How to Get Rid Of Bad Tan Lines Fast, A Step-By-Step Guide

Okay, picture this: You get back from a fun-filled day at the pool, you hop in the shower, dry off, and look in the mirror only to be met face-to-face with a few awkwardly-placed—read: goodbye forever off-the-shoulder dresses—tan lines. Before you unload the turtlenecks from winter storage, read this. We’re sharing a step-by-step guide to help you fix those bad tan lines…fast!

Summer 2018 is the season of the cut-out, high-neck swimsuit. They look amazing on everyone but, unless you spend the entire day under the umbrella, chances are, even with SPF, you may end up sporting an interesting pattern on your chest. Since summertime is also the season for off-the-shoulder tops and thin-strapped dresses—not to mention…weddings—these inconvenient tan lines can really be the pits. Instead of kicking that cute new bikini to the curb follow the steps below…you may even have people thinking your new two-piece is actually your birthday suit.

Step 1: Self-Tanner

By now you know how much the Skincare.com team loves a good faux glow, nothing is sexier than a tan without the sun damage that comes along with it. Self-tanner is also a great way to fill in any unwanted tan lines. First, prep your skin the way you would for any self-tanner application—we share a full guide for prepping your skin for self-tanners and spray tans, here. Next, find a shade of self-tanner that matches your skin tone and carefully—we like using makeup brushes or sponges—apply the self-tanner to the lighter areas of skin. Need a self-tanner rec? Scroll to the bottom for a list of our favorites!

Step 2: Foundation + Bronzer

Once the self-tanner is dry, you may still find the lines noticeable, especially on your chest. This is where makeup comes in. Use a blendable foundation and go over everything with a bronzer to help blend in the self-tan.

Step 3: Set

To keep things in place, especially if it’s a hot, humid day—read: you’re going to sweat…a lot—use a setting spray or powder. For faux tans we like to use sprays like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray.

The Best Self-Tanning Formulas 

Self-tanners are not created equal. We share the best self-tanners from L’Oréal Paris that can give you a faux bronze without the sun damage.

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Towelettes for Body

Worried about getting those unwanted (and unflattering!) tan lines on vacation? We highly encourage tossing these handy, on-the-go bronzing towelettes into your carry-on bag. The convenient towelettes are great because they deliver a streak-free, natural tan without the hassle. Powered by vitamin E and natural AHA’s, you’ll receive a beautiful and natural-looking tan in less than one hour after use.

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Towelettes for Body, $10.99 MSRP

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gelee, Medium-Natural Tan 

Get your tan looking great and natural-looking with L’Oréal Paris’ Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gelee. It’s a refreshing, skin-smoothing formula— with AHA’s and vitamin E—that offers a streak-free, sunless tan within just 2-4 hours after application.

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gelee, Medium-Natural Tan, $10.99 MSRP

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist Medium Natural Tan

Not all of us were graced with a steady hand. With this airbrush self-tanning mist, you don’t have to worry about it! Its wide angled jet applicator offers a continuous mist that makes application seamless and efficient. Upon use, the formula dries quickly and offers streak-free results in even hard-to-reach areas.

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist Medium Natural Tan, $10.99 MSRP 

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk

If you’re looking for some extra nourishment, in addition to camouflaging those bad tan lines, we recommend turning to the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk. On top of providing a gradual, even and bronzed glow, the lotion also works to hydrate and nourish the skin.

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk, $12.99 MSRP

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Self-Tanning Serum 

Using a self-tanning serum is a no-fuss approach to customizing a faux glow while counteracting the look of unwanted tan lines. This quick-dry serum in particular offers a sun-kissed glow that can last up to two weeks! Who needs the sun when you’ve got this?

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Self-Tanning Serum, $10.99 MSRP

Editor’s note: Keep in mind that a handful of these self-tanners don’t offer SPF protection. Be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen in tandem with your self-tanner to ensure you’re staying well-protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. If you’re sunscreen arsenal could use an update, consider grabbing one of the top-rated sunscreens that our editors have reviewed, here.