Top-ups: strip first or spray over the fade — when do patches happen?

[Olivia G]

For top-ups, do you prefer a full strip first or spraying over a fading tan? I’m trying to work out when over-spraying causes patches versus when it’s fine.

Any rules of thumb for how faded is “faded enough” to go straight over?

[David Kay]

If the fade is even and just light, a careful top-up can work. If it’s patchy, orange on hands, or uneven on joints, strip first — spraying over chaos usually multiplies it.

Rule of thumb: if you’d be embarrassed for them to wear it to an event tomorrow, remove and start clean. Use a proper remover or gentle exfoliation, not a half scrub in the shower.

Top-ups need a lighter hand on already-tanned areas and normal coverage on faded bits. When in doubt, strip — it takes longer once but saves a redo.

[Author]

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