The Ultimate Instant Tan Guide: How to Get a Flawless, No-Commitment Glow for Any Occasion

When you want glowing skin without the development time, the smell, or the commitment of a traditional self-tan, Instant Tan is the product you reach for. It is the quickest way to get bronzed skin in minutes, whether you are heading to a last-minute event, topping up a fading tan, or simply boosting your confidence before a night out. Unlike self-tan mousses, which need time to develop and last days on the skin, Instant Tan works immediately. Think of it as the beauty equivalent of your favourite “throw-on-and-go” outfit: reliable, flattering, and ready at a moment’s notice.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from preparation and application techniques to pro hacks, longevity tips, and how to integrate Instant Tan with your current tanning routine.

What Is Instant Tan?

Instant Tan is a wash-off bronzing cream or gel that gives the skin an immediate sun-kissed glow. The colour sits on top of the skin, drying down to a transfer-resistant finish, and can be removed in the shower with Body Cleanser.

Because it does not contain DHA (the active ingredient in traditional self-tan), it does not need developing time, does not continue to darken throughout the day, and will not last for days on the skin. It is the perfect solution for:

• Last-minute events

• Evening or morning tanning

• Photo-ready bronzing

• Topping up a fading self-tan

• Evening out tan lines

• A quick confidence boost

It is also ideal for people who are new to tanning and want natural colour without committing to a fully developed tan.

Prepping Your Skin for the Best Instant Tan Results

Even though Instant Tan is a wash-off formula, preparation still plays a significant role in how smooth, even, and long-lasting the colour appears. Great tanning begins with great skin prep.

1. Exfoliate Before Application (If You Have Time)

If you are planning ahead for an event or know you will be using Instant Tan that day, exfoliate in the shower using a mitt to remove dry skin. This helps create a smooth surface so the product glides on evenly.

2. Hydrate Your Skin

Instant Tan applies best to moisturised skin. Using a hydration-rich body moisturiser like Naked Tan Crème de la Crème helps the product blend beautifully and reduces patchiness, particularly on dry areas such as elbows and knees.

3. Quick Prep When You Are Short on Time

If you are in a rush (which is often when Instant Tan is needed most), simply apply a thin layer of moisturiser to the driest areas of your body. This helps prevent the product from clinging to any flaky patches.

4. Keep Skin Clean and Product-Free

Avoid using heavy oils or silicone-based creams directly before application, as they can cause the product to slip.

How to Apply Instant Tan Like a Pro

Although Instant Tan is forgiving, technique still matters. Here is a step-by-step guide for a flawless finish.

Step 1: Use a Tanning Mitt

A mitt is the best tool for a streak-free result. It helps you blend quickly and prevents colour from staining your hands.

Step 2: Start Small and Build

Apply a small amount of product to the mitt and work in long, sweeping motions. Instant Tan is buildable, so you can always deepen the colour by adding more.

Step 3: Focus on One Area at a Time

For example: apply to one leg completely before moving to the other. This ensures consistent blending and prevents patches.

Step 4: Blend Around Ankles, Knees, and Wrists

Use the remaining product on the mitt (without adding more) to apply colour to tricky areas. This helps everything look natural.

Step 5: Check in Natural Light

If possible, do a quick check near a window for any missed sections.

Step 6: Allow the Product to Dry Before Getting Dressed

This usually takes just a few minutes. Once dry, the colour sets well and becomes transfer-resistant.

Best Techniques for Specific Areas

• Legs: Apply product from ankles up toward the thighs in long strokes.

• Arms: Start at the wrists and blend upward.

• Chest: Apply sparingly; the chest tends to show streaks easily due to natural contours.

• Hands: Apply using the mitt with almost no extra product.

Instant Tan Hacks for Any Occasion

Instant Tan is one of the most versatile products in your beauty kit. Here are clever ways to use it depending on your plans.

1. Nights Out and Special Events

Instant Tan acts like a real-life filter, smoothing the appearance of the skin and adding a subtle sheen. It is perfect for evenings because the colour photographs beautifully and does not develop further over time.

2. Photoshoots or Content Creation

Instant Tan helps even out skin tone in photos, reduces the appearance of blemishes on the body, and enhances definition on arms and legs. A thin additional layer on the collarbones and shoulders adds natural-looking dimension.

3. Beach Days When You Want a Glow Without Sun Exposure

If you prefer not to lay in the sun, Instant Tan offers a fast bronzed look that washes off at the end of the day.

4. Fixing Tan Lines

Use a small, detailed brush or the edge of your tanning mitt to gently blend Instant Tan across lighter areas.

5. Topping Up a Fading Fake Tan

If your self-tan mousse is starting to fade unevenly, Instant Tan instantly refreshes your colour and disguises patchiness.

6. After the Gym

Instant Tan is great for a quick freshen-up when you want a confidence boost after working out. Just ensure skin is dry before applying.

7. Work-to-Dinner Transitions

If you need to look polished fast, apply Instant Tan to legs and arms for an instant lift.

Instant Tan vs Self Tan: Which Should You Choose?

Each product has a purpose, and many people use both depending on the occasion.

Choose Instant Tan If:

• You need colour immediately

• You want a no-commitment glow

• You prefer to wash the colour off at the end of the day

• You are new to tanning and want a foolproof option

Choose Naked Tan Mousse (Medium, Dark, or Ultra Dark) If:

• You want colour that develops and lasts several days

• You prefer deeper results

• You want a low-maintenance tan that does not need reapplying daily

Using Both Together

Instant Tan can be applied over developed tan mousse to deepen the colour or smooth out fading areas. It also helps match the face to the body if you exfoliate your facial tan more frequently.

Pro Tips for Making Your Instant Tan Last All Day (Even in Australian Heat)

Instant Tan is designed to be transfer-resistant, but these tips help extend wear:

1. Allow It to Fully Dry Before Dressing

Rushing this step is the number one cause of colour transfer.

2. Wear Loose Clothing

Avoid tight elastic cuffs or waistbands immediately after application.

3. Avoid Heavy Lotions on Top

Oil-based products can break down the bronzing pigments.

4. Stay Cool Where Possible

Sweating heavily within the first hour may disrupt the finish. After that, the colour holds well.

5. Feather and Buff

A final buff with a clean section of your mitt helps set the product smoothly.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

These mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for.

1. Applying Too Much Product

Start with a small amount and build up. Overapplying can lead to patchiness.

2. Applying to Dry Skin

Instant Tan will cling to dry patches. Always prep elbows, knees, and ankles with moisturiser.

3. Not Blending Properly

Pay attention to the back of the arms and blending around wrists.

4. Wearing Tight Clothing Too Soon

This can cause rubbing or lines in the tan.

5. Using Oils Before Application

This makes the product move across the skin instead of gripping.

Instant Tan for Beginners: The Simplest Routine

If you are new to tanning or intimidated by self-tan mousse, Instant Tan is the perfect gateway product. Here is the easiest routine:

1. Moisturise elbows, knees, and ankles.

2. Apply a small amount of Instant Tan to a mitt.

3. Use long strokes on arms and legs.

4. Add a light layer to the chest and shoulders if desired.

5. Let it dry and get dressed.

6. Wash off at the end of the day.

This routine takes less than two minutes and gives a natural bronzed finish suitable for everyday wear.

Instant Tan FAQ

Will Instant Tan Transfer Onto Clothing?

Once dry, it is designed to be transfer-resistant. Wearing loose clothing immediately after application helps.

How Long Does It Last?

Instant Tan lasts until you wash it off with soap or Body Cleanser.

Can I Use It on My Face?

Yes, but use sparingly and blend well into the hairline and jawline.

Does It Ruin a Fake Tan?

No, Instant Tan can actually enhance a fading tan and help even out patchiness.

What If I Sweat?

Light sweating will not remove the tan once it has dried, but heavy sweating soon after application may affect the finish.

Instant Tan is one of the most versatile products in your tanning routine. From last-minute events to photoshoots, topping up fading colour, evening out tan lines, or simply adding warmth to your skin for the day, it delivers fast, reliable, natural-looking results. Pair it with Crème de la Crème for hydration and Body Cleanser for easy removal, and it becomes a perfect addition to your beauty routine.