The days are longer, the weather is warmer and it’s time to don shorts and swimsuits. To get that coveted summer glow without the harsh effects of the sun’s damaging rays, try an at home tanner. Don’t be scared to apply at home. Follow these steps for a bronzed look that’s sure to turn heads.
Step 1 – Exfoliate
When creating a masterpiece you need to make sure your canvas is prepped and ready. This is the most important step to achieving self-tan perfection. Tanning products interact with the outer layer of skin. This layer is made up of dead cells that only last 7 to 10 days. Exfoliating ensures you get an even layer of dead skin so your color doesn’t start to peel or crack. Avoid using a heavily oiled product because oil can act as a barrier between the product and your skin.
Products to try: Fashion Fair Refining Face and Body Scrub, Bobbi Brown Beach Body Scrub or Xen-Tan Premium Sunless Tan Body Scrub
Step 2 – Moisturize
One of the biggest tells of a self-tan disaster? Cracks around our elbows and knees and fine lines on the ankles and wrists. By layering on an oil-free moisturizer before using the tanning product, you’ll keep the color from settling into cracks. You can also use a gradual tanning moisturizer to remedy this problem.
Products to try: Tan Towel On The Glow Self-Tanning Moisturizer, Philosophy Hope Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin SPF 30 or Origins Zero Oil™ Oil-Free Lotion with Saw Palmetto & Mint
Step 3 – Apply
First, make sure you are not in a humid or hot room. You should not be sweating when you start application.
- For lotions or creams do one appendage at a time. Quickly apply in a circular motion to avoid streaks. Wash your hands thoroughly in between applying cream to your legs and arms. Use a nail brush on your nails, and don’t forgot the sides of your hands, thumbs and knuckles.
- For spray, start with the bottom of your legs and work your way up. This way you won’t mess up the color on your stomach by bending over! Always keep the mist and wrist moving. To get spray on your back, spray your tanner behind you and walk into it, like you walk into a sprtiz of perfume. Do this 2-3 times to make sure enough tanner gets on your skin.
Products to try: bareMinerals Faux Tan Body Moisturizer, bliss A Tan for All Seasons, Body Bling Original by Scott Barnes, Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Golden Perfection Self-Tanning Milk or Clinique Self Sun Body Tinted Lotion
Step 4 – Dry
Don’t get dressed or sit on furniture until your tanner is fully dried. A blast from your hair dryer on the cool setting can help speed this along.
More tips and tricks:
Shop all self-tanning products here.
Do you have any tips or tricks that work for you? Tell us in the comments!
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