. Don’t rush through it—shaving or waxing a day before is also needed. If you skip the mitt, you’ll end up with orange palms and streaky spots, which isn’t the look anyone’s going for. Choosing the right shade of self-tanner is just as important as the other preparation steps. Start light and work your way up if you’re unsure—there’s no need to go for a deep bronze on your first try.
Prep Work Is Not Necessary with IONIQ One Sprayer + TAN
With the IONIQ, you can skip all the usual prep work. No need to shave or wax, exfoliate, or use a tanning mitt. The magic happens because the IONIQ skincare product is negatively charged, and your skin naturally has a positive charge, so almost every drop of the mist lands exactly where it should. The result? A flawless, even tan—no fuss, no prep. It’s as easy as spraying and letting the tech do all the work. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy that flawless glow. Here’s to a perfect tan!