Why You Should Never Use Body Fake Tan on Your Face
I am Cathryn Kerwin-Rawlinson from Made up by Cathryn and I have served the North Wales and Cheshire area as a wedding MUA for over 17 years and with this comes a lot of experience and knowledge.
Today, I want to address something I see all too often as a makeup artist—people using fake tan meant for the body on their face. It's one of those things I could say until I'm blue in the face, and yet it keeps happening! Here's why it's so important to stop using body tan on your face and what you should do instead to achieve that gorgeous tanned look you're after.
The Skin on Your Face vs. The Skin on Your Body
First things first—the skin on your face is completely different from the skin on your body. It's much more delicate, thinner, and more prone to dehydration. So, you wouldn't use body lotion on your face, would you? The same rule applies to fake tan. Body fake tan is formulated for tougher, thicker skin and is far too harsh for the more fragile skin on your face.
The Problem with DHA in Fake Tan
The active ingredient in fake tan is called DHA (dihydroxyacetone), and it's known to dry out the skin. That's why, after a spray tan, you probably find yourself slathering on body lotion to keep your skin feeling soft. Now, imagine what that drying effect does to the skin on your face—where it's much more sensitive.
When you use body tanner on your face, it tends to cling to dry patches and can even exaggerate open pores. This makes your skin look patchy and flaky, which isn't an ideal base for any makeup look, especially if you're after that dewy, glowing skin so many brides want!
Spray tan and fake tanning & Makeup Don't Always Mix
Let's say you come to me asking for radiant, glowing skin. If you've used body tan on your face, it's much harder to achieve that flawless finish. The tan can settle unevenly, especially around the T-zone (where skin tends to be oiliest). This can make your makeup look patchy and your skin appear dehydrated. Believe me, it won't feel great either!
What to Do Instead
If you love a bronzed glow and feel like your face needs a little colour, there's a much better way to do it. Use tanning drops specifically made for the face! These can easily be mixed into your moisturiser and are far gentler on the skin. When it comes to spray tans, simply ask your spray tan specialist to stop at the neck. As your makeup artist, I can perfectly match your face to the tan on your body without compromising the condition of your skin.
Final Thoughts
If you want that dewy, healthy glow on your wedding day (or any special occasion), body tan on your face is not the answer. It will dry out your skin, interfere with your makeup, and leave you far from the radiant look you're going for. So, skip the body tan on your face and trust me to bring your complexion to life with makeup instead!
Make sure you pass this information onto those bridesmaids as alas they are often the ones who do this as my brides are told at trial to avoid fake tan on the face.
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