Self-tanner on your face

“ The skin on your face is thinner, has more sebaceous glands and is more sensitive than the rest of your body ”

Your face needs a different approach than the rest of your body. The skin is finer, oilier and more sensitive, so the wrong formula or technique can quickly lead to an uneven result or clogged pores. While the complete self-tanner guide covers the basics, this page explains which self-tanner is best for your face, why that is, and how to apply it without streaks.

Why does your face need a different self-tanner?

The skin on your face is thinner, has more sebaceous glands and is more sensitive than the rest of your body. That means you need a gentle formula that does not clog your pores, also known as non-comedogenic, and that builds colour gradually.

A product made for the body is often too rich or too intense for the face, which can lead to build-up around the hairline and an uneven complexion. A formula you can dose yourself gives the most control here: you decide exactly how deep the colour becomes and build it up without the risk of streaks.

What is the best self-tanner for your face?

The best choice for your face is a product that can be applied precisely and hydrates the skin: tanning drops mixed into your day cream, or the Hyaluronic Self-Tan Spray applied with a Kabuki Brush.

Two options work especially well for the face. The Perle de Soleil Tanning Drops can be mixed into your trusted day cream, allowing you to control the intensity yourself, from a subtle glow to a deeper tan. If you want colour with an anti-ageing effect, Perle de Soleil NAD+ is the variant with NAD+ and hyaluronic acid.

If you prefer a spray, the Hyaluronic Self-Tan Spray is especially suitable for the face: spray it onto the Kabuki Brush and blend it over your face. The 3rd generation hyaluronic acid provides extra hydration. One bottle can be used up to thirty times for the face.

How do you apply self-tanner to your face?

Mix a few drops into your day cream, or spray the Hyaluronic Self-Tan Spray onto a Kabuki Brush, then blend it evenly with extra attention to the hairline, eyebrows and jawline to prevent dark build-up.

Start with a clean, lightly exfoliated and hydrated face. If you use drops, blend them evenly into the skin with your cream. If you use the Hyaluronic Self-Tan Spray, spray it onto the Kabuki Brush above the sink and buff it over the skin with smooth movements. Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. You can find the complete basic step-by-step routine for the entire body in our guide on how to apply self-tanner without streaks.

Is self-tanner bad for your face?

No. A high-quality self-tanner only works on the upper, dead layer of the skin and does not penetrate the living skin. A lightweight formula that does not clog pores is suitable for sensitive facial skin.

The risk of blemishes or a dull complexion mainly comes from formulas that are too rich and comedogenic, or from not cleansing the skin properly after application. That is why it is best to choose a formula designed for the face and cleanse your skin in the evening as usual.

Self-tanner on your face gone wrong?

If you have a patch or an area that looks too dark on your face, gently work over the spot with a mild, damp scrub or a cotton pad with cleansing milk. Do not scrub harshly, as facial skin is delicate. For correcting stains and fully removing a failed layer, read our guide on removing self-tanner and correcting stains.