A face tan lasts longest when you plan the week around it, not just the evening you apply it. Here is a seven-day plan: what to do the day before, the night you tan, and each morning after, so the colour stays even until your next top-up.
The day before: smooth the canvas
Tan holds longest on smooth skin. If your face is dry or flaky, exfoliate gently today. Not tomorrow, because freshly exfoliated skin takes colour unevenly.
Skip your retinol or acid serum tonight. Freshly treated skin takes colour unevenly, and you'll pause it for a few days after you tan too.
Tan night: thin and even
Cleanse, then prep with a light essence. In the COMIS routine, that is a short mist of Multi Essence. It hydrates and calms the skin as a base without leaving a heavy layer for the tan to sit on. Let it sink in for a minute so your skin is dry before you tan.
Apply your tan in one thin, even layer. A thin layer fades evenly. A thick one fades in patches. With the MultiMist, you mist True Tan onto your face, and the same number of seconds gives the same amount every time. Close your eyes and mouth while you mist.
Wait 5 to 10 minutes, then mist Supreme Serum. It holds moisture in the skin with niacinamide, fermented oat and saccharide isomerate, and it is the step we recommend after True Tan for an even, longer-lasting tan. Before you switch from True Tan to another capsule, run a couple of Cleaning Drops through the device.
Tanning DuoTrue Tan and Supreme Serum. Tan night, in two capsules.Read more
Days 1 and 2: let it set
True Tan is fully developed at 24 hours. Until then, keep it cool: skip the workout, the sauna and the long hot shower.
Cleanse with your hands and a gentle cleanser, morning and evening. No brushes, scrubs or cleansing devices this week. Pat your face dry, then mist Supreme Serum.
Days 3 and 4: top up before you need to
This is when the colour starts to soften, first around the nose, chin and hairline, where you cleanse hardest.
A light top-up now keeps the colour even. With the MultiMist, mist True Tan for fewer seconds than a full application, and the colour builds gently on what is already there.
Days 5 to 7: reset or keep going
True Tan lasts up to 7 days. From here you can keep topping up every few days, or let it fade and start over.
If you want to use your retinol or acids again, this is the time. Stop them a night or two before your next tan night.
Top-ups in seconds
With the MultiMist, a top-up is a few seconds of mist, not a full routine. Click in a capsule, mist, done.
FAQ
Why does my face tan fade faster than my body?
You cleanse and treat your face more than your body, so the surface sheds faster. Gentle cleansing and a hydrating serum like Supreme Serum slow it down.
Does moisturiser make self-tan fade?
No. Hydration helps it last. Heavy oils can break down some tans, so choose a light, hydrating product.
How often should I top up my face tan?
Every few days, before it starts to fade. A light layer is enough.
Can I use retinol with self-tan?
Yes, but it makes the tan fade faster and less evenly. Pause it a night or two before you tan and for a few days after.
Do I need to buy True Tan again every time?
No. Each True Tan capsule gives up to 5 tans and reseals between uses. Subscribe on the True Tan page and new capsules arrive before you run out.