The secret to a flawless, long-lasting self tan isn't just the formula you use, it's how you prep your skin beforehand. Taking a little extra time before you tan makes a real difference to how evenly the colour develops, how smoothly it applies, and how well it holds over time. Here's everything you need to know about pre-tan prep, and the two Bali Body tools that make it easy.

Why Skin Prep Matters
Self tan develops by reacting with the outermost layer of your skin cells. When that layer is uneven, full of dry patches, product build-up, or old tan, the colour has an uneven surface to work with. That’s where streaks, patchiness, and dark spots can creep in. A properly prepped, smooth, and hydrated skin surface gives your tan the best possible base to develop evenly and fade gracefully.
Step One: Remove Old Tan
Before applying a fresh self tan, it's worth removing any remaining colour from your last application. This avoids build-up, ensures even colour development, and prevents any old patchiness from showing through your new tan.

The Express Tan Remover Scrub is the most effective way to do this. Unlike a standard body scrub, this formula combines physical and chemical exfoliants (pumice and lactic acid) to actively break down the self tan colour rather than just scrubbing it away. This means less effort and less risk of irritating the skin in the process.
To use, apply the scrub directly to dry skin and leave it for 1 to 3 minutes to allow the formula to work into the tan. Then step into the shower and use the Exfoliating Mitt to gently buff away the old colour in circular motions. The result is clean, smooth skin with no traces of old tan. Also infused with grapefruit peel oil and urea, it leaves the skin feeling soft and supple, not stripped.
Step Two: Exfoliate for a Smooth Canvas
Even when there's no old tan to remove, exfoliating before self tanning is one of the most effective steps you can take. Buffing away dead skin cells creates a smooth, even surface for the tan to grip to, helping it develop more uniformly and last longer.

The Exfoliating Mitt is designed exactly for this. Used in the shower on damp skin, it gently buffs the skin's surface without over-stripping it. Pay particular attention to naturally dry and rough areas including the elbows, knees, ankles, and hands, as these tend to absorb more colour and can turn darker without proper prep.
For best results, exfoliate 24 hours before tanning rather than immediately before. This gives the skin time to settle back to its natural pH, which helps the self tan develop more evenly.
Step Three: Moisturise Dry Areas
Once you've exfoliated, apply a light moisturiser to any particularly dry areas before tanning. Dry skin absorbs more product and can result in darker, patchier colour in those spots. A small amount of moisturiser on the elbows, knees, ankles, and hands helps create a barrier so the tan develops more evenly across these areas.
Step Four: Apply to Clean, Dry Skin

When you're ready to tan, make sure the skin is completely dry before application. Any moisture on the skin can dilute the formula and lead to an uneven result. Apply your chosen Bali Body self tan using the Luxe Tanning Mitt and blend in long, sweeping motions for a streak-free finish.
Shop the Exfoliating Mitt and Express Tan Remover Scrub online now.