The Ultimate Fake Tan Schedule

(Because winging it is why your tan never looks the same twice)

If fake tan feels unpredictable — sometimes flawless, sometimes patchy, sometimes gone in three days — it’s usually not the product.

It’s the timing.

Fake tan works best when you stop treating it like a one-off event and start treating it like a routine. Once you find your rhythm, everything gets easier: application, fading, maintenance, and results.

This is the ultimate fake tan schedule — built for real life, not perfection.

How Long Fake Tan Really Lasts (and Why It Varies)

Most fake tans last 5–10 days, but that range exists for a reason.

Your tan’s lifespan depends on:

• skin type (dry skin sheds faster)

• how well you prepped

• how often you shower

• lifestyle (gym, beach, sweating)

• aftercare (hydration matters more than people think)

This is why two people can use the same tan and get completely different results.

Weekly vs Fortnightly Fake Tan: Which One Are You?

There’s no universal “correct” schedule — it depends on how you live.

Weekly fake tanning works best if you:

• work out often

• sweat a lot

• shower daily (or more)

• like a consistently deep glow

Fortnightly fake tanning works best if you:

• want a more natural fade

• don’t sweat heavily

• moisturise regularly

• prefer lower maintenance

If your tan is constantly patchy, you might actually be tanning too often, not too little.

The Perfect Fake Tan Week (Day-by-Day)

This is where everything clicks.

Day 0: Prep Day

• exfoliate gently

• shave at least 24 hours before tanning

• moisturise dry areas lightly

• let skin fully settle

Day 1: Tan Night

• apply fake tan to clean, dry skin

• avoid tight clothing

• let tan develop fully

Day 2: Rinse & Reset

• rinse off tan (no scrubs)

• pat skin dry

• moisturise thoroughly

This sets the foundation for an even fade.

Day 3–5: Maintain

• moisturise daily

• avoid harsh body washes

• don’t overthink small fades

This is where a nourishing moisturiser like Crème de la Crème helps keep colour even and skin comfortable.

Day 6–7: Assess

• is your tan fading evenly?

• are certain areas lighter?

At this point, you either top up or let it continue fading.

When to Top Up vs When to Remove

This is one of the most common mistakes people make.

Top up if:

• your tan is fading evenly

• colour is just lighter

• there’s no visible patchiness

Remove and reset if:

• tan is breaking up in spots

• you’ve layered too many times

• colour looks muddy or uneven

Layering over patchy tan doesn’t fix it — it locks the problem in.

Fake Tan Schedules for Different Lifestyles

The Gym Girl

• tan after rest days

• avoid tanning before heavy workouts

• moisturise daily

• plan lighter touch-ups weekly

The Beach Girl

• expect faster fading

• hydrate skin constantly

• plan full tans more often, but lighter

The Desk Job Girl

• fortnightly schedule works well

• focus on even prep + hydration

• minimal touch-ups needed

The Event-Only Tanner

• tan 2 days before the event

• rinse the day before

• moisturise morning of

• avoid last-minute fixes

How Often Is Too Often?

If you’re:

• stripping your tan every few days

• reapplying before it’s fully faded

• constantly fixing the same areas

Your skin is probably overloaded.

Fake tan looks best when your skin has time to breathe between applications.

Adjusting Your Schedule for Events & Holidays

For weddings, trips, or photos:

• full tan 2–3 days before

• allow time for colour to settle

• avoid first-day tanning for big events

Planning beats panic tanning every time.

The Naked Tan Method (Simple & Repeatable)

Instead of chasing perfection, stick to this:

1. Prep properly

2. Tan consistently

3. Hydrate daily

4. Maintain lightly

5. Reset when needed

Fake tan works best when it’s part of your routine — not something you fight with.