How to Get Rid of Tan Lines

We get it; sometimes you end up sacrificing an even tan for an on-trend swimsuit. While bathing suits with cutouts galore may be Instagram-worthy, chances are you’ll be left wondering how to get rid of awkward tan lines when the day is done. But you don’t have to spoil your beauty look in the name of fashion—you won’t be stuck sporting triangles, squares, and diamonds for the rest of summer. With the right makeup and skin care products, you can easily say goodbye to unwanted tan lines and hello to an even, summer glow. Follow the tips below for everything you need to know about how to get rid of tan lines.

TAN LINE FIX #1: USE BODY MAKEUP

Body makeup can be used for a lot of things. It can be used to contour your body and fake well-defined abs (hey, fake it till you make it, right?), enhance your favorite features, and conceal veins and blemishes. Another use for body makeup? Fixing those uneven, unwanted tan lines! All you need is a bit of full coverage makeup that can be used on your body, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation, in a shade that matches your tan. Apply it to the area in question, then buff out the color using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender for a seamless finish.

TAN LINE FIX #2: TURN TO SELF-TANNER

For a slightly less temporary tan line solution, self-tanner will be your best friend. You can use a bit of self-tanner to add color to those tan lines or opt to tan all-over to subdue their appearance. Need a product rec? Have your pick from the following self-tanners.

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist Medium Natural Tan: Want salon-level tanning results at home? Look no further! Inspired by professional techniques, this super-fine 360-degree continuous mist coats skin evenly—even on the areas that are hardest to reach, like the back of your legs—thanks to its wide-angled jet applicator. As for the formula, it dries instantly, allowing for ultra-even application and a natural-looking, streak-free tan. To use, spray at arm’s length, covering your whole body with an even mist. Let your skin dry completely before putting on clothes.

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Water Mousse: This lightweight water mousse gives skin a sun-kissed glow and even finish, which gradually develops four to eight hours after application. To use, shake the bottle well, pump the mousse into your hands, and smooth evenly over clean, exfoliated skin. Then, wash your hands thoroughly after applying. Allow four to eight hours for the color to fully develop before showering and let your skin dry completely before putting on clothes.

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk Medium: This gradual self-tanning lotion delivers an even, bronzed glow while simultaneously softening and nourishing skin. To use, smooth on evenly from head to toe and wash hands thoroughly after use. Allow skin to dry completely before dressing.

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Towelettes for Body: Our most convenient and travel-friendly option, this self-tanner is ideal for those mid-getaway tan lines. With enough self-tanner for one application, each towelette is perfect for use both at home or on the go. To use, smooth the towelette evenly over dry, clean skin, unfolding it as needed. Then, you know the drill—wash your hands thoroughly after use and let skin dry completely before putting on makeup or clothes.

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Serum: This self-tanning serum will leave you with a naturally bronzed glow that lasts. To use, pump the serum directly into palms, then, apply evenly (onto clean, exfoliated skin) all over your body. Bonus: You can also use it on your face if you’re truly seeking an all-over, even tan. Lastly, wash hands thoroughly after use. Let your skin dry completely before putting on makeup or clothes.

TAN LINE FIX #3: EXFOLIATE

To encourage tan lines to fade naturally, consider exfoliating. This will help to shed dead skin cells, thus removing your tan over time in the process. Better yet—begin by exfoliating your skin, which sloughs off the top layer of dead skin cells, and then move on to using self-tanner immediately afterward. Bad tan lines, who?

Next up: Next time, you’ll probably want to take the right precautions to avoid those bad tan lines, right? Check out our article, Which Sunscreen is Best? Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreen, for a lesson on SPF.