The Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Self-Tanning Shade
Want a believable glow that looks like you, only sunnier? Here’s a simple, step-by-step way to pick the right shade, depth and format, using the Brazil Bronze retail range as our examples.
Step 1 — Decide your finish: sun-kissed, bronzed or deep
Sun-kissed (subtle / first-time tanner): aim for a gradual, buildable tan you can top up every few days.
Classic bronzed (everyday glow): choose a hydrating mousse that gives balanced colour in one go.
Deep & dramatic (event-ready): pick a formula designed for a richer tone or a base aimed at a deep “Mediterranean” finish.
Step 2 — Pick your format: mousse vs. mist
Mousse: easier to see and control as you blend; great for full-body application. Brazil Bronze’s Hydrating Mousse and Coco Bronze Gradual Tanning Mousse are user-friendly classics.
Mist: fast, lightweight and brilliant for top-ups. Coco Bronze Toasted Coconut Tanning Mist is an easy all-over option; Anti-Aging Spray Tan Mist is a clear, fine facial mist you can control in light layers.
Step 3 — Match to a Brazil Bronze product
1) Subtle & buildable: Coco Bronze Gradual Tanning Mousse
A self-tanner, tan extender and moisturiser in one, enriched with coconut water and cocoa butter. Perfect if you’re new to self-tan or want a gentle build you can deepen over several days. Use up to four times a week.
2) Everyday bronzed: Brazil Bronze Hydrating Mousse
A hydrating, anti-ageing tanning mousse infused with skin-friendly ingredients like resveratrol, hyaluronic acid and vitamins, designed to keep skin moisturised while delivering a natural-looking tan.
3) Deep & dramatic: Violet Dark Tanning Mousse
Lightweight mousse with a violet base that develops into a deep, dark “Mediterranean” tan. Great when you want richer payoff in one application.
4) Fast, feather-light glow: Coco Bronze Toasted Coconut Tanning Mist
A tropical-scented aerosol mist that transforms skin to a silky bronze tan, handy for quick, even coverage and easy maintenance.
5) Skincare-first face glow: Anti-Aging Spray Tan Mist
A clear, non-aerosol fine mist for face and décolleté with skin-loving actives. Works with your skin tone for a natural finish and lets you control intensity with light sprays.
Step 4 — Use this quick Shade Finder
| Your goal | Good first choice | Format | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very subtle / first-time | Coco Bronze Gradual Tanning Mousse | Mousse | Buildable colour; hydrating, beginner-friendly. |
| Everyday bronzed | Brazil Bronze Hydrating Mousse | Mousse | Balanced depth + skincare actives. |
| Deep, event-ready | Violet Dark Tanning Mousse | Mousse | Violet-base designed for a deep, dark finish. |
| Quick all-over boost | Coco Bronze Toasted Coconut Tanning Mist | Mist (aerosol) | Fast, even top-ups with a bronzy finish. |
| Face-focused, skincare feel | Anti-Aging Spray Tan Mist | Mist (clear, non-aerosol) | Layerable, no-mess face mist with skin-loving ingredients. |
Step 5 — Prep like a pro (for an even shade)
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Exfoliate & dry off before you tan so colour grabs evenly (especially elbows, knees, ankles).
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Skip heavy oils right before tanning; they can block development.
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Use a mitt and blend in long, sweeping motions; go light over hands/feet/joints.
Step 6 — Apply with confidence
Mousse routine (body): Apply to clean, dry skin with a mitt, blend thoroughly, use sparingly on joints. Leave on for up to 8 hours, then rinse in lukewarm water. Your colour keeps developing for another 8 hours.
Mist routine (body): Mist in circular motions at a steady distance for even coverage.
Mist routine (face): Light, even sprays; blend gently with a mitt or makeup sponge. Because it’s clear and non-aerosol, it’s easier to control (and less messy).
Step 7 — Make it last (and fix mishaps)
Extend your shade: Use Brazil Bronze Glow Stretcher/Tan Extender to add just a touch of colour and keep your tan fresher for longer.
Erase & reset: If you’ve got build-up or want a clean slate, Tan Eraser Mousse breaks down old colour in around 5 minutes—then you can start fresh.
Step 8 — Sample week plans (so you can “set and forget”)
Subtle plan: Gradual Mousse on Monday/Thursday, Glow Stretcher on Tuesday/Saturday.
Everyday bronzed plan: Hydrating Mousse on Sunday, quick Toasted Coconut Mist top-up Thursday.
Deep plan (event week): Violet Dark Mousse two nights before, Glow Stretcher the night before for polish.
Face-first plan: Anti-Aging Mist every other evening in 1–2 light passes; adjust to taste.
Step 9 — FAQs (super quick)
Will a violet-base mousse look orange on me?
No, it’s designed to develop into a deep, natural-looking tan.
Can I layer mousse and mist?
Yes, apply mousse first, let it dry and set, then add a light mist the next day if you want to dial the tone up.
How do I avoid patchy hands/feet?
Moisturise those areas lightly before tanning and use very little product there. A mitt helps control deposit.
Step 10 — Your shade, your routine
Pick the finish you love, the format you’ll actually use, and a maintenance plan that suits your week. With Brazil Bronze’s retail lineup: Gradual, Hydrating, Violet Dark, Toasted Coconut Mist and Anti-Aging Face Mist, you can keep things subtle, go bronzed, or bring the drama, all on your terms.
