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Guide

Self-tan without orange:
the guide to a natural glow.

Streaks, patches or that typical orange tint? It's rarely your fault. Here's how to choose and use a self-tan that really looks like your own colour.

How does self-tan work?

Almost every self-tan works with DHA (dihydroxyacetone). This sugar reacts with proteins in the top layer of your skin and colours it brown. It isn't 'paint': the colour is in the skin itself and fades as your skin renews, usually after 5 to 7 days. BOTAN uses plant-based DHA from sugar cane, combined with caring ingredients such as aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.

Why does self-tan sometimes turn orange?

An orange tint usually comes from too much product, dry skin that absorbs unevenly, or a formula that doesn't suit your skin tone. Good preparation and a formula designed for a natural tone make all the difference. That's why BOTAN always starts with skincare.

Step 1: prep your skin

Exfoliate 24 hours before, especially elbows, knees and ankles. Shave or wax at least a day earlier. On the day itself, skip body lotion, perfume and deodorant: they form a film that stops the tan absorbing evenly.

Step 2: apply evenly

Use a mitt in large, circular movements, area by area. Use less product on hands, feet, elbows and knees. For your back, an applicator band is handy. Let it dry for 10 minutes before dressing, ideally in loose, dark clothing.

Gommage Magic Perfection

Step 3: patience

The colour develops in 4 to 8 hours. Only shower afterwards, with lukewarm water and no soap. Want a deeper colour? Repeat the next day, or choose the intense Dark spray.

Self-tan for your face

Facial skin renews faster than the body, so your glow fades quicker there. Apply a small amount, also along your hairline and ears, and blend well. The Magic Spray and the Soin Hydratant are suitable for face and body.

Making your glow last

Hydrate every day. Hydrated skin sheds more evenly, so your glow fades evenly too. Avoid scrubs, sauna and chlorine as long as you want to enjoy your colour.

At home or in a studio?

At home you're flexible and build your colour at your own pace. In a BOTAN studio, a trained professional applies the spray with an ultra-fine mist: done in half an hour, even in tricky areas like your back. Many women combine both: a studio session before a party or holiday, and maintenance at home.

And the sun?

Self-tan gives colour but does not protect against UV rays. So always use sun protection outdoors, even with a beautiful glow.

Ready for your glow?

Start with the Glow Ritual: scrub, spray and care, saving 10%.

Shop the Glow Ritual
Limited-time offer · Until 1 NovemberAs seen on MENT TV

Free shipping + €10 tan voucher.

With the Magic Spray or the Glow Ritual set

Free shippingWith the Magic Spray (Dark or Glow) or the Glow Ritual set, until 1 November 2026 inclusive, with bpost.
€
Extra gift: €10 off in the studioOn a face + body glow session in a BOTAN studio near you.
BOTAN Magic SprayMagic Spray
€35.90

Offer valid until 1 November 2026 inclusive on Magic Spray Dark, Glow and the Glow Ritual set · Self-tanner does not protect against the sun.

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