OLA MAGAZINE
Self tanner for face: how to get a natural tan without the sun
An English guide to self tanner for the face: how to apply it evenly, how long to leave it on, and why sunscreen still comes first. With OLA STARTER.
A face self tanner gives your skin a tanned tint without sun exposure. Apply a thin, even layer to clean skin, blend well at the hairline and jaw, and give it time. Done this way, the result looks natural and even.
A sun-kissed face is lovely, but you do not need to lie in the sun to get one. A self tanner made for the face gives you that warm, rested look straight from a cream. This guide walks you through how it works, how to apply it step by step, how to avoid streaks, and the one rule about sunscreen that never changes.
What is a face self tanner?
It is a product that gives the skin a tanned tint directly from the cream, with no sun involved. A good face self tanner should feel like part of your routine, not an extra chore.
Some self tanners only develop over hours. Others give you a visible tint right away and keep developing. That difference matters when you want to look tanned today, not tomorrow.
Self tanner, tinted moisturiser or bronzer: what is the difference?
| Tinted moisturiser | Self tanner | Bronzer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it gives | Moisture and a soft tint | A tan that develops on the skin | Warmth and shading in chosen spots |
| How long it stays | Until you wash it off | A few days | Until you wash it off |
| Where it goes | The whole face | Face and neck | Cheekbones, forehead, jawline |
A 4-in-1 cream like STARTER sits between the first two: you see the tint right away, like a tinted moisturiser, and it also works as a self tanner.
How to apply self tanner to your face, step by step
- Start with clean skin. Wash your face and pat it dry.
- Apply a small amount to face and neck, by hand, with a brush or a sponge. The rounded side of The Velvet Puff or the angled head of 4EVER BRUSH helps you get an even layer.
- Blend the edges: hairline, brows, jawline and neck. These are the places where lines show, so spend an extra moment there.
- Wash your hands right after, if you applied with your fingers.
- Give it time. With STARTER, leave it on for at least 6 to 8 hours, then wash with soap, and the tint lasts up to 72 hours.
OLA STARTER: a self tanner that is also your base
STARTER is a 4-in-1 face cream: moisturiser, instant tan tint, makeup base and self-tanner. The tint comes from the cream, not from the sun, and shows right after application. Leave it on for at least 6 to 8 hours, then wash with soap, and the tint lasts up to 72 hours.
It is moisturiser-based, so it melts into your skin tone naturally, and it suits most skin types and tones. You can apply it morning or evening, and you can mix it with your foundation. 30 ml, about two months of use. Vitamin E, vitamin B, hyaluronic acid, glycerin. Licensed by the Israeli Ministry of Health. Vegan and cruelty free.
How to avoid streaks and an orange look
- Thin, not thick. One generous layer is the most common reason for an uneven result.
- Blend at the edges. Hairline, brows, jaw and the line into the neck.
- Use a tool. A sponge or an angled brush spreads the cream more evenly than fingers alone.
- Check in daylight. Natural light shows what bathroom light hides.
If the tint did come out uneven, it is usually easier to even it out with a very thin layer on the lighter areas than to remove it. Our Hebrew guide to fixing an uneven self tan covers this in detail.
Can you wear makeup over self tanner?
Yes. STARTER works as a makeup base, so you can go straight on with blush and bronzer. BRONTOUR, a cream bronzer and contour in one warm, natural bronze, adds warmth and shading. A cream blush on the high part of the cheekbone finishes the look: BELLA BLUSH in a warm, timeless rosy pink, or SUNNY BLUSH in a fresh, doll-like pink.
Sunscreen: the rule that never changes
A self tanner is not sun protection. A tanned look does not protect your skin. STARTER contains no SPF, and no OLA product does: apply sunscreen first, then STARTER, and do not mix them.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tint last?
You see it right after application. To keep it for up to 72 hours, leave STARTER on for at least 6 to 8 hours, then wash with soap.
Which skin types does STARTER suit?
Most skin types and tones. It is moisturiser-based, so it blends into your skin tone naturally.
Can I mix it with foundation?
Yes. You can wear it alone or mix it with foundation. Do not mix it with sunscreen; apply the sunscreen first.
Can I use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
We recommend consulting your doctor.
Where can I buy it?
On the OLA online store, with delivery to addresses in Israel in 1 to 4 business days, free over ₪249. Read more about the brand in OLA Cosmetics in English.
For the full Hebrew version of this guide, see the complete face self tanner guide, and for a deeper comparison, tinted moisturiser, self tanner or bronzer (Hebrew). Ready to try? Everything about the cream is on the STARTER page.
