My secret ‘lifesaver' hack avoids patchy fake tan all summer long – it's all thanks to a £1.50 buy

The Sun

13-05-2025

Abigail Wilson, Senior Digital Writer
Published: Invalid Date,
A BEAUTY enthusiast has shared a super simple trick to avoid patchy fake tan.
So if you struggle to get a natural tan and plan to slap on the St. Moriz tanning mousse now that the sun is out, you've come to the right place and will need to take notes.
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There's nothing worse than spending ages applying fake tan, only to wake up the next morning looking like a piece of tiger bread.
But luckily for you, you'll no longer have to worry about this beauty faux pas, as a young woman named Catherine has shared the purse-friendly product she can't live without for an even glow.
Posting on social media, the young beauty fan who regularly shares 'all things fake tan' as well as " frugal beauty tips ' online, took to TikTok to show off 'the best quick fix for a patchy fake tan '.
During the eight-second clip, we saw Catherine in her dressing gown, as she revealed how she uses baby oil - yes, you heard that correctly - in her fake tan routine.
After applying the Bahama Body Ultra Dark tan, the content creator wrote: 'The best quick fix for a patchy fake tan on the neck/chest/hands? Baby oil and [a] fluffy blush.'
Catherine demonstrated her beauty guidance, as she applied a few drops of baby oil onto a make-up brush and lightly ran the brush over her neck.
She confirmed that she does this before washing her fake tan off if she spots any stubborn patches, but claimed that it also works after showering off fake tan too.
The beauty buff then explained: 'I use this to smooth out any mistakes.
'If you use the right amount of oil it should just blend it - you need to use a tiny amount, about one or two drops!'
She claimed that her simple beauty tip 'works so well' and is 'the best hack', so if you're fed up with a tan that looks uneven, you'll need to give this a try.
I love being brown all year but hate fake tan - my £5 hack means I can get a glow in seconds & DON'T smell like biscuits
You'll find baby oil in a number of different high-street stores and supermarkets, as if you're on a budget, this is perfect for you.
You'll be pleased to know that this hack won't empty your wallet, as you can nab baby oil for only £1.48 from Asda, £1.49 from Superdrug and £1.50 from Sainsbury's.
Fake Tan Lovers Guide to Applying it Streak-Free
Here's Fabulous ultimate guide to a flawless, streak-free fake tan that will leave you looking like you've just stepped off the beach...
Preparation is Key
A streak-free tan starts with proper skin prep. Exfoliate your skin thoroughly 24 hours before application. Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees and ankles to ensure an even canvas. Opt for an exfoliator with natural ingredients to avoid irritation.
Hydration Station
Moisturise your entire body right after exfoliating, but pay extra attention to dry patches. On the day of tanning, only apply a light, oil-free moisturiser to these areas a few hours before you plan to tan. This prevents the tan from clinging to dry spots and developing unevenly.
Formulate, Don't Hate
Selecting the right fake tan product can make all the difference. Mousse formulas are easiest to apply and blend. Tanning drops can be added to your regular face moisturiser to match your face with your body.
Application O'Clock
Using a tanning mitt is non-negotiable for an even application. Dispense a small amount of product onto the mitt and apply in long, sweeping motions. Start from your ankles and work your way up to avoid creases. Apply sparingly on joints and use a fluffy make-up brush for your hands and feet.
Post-Tan Care
Once you've applied your tan, allow it to dry completely before dressing. Loose, dark clothing is best to avoid transferring colour. Avoid water and sweat for at least six to eight hours while the tan develops. After your first rinse, pat your skin dry gently and moisturise daily to prolong your tan.
Beauty fans beam
The clip, which was posted under the username @ catherinnnneeeeee, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and racked up 1.4 million views.
Not only this, but it's also amassed 100,100 likes, 338 comments and 22,400 saves.
Fake tan fans were impressed with Catherine's 'life changing' hack and many quickly flocked to the comments to express this.
One person said: 'Omg I need to try.'
Another added: 'Ohhh good to know.'
A third commented: 'Omg lifesaver.'
Whilst another beauty enthusiast chimed in and simply beamed: 'Game changer.'
Meanwhile, someone else questioned: 'Does it work on eczema?!?!'
To this, Catherine replied and wrote: 'I've never had eczema so I'm not too sure - but it works on dry areas for me.'