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How to Choose Your Shade for Self-Tan: A Complete Guide

How to Choose Your Shade for Self-Tan: A Complete Guide

Find Your Glow: How to Choose the Perfect Self-Tan Shade 

When it comes to self-tanning, choosing the right shade is everything. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle, just got back from brunch glow or a full-on bronzed goddess moment, the key to nailing your look is matching your tan to your skin tone, goals, and vibe. 

At CHARLIE Code, we believe tanning should feel effortless, empowering, and perfectly tailored to you. So, here’s your ultimate guide to finding your perfect match. 

 

Step 1: Know Your Skin Tone 

Understanding your natural undertone is the first step to picking a tan that looks real, not orange. 

  • Fair skin: Stick to lighter shades for a soft, natural glow. Going too dark too quickly can look harsh on lighter tones. 

Try: Lightly Baked – our most natural-looking tan. 

  • Medium/Olive skin: You’ve got the best of both worlds! Medium to dark tanners complement your golden undertones and enhance your natural warmth. 

Try: Well Baked – the golden-hour glow in a bottle. 

  • Deep skin tones: Rich, ultra-dark tanners will even out skin tone and boost radiance without masking your natural beauty. 

Try: Deeply Baked – bold bronze, no sun required. 

 

Step 2: Define Your Glow Goals 

What kind of glow are you after? 

  • Just a hint of colour? You’ll want a subtle, buildable shade that gives a little boost. 

Go for Lightly Baked or a gradual tanning lotion. 

  • A noticeable tan, but not too bold? A medium-dark formula gives you depth without overdoing it. 

Well Baked is your sweet spot. 

  • Going all in? Want that bronzed, holiday-level colour? Time to go darker. 

Deeply Baked is made for confident glow-getters. 

Not sure? Start with a lighter formula. You can always layer for a deeper result. 

 

Step 3: Match the Moment 

Let your lifestyle guide your glow: 

  • Everyday glow-up: Use Lightly Baked or a gradual tanner to keep things natural. 

  • Big event or night out: Reach for Well Baked or Deeply Baked for longer-lasting colour and definition. 

  • Holiday mode: Darker shades work well for beach trips and photos, especially when paired with a tan-extending moisturiser. 

 

Step 4: Mix, Match & Make It Yours 

Don’t be afraid to customise! Some of our customers use different shades for different areas: 

  • Medium on the body, light on the face 

  • Dark on legs for definition, medium elsewhere 

  • Layer gradual tan between full applications for longer wear 

With CHARLIE Code, there’s no wrong way to glow, just your way. 

 

Final Thoughts 

Choosing the right tan doesn’t have to be tricky. With the right formula and shade, you can glow confidently, naturally, and safely, no sun required. 

Still unsure what shade suits you best? Reach out to our team or stay tuned for our Glow Finder Quiz — coming soon! 

 

Explore the Range: 

  • Lightly Baked 

  • Well Baked 

  • Deeply Baked 

  • Pre-Baked (Prep) 

  • Tan Be-Gone (Remover) 

For more expert tips, read: 
How to Apply Self-Tan: A Complete Guide to a Flawless Finish 
 Tan Be-Gone: How to Remove Self-Tanner Like a Pro 

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