10/10 Best Ever
Daily Mirror
Below are answers to the most common self tanning questions from our customers:
Which Famous Dave self tan product is the right colour for me?
Use our Tan Matcher to see which self tanning products will best suit your skin tone, or alternatively use our self tan product colour guide below to help you compare our self tanning range.
Order Enquiries
For information on how to place an order, payment methods, delivery times and costs, returns and other order related enquiries, please visit our Store Guide.
Click here for our Store Guide: ordering, delivery and returns
Product Descriptions and Application Instructions
Famous Dave's Moisture Tan:
Click Here for Product Description & Application Instructions
Famous Dave's Tanning Mousse:
Click Here For Product Description & Application Instructions
Famous Dave's Spray Tan:
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Famous Dave's Fair Skin & Face:
Click Here for Product Description & Application Instructions
How dark do your self tanners get you compared to other fake tanners or in general?
Famous Dave's Tanners will get your skin as dark as you would like. Once applied, your colour will develop in about 3-4 hours. After that time, if you would like a darker tan, just re-apply. Please refer to the above colour guide.
How long do I need to wait before clothes can be put on? Will it get on my bed linen when I sleep?
Famous Dave's Moisture Tan, Fair Skin & Face Tanner, Gradual 10, Tanning Mousse and Spray Tan dry to the touch almost immediately as they are applied to the skin and dressing can occur within 5 minutes of the application. Famous Dave's Moisture Tan, Gradual 10 and Fair Skin & Face Tanner do not rub out on sheets or clothing. Famous Dave’s Spray Tan, Fast Tan, Tanning Mousse and Moisture Tan Dark with Bronzer contain a wash-off guide colour to ensure even application; the guide colour may come off on your clothes and bedding, however it will wash off easily.
How about the problem with streaking?
Famous Dave's Moisture Tan, Fair Skin & Face, Gradual 10 and Tan & Tone are different than most other products in that they are not gels or a greasy creams. Famous Dave's Tanning Lotions are creamy smooth lotions very similar in consistency to hand lotion. They apply very easily. Famous Dave's Tanning Mousse, Fast Tan & Spray Tan Solutions are tinted to help application and ensure an even tan. However, remember self tanning products will tan you where you put them. If your application is haphazard and sloppy, so too will be your tan. No self-tanner will streak if it is applied evenly.
How long can you expect the colour to last before it wears off?
Famous Dave's Spray Tan & Tanning Mousse will last up to 7 days depending on your skin type. Famous Dave's tanning lotions: People are different although you can expect your colour to remain for up to 5 days. It will then begin to gradually lighten naturally until more is applied.
Will the tan come off in the pool or sea?
Chlorine and salt water tend to strip colour, however our customers have reported that Famous Dave's Moisture Tan will not come off in the pool or sea, provided that you exfoliate well before applying the product and moisturise daily.
Do Famous Dave's self tanning products contain sunscreen?
No, our products do not contain an SPF and do not therefore protect you from the sun. Wearing sunscreen is therefore essential.
Can I wear sunscreen whilst using Famous Dave's tanning products?
As our products do not contain an SPF, using a high SPF factor sunscreen is essential. If you apply the self tan product onto clean, unmoisturised skin and allow it to fully absorb before applying sunscreen (or any other products), the sunscreen should not affect how the self tan develops or wears. Use an oil-free sunscreen if possible.
Does the tanner have colour in it so you can tell where to apply it?
Famous Dave's Spray Tan, Tanning Mousse, Fast Tan and Moisture Tan Dark with Bronzer contain a guide colour to ensure even application. Because Famous Dave's Moisture Tan, Gradual 10 and Fair Skin & Face Tanner go on so smoothly without streaking, there is no need for a colour additive.
How long do I need to leave it on before showering?
Your tan will start to develop over the 3-4 hours (Famous Dave's Tanning Mousse and Spray Tan) or 4-6 hours (Famous Dave's self tan lotions) after application. We recommend you allow the product to develop on your skin for at least 7-8 hours, or longer if you wish to achieve a darker tan. Famous Dave's Fast Tan will develop in just 1-2 hours, however you can leave it on for up to 4 hours if you want to achieve a darker tan.
Are Famous Dave's self tanning products suitable for the face?
Famous Dave's self tanning products work equally well on your face and body. What's great is that you only need a very small amount for your face.
Do your products work with really pale people?
Famous Dave's Tanners work with most skin tones. Pale skin, yes. Pale skin redheads, many (but not 100%). We have many fair skinned customers that love Famous Dave's Tanners.
Do I need to exfoliate before tanning?
You should always exfoliate prior to self tanning because this will get rid of all the old dead skins cells (meaning you're tanning the newest layer of skin) and help ensure an even and longer-lasting tan.
What's the difference between Famous Dave's original Tanning Mousse and the Gold Edition Mousse?
Famous Dave's Gold Edition Tanning Mousse is a more luxurious version of the original mousse, with added antioxidants and anti-ageing ingredients, including pomegranate extract. Gold Edition mousse is also fragrance-free, which means it's more suitable for those with fragrance allergies and more sensitive skin. The colour of the tan is however very similar.
I'm allergic to most fake tans, they make me itchy and sore. Will your products cause the same reaction?
Some people have a reaction to dihydroxyacetone (DHA, i.e. the tanning agent) which is used in ALL self-tanners, including Famous Dave's tanning products. We do have many customers with sensitive skin who use our Fair Skin & Face Tanner, which has less DHA in it. If you have had bad experiences with self-tanners in the past, we would recommend this product, however if it is the tanning agent DHA you are allergic to, unfortunately the Fair Skin & Face Tanner could also cause an allergic reaction.
Are your products tested on animals?
No. Famous Dave's products and ingredients are not tested on animals, and no animal derived ingredients are used in our products.
Can Famous Dave's Tanners be used during pregnancy?
Always check with your GP. According to NHS, although there are no known dangers of using tanning products during pregnancy, they can sometimes cause an allergic reaction. Changes in hormone levels can make the skin more sensitive than normal. If you wish to use fake tan during pregnancy, test the product on a small area of skin first to see if you have a reaction.
Other products can leave your hands discoloured and I wondered if your tanners will do that?
Yes they can. ALL self-tanning products contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This is what tans you. It works by bonding with the protein in your skin. Provided your hands are washed thoroughly with soap and water for at least 30 seconds - immediately following application - NO self tanner will give you tanned palms.
Do I need to use a tanning mitt to apply your products?
We recommend using a tanning mitt because it makes application even easier and means you don’t get any product on the palms of your hands. It’s not a requirement, but we would recommend one. Alternatively you can use disposable vinyl gloves. If you are just using your hands to apply the product, make sure you wash them using hot soapy water straight away afterwards to remove the tan from your palms.
How do I tan the back of my hands if I need to wash them immediately following application?
If you don't have a tanning mitt, a good tip is to apply a small amount of tanner with cotton wool, sponge or a tissue onto the back of your hands after you have washed them; also wipe around your wrists to avoid any marks. Alternatively, apply a small amount of tan to the back of one hand and rub the back of both hands together. Then use a tissue to remove any tan from the palms and fingernails.
How long does the bottle last?
All tanning lotions have an active ingredient that lasts for about 1 year. Spray Tan Solution & Tanning Mousse will last approximately 9 months. All of our products are made fresh.
How should I store my self tanner?
We recommend storing your self tanner in a cool, dark place away from radiators, direct sunlight, and humid areas such as the bathroom.
Can I place an order over the phone?
Yes you can. If you prefer to order over the phone you can call us on 01256 698100 Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00 with your order details. We are also able to offer advice with choosing the best self tanning product for you if you need any assistance.
Can you send me free samples of Famous Dave's Tanner?
Unfortunately not. However, if you are in any doubt about just how good our products are, please take a minute to view our Testimonials and Press section, which should hopefully convince you! Famous Dave's Moisture Tan and Spray Tan are also available in a handy trial size which can be found in our Shop area.
Where can I buy your products?
You can order our full range via our website, or alternatively Famous Dave products are available at all major Boots and Superdrug stores in the United Kingdom.
Self Tan Application Guides
10/10 Rating
Daily Mail
5-Star Rating
Now
Top Tan
Daily Telegraph
5/5 Rating
Closer
I just wanted to let you know that your self tanner gives the most natural tan than any other sunless tanner I have tried. It also is the least smelling of the typical self tanners. I love how it dries so fast. I am very happy to have found a good self tanner. Thank You.
Heidi
I wanted to let you know how happy I am with this product and since I first bought it from you, I have used nothing else. I have referred other people to it as well and they enjoy it too.I just appreciate you having such a great product. Thanks again,
Donna
Thanks a million Dave! I am a repeat costomer and have to say that even on my EXTREMELY fair skin, this is THE BEST tan I've ever gotten from a bottle!
Michelle
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