What Is a Self Tan Drying Powder? (And Why You Need One in Your Fake Tanning Routine)

If you’re a self tan lover, you know the glow-up is real—but so is the mess. Sticky skin, smudged sheets, stained clothes... it’s the less glamorous side of fake tanning that no one is really talk about.

That’s where self tan drying powders come in. These silky, skin-safe powders are changing the self-tanning game by making the process cleaner, quicker, and whole lot more comfortable.

💨 What Is a Fake Tan Drying Powder?

A fake tan drying powder is a finely milled, skin-friendly powder designed to be applied immediately after your self tan mousse, lotion or even professional spray tan. (E like to say FAKE TAN drying powder so it covers all aspects of tanning, a self tan you do at home or going to an auto spray tan booth or getting a spray tan done in salon)

Think of it like setting powder for your fake tan.

Its job? To:

• Absorb excess moisture
• Reduce stickiness after tanning
• Prevent tan transfer to clothing and sheets
• Allow you to move, dress, and sleep comfortably while your tan develops
• Dry the skin where it touches to ensure more flawless results
• Cover fake tan odours while your tan develops
• Mattify the skin to a matte, smooth too touch radiant finish

✨ How Do You Use a Tan Drying Powder?

Using a fake tan drying powder is super simple:

1. Apply your usual self tan mousse or spray.
2. Wait 1–2 minutes for the formula to settle on your skin.
3. Using our XL Powder brush, gently dust the powder over areas that feel tacky—arms, legs, chest, and especially underarms, skin folds / creases, and inner elbows.
4. Get dressed and go!

Some powders, like GlowDry’s Fake Tan Drying Powder, come with a powder brush for ease of application and we highly recommend this one - its super soft so it wont mess up your tan and ensure the powder glides on quickly and buffs it nicely. Our kit is a keep forever kit consisting of our GlowDry Fake Tan Drying powder and XL Powder Application Brush. When you run out you just REFILL ♻️

💛 What’s in It? Is It Safe for Skin?

Most high-quality tan drying powders are made with natural, breathable ingredients like:

• Arrowroot or rice starch to absorb moisture
• Clay for oil control
• Botanical extracts for skin-soothing benefits
• Light fragrance to mask the fake tan scent

They're designed to be gentle on all skin types, including sensitive skin, and many are vegan and cruelty-free. GlowDry features an Australian clay, its super soft, gently on the skin and is non-comedogenic (won't clog your pores)

🛏️ Why Should You Use a Drying Powder?

Let’s be honest—self tanning without a drying powder can feel like a balancing act.  You’re trying not to crease your arms. You’re avoiding white sheets like the plague. You’re second-guessing every movement. Its like doing your nails and finishing with a top coat.

Using a drying powder:

• Speeds up drying time
• Minimises smudges and patchy areas (especially where skin touches)
• Makes the entire tanning process more comfortable
• Lets you tan and multitask (hello, makeup, errands, or Netflix)
• Reduces the “biscuity” fake tan smell

Bottom line: it helps your tan look better and feel easier.

🌿 Meet GlowDry: The Powder That Started It All in Australia

While many brands are jumping on the trend, GlowDry was the first Australian brand to create a dedicated fake tan drying powder. Developed by a busy mum and self tan addict, it’s made with Aussie Clay, is vegan-friendly, and has helped thousands of women tan with comfort and confidence.

Customers say it’s the one product they never skip in their tanning routine. Read all the review HERE

☀️ Self Tanning Doesn’t Have to Be Uncomfortable

If you’re over the sticky, stained, sit-around-waiting part of tanning, adding a drying powder to your fake tanning routine is a total glow up.

Not only will your tan look smoother, but your tanning experience will feel cleaner, faster, and so much more enjoyable.

👉 Try GlowDry Fake Tan Drying Powder and feel the difference for your next glow!