Do's for Using Self-Tanner
- Exfoliate your skin thoroughly
Smooth skin is the key to a flawless tan. Use a good exfoliator or the exfoliating side of a tanning mitt to remove dead skin cells. This will prevent the self-tanner from clinging to rough patches.
- Moisturize dry areas
Apply a thin layer of moisturizing cream to dry areas such as elbows, knees, and ankles. This helps ensure that these areas absorb less product and prevents dark spots.
- Choose the right products and colors
Some self-tanners leave noticeable streaks, no matter how you apply them. That’so self-tanners are suitable for everyone, even if you’re new to self-tanning. That’so Body Mousse Dark is easy to apply and leaves your skin streak-free. It’s good to know that, in addition to “Dark,” That’so also offers That’so Body Mousse Extra Dark. Do you have fair skin? Then go for the “Dark” shade. Do you have a lightly tanned complexion? Then go for the “Extra Dark” shade.
- Work in thin layers
Use a tanning mitt to apply the product evenly. Apply in thin layers and build up the color for a natural look.
Things to Avoid When Using Self-Tanner
- Starting without preparation
Don't skip exfoliating and moisturizing. Poorly prepared skin often leads to an uneven complexion. And you definitely don't want that!
- Getting dressed too quickly
Let the self-tanner dry thoroughly. That’so Body Mousse dries quickly, but wait at least 15 minutes before putting on your clothes.
- Using too much product
There's no need to apply a thick layer of self-tanner. Thin, even layers give you a natural-looking result.
- Water or sweat after application
Avoid showering or sweating for 6–8 hours after application so that the color can fully develop and set.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Streaks and spots
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to exfoliate and moisturize your skin thoroughly before applying self-tanner. This helps prevent certain areas of your body from absorbing more product than others.
- Unnatural shades
With the options currently available, it can sometimes be difficult to find the right match. Do you have fair skin? Then go for the "dark" shade. Do you have a light tan? Then go for the "extra dark" shade.
- Overlooked Areas
Be sure to include your hands, feet, neck, and ears as well to achieve a consistent look. Use less product on these areas and blend it in well.
- Fading too quickly
It’s possible that your complexion turned out lighter than you’d like. This may be because the product was rinsed off too quickly. As a result, the product couldn’t adhere properly to the skin, causing the color to appear lighter. Be sure to check beforehand how long you want to let the product sit to achieve the desired effect.
How to Get a Tan Without the Sun: Here's How!
Now you know what to do and what not to do, as well as the most common mistakes people make when applying self-tanner. To give you a quick and easy overview, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide so you can get started quickly and easily!
1. Preparation is half the battle
For best results, exfoliate your skin at least 24 hours in advance. Then apply a good moisturizer. Pay extra attention to dry areas such as your elbows, knees, and ankles. These areas will absorb the product more quickly and may therefore end up looking darker.
2. Use the right tools
A tanning mitt/glove is a velvety-soft glove that lets you apply self-tanner evenly and streak-free. Not a fan of mitts? There are also brushes you can use to apply your self-tanner. Note: Don’t forget to clean your tools right after use. That way, they’ll stay fresh and you can use them right away next time!
3. Work from the bottom up
To avoid streaks, it’s best to work from the bottom up. Start at your legs and slowly work your way up. Note: Use a separate self-tanner for your face to achieve a more subtle effect. There are various serums that you can easily mix into your day cream or use on their own.
4. Make sure your self-tanner dries thoroughly
It’s important to wait at least 15 minutes after applying your self-tanner so thatit can fully absorb into your skin. Afterward, wear loose-fitting, dark-colored clothing to prevent the product from transferring.
5. When is the right time to rinse off your self-tanner?
The longer you let the product sit, the deeper the color will be.
For a light tan: leave on for 1 hour, then rinse off with warm water
For a medium to dark tan: Let it sit for up to 4 hours before showering
For a deep, dark tan: Leave it on for 8 hours before you shower
If you follow the step-by-step guide above, you'll find that you create a streak-free tan that will last a long time.

Want a tan as fast as possible? You'll have a sun-kissed look in just 15 minutes!
Don’t feel like self-tanning your whole body and then having to wait hours before you can rinse it off? Then try an On The Go spray from That’so. It’s the perfect solution for a quick, even, and natural tan. This spray gives you an instant tan that continues to develop for 2–3 hours after application. The sun-kissed tan lasts 3–4 days. Perfect if you want to maintain a tan for several days in a row.
Applying the spray is very easy.
1. Preparation is half the battle
Just like with a regular self-tanner, it’s a good idea to exfoliate and moisturize your skin thoroughly. Pay extra attention to dry areas such as your elbows, knees, and ankles.
2. Shake before use
Shake the spray well before use. This will thoroughly mix the ingredients, helping you achieve an even complexion.
3. Applying the spray
Hold the bottle about 30 cm away from your skin and spray evenly in long, smooth strokes. For the face and hands: use less product and, if desired, blend it in with a tanning mitt or beauty blender for an even finish.
4. Let it dry thoroughly
Just like with self-tanner, let the spray dry for about 15 minutes before getting dressed. You can speed up this process by drying the product with a hair dryer. After that, you can get dressed, and the product won’t rub off anymore.
That’so On The Go spray is available in two different shades. First, there’s the That’so On The Go Spray Dark. This is ideal for fair to lightly tanned skin. If you have lightly tanned to dark skin, go for the That’so On The Go Spray Extra Dark.
Do you have questions about That’so products, or are you unsure which shade best matches your skin tone? Our beauty specialists are here to help! You can reach our beauty specialists by phone or WhatsApp at +31 (0)13 530 2010 or by email at beautycare@johnbeerens.com.


