
Applying fake tan with a paint roller has gained popularity as a quick and mess-free method to achieve an even, streak-free tan. The hack, which went viral on social media, claims to provide a smooth and patchless tan without staining your hands. However, there are also stories of people's attempts at using this method going wrong, resulting in an overly dark tan or stained hair.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | No patches, no orange hands, speedy application, no mess, can reach your back |
| Cons | May waste product, may not work with all tanning solutions, may not get the colour you want |
| Other | Make sure the roller is clean, don't use a tray, remove makeup/deodorant/perfume before applying tan, use oil-free moisturiser on elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles |
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What You'll Learn

Ensure your skin is clean and free of makeup, deodorant, perfume or other products
While applying fake tan with a paint roller can be a quick and mess-free method, it's important to prepare your skin properly before starting the process. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your skin is clean and free of makeup, deodorant, perfume, or other products:
Firstly, it's crucial to remove any traces of makeup, deodorant, or perfume from your skin. These products can act as a barrier between your skin and the fake tan, potentially affecting the evenness of the tan application. Use a gentle cleanser or makeup remover to ensure your skin is thoroughly cleansed. Pay particular attention to areas like your neck and hairline, which are often overlooked but can accumulate products.
Next, avoid using any fragranced body lotions or creams before applying fake tan. Fragrances can interfere with the tanning process and may cause skin irritation when combined with the tanning solution. Opt for an oil-free moisturiser instead, focusing on areas like elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles, which tend to be drier. If you have dry hands, don't forget to moisturise them as well, including your knuckles and fingers.
Additionally, be mindful of any other products you may have used on your skin recently. For example, self-tanning products should not be applied on top of each other, as this can lead to an uneven tan. Similarly, avoid using any other skincare products that may leave a residue, such as exfoliating scrubs or toners, right before applying fake tan.
By following these steps, you can ensure your skin is clean and ready for an even and natural-looking tan. Remember, proper skin preparation is key to achieving the best results and avoiding any tanning disasters!
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Use oil-free moisturiser on elbows, wrists, knees, ankles and hands
While applying fake tan with a paint roller, it is important to prepare your skin. One way to do this is by using an oil-free moisturiser on your elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. If your hands are dry, you can also apply moisturiser to them, including your knuckles and fingers. This step is crucial as it ensures that your skin is properly hydrated, creating a smooth base for the fake tan. It also helps prevent the tan from clinging to dry patches of skin, resulting in a more even and natural-looking finish.
Oil-free moisturisers are recommended because they are quickly absorbed by the skin and do not leave a greasy residue. This is especially important when applying fake tan, as oil-based products can interfere with the tan's absorption and development. By using an oil-free moisturiser, you create a more receptive canvas for the fake tan, allowing it to adhere better to your skin and produce a longer-lasting colour.
Additionally, moisturising these areas can help you avoid excessive tan absorption. Joints and dry hands are prone to absorbing more product, resulting in darker patches. By using an oil-free moisturiser on these areas, you create a barrier that helps control the amount of tan absorbed, ensuring a more consistent colour across your body.
Following this step, you can proceed with confidence, knowing that your skin is ready for the paint roller application of fake tan. Remember to work in sections and always use a clean roller to achieve the desired streak-free and smooth finish.
Although the paint roller method has received mixed reviews, with some people praising its speed and ease, while others have experienced less desirable outcomes, taking the time to properly prepare your skin with an oil-free moisturiser can help increase your chances of achieving a beautiful, even tan.
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Pour fake tan into a roller tray
When applying fake tan with a paint roller, it is important to get the right tools and prepare the roller tray. First, you will need to get a roller tray, which is a rectangular container with a sloped bottom that tapers down to a shallow well at one end. This is where you will pour your fake tan.
Next, you will need to prepare your fake tan solution. Pour the solution into the roller tray, ensuring the tray is on a flat surface to avoid spillage. You may want to start with a small amount of product and add more as needed, as you do not want to waste the product. It is also important to ensure your roller tray is clean to avoid any discolouration or contamination.
The type of fake tan product you use is important. While some claim that roller tanning can only work with certain tanning solutions, it is possible to use a lotion, mousse, or spray. However, be aware that some products may not spread evenly, so test on a small area first.
Once you have poured your fake tan into the roller tray, you can begin the process of applying the tan with your roller. This method can ensure an even application and no orange hands, but be sure to use a clean roller to avoid any unwanted results.
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Apply the tan to your body with the roller
To apply fake tan to your body with a paint roller, start by preparing your skin. Remove any makeup, deodorant, perfume, or other fragrance products. Then, apply an oil-free moisturiser to your elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. If you have dry hands, be sure to moisturise them as well, paying special attention to your knuckles and fingers.
Next, prepare your tanning solution. Pour your chosen lotion or mousse into a roller tray. It is important to note that not all tanning solutions will work with a roller; lotions or mousses may not spread evenly. Be sure to test the consistency before proceeding.
Now, it's time to start applying the tan to your body. Using your roller, begin by spreading the tanning solution onto your legs. Work in sections, being careful not to apply too much pressure, which can lead to an uneven application. Quickly and gently roll the product onto your skin, covering each area of your legs without reapplying.
Move on to your arms, torso, and back, using the roller to gently spread the tan onto these areas. Again, work in sections, being mindful of applying even pressure. For areas that are difficult to reach, you may need assistance.
Finally, use the roller to gently apply the tan to your face, being extremely careful around delicate areas like your eyes and mouth.
Remember to clean your roller and tray thoroughly after use to prevent staining and ensure hygiene for future applications.
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Wash the roller and your hands afterwards
While some people have praised the paint roller hack for applying fake tan as it removes the need for a mitt, which can leave hands orange, others have experienced disastrous results. One viral video by @chelseaxx26, which has over 2.3 million views, demonstrates how to use a paint roller to apply fake tan without any patches. However, this method has not convinced everyone, with some commenters questioning how much product is wasted as it soaks into the roller.
If you do decide to use a paint roller for fake tanning, it is important to clean the roller and your hands afterward. Here are some detailed steps to ensure a thorough clean:
- Rinse the roller under warm running water to remove any excess tanning product. Ensure that the water is not too hot, as this may damage the roller.
- Fill a bucket or sink with warm water and add a mild soap or roller cleaner. You can also use a small amount of shampoo or body wash if you do not have a specialised roller cleaner.
- Submerge the roller in the soapy water and use your hands to gently agitate the roller, working the soap through the fabric to remove any remaining product and dirt.
- Rinse the roller again under warm running water to remove any soap residue.
- Gently squeeze the roller to remove any excess water, being careful not to damage the roller's fabric.
- Allow the roller to air dry thoroughly before storing it in a clean, dry place.
It is important to wash your hands thoroughly after applying fake tan, whether you have used a roller, mitt, or any other application method. Use warm water and soap, and be sure to scrub your palms, fingers, and under your nails to remove any tan residue. This will help prevent your hands from being stained or discoloured by the fake tan product.
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Frequently asked questions
Applying fake tan with a paint roller can give you an even, streak-free tan without getting it on your hands.
Pour your tanning lotion into a paint roller tray and use the roller to apply it to your body. You can use the roller to reach places you can't reach yourself, like your back.
One disadvantage of using a paint roller for fake tanning is that it may result in product wastage, as the roller will absorb some of the product. Additionally, roller tanning may not work with certain tanning solutions, such as lotions or mousses, which may not spread evenly.
Make sure the paint roller is clean before using it for fake tanning. Also, ensure you remove any makeup, deodorant, perfume, or fragrance products from your skin before applying the tan. It is also recommended to use an oil-free moisturiser on areas like elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles before tanning.











































