How do you apply self tanner? 10 tips and tricks
Self-tanning became very popular over the years, and this, for a good reason. Excessive sun exposure is very dangerous and can lead to premature aging and even skin cancer. But we still want to have this beautiful glowing, tanned skin! So, here comes a great solution – self-tanner!
How do you apply self tanner? and What should I apply self tanner with? Today, let’s talk about some essential tips that you’ll need to keep in mind if you decide to get a bronzed glow using self-tanner:
1. Exfoliate your skin before applying self-tanner
Make sure to exfoliate your skin thoroughly before applying self-tanners, paying special attention to your knees, ankles, elbows, and heels; applying your tanner on flaky skin can look very unnatural and result in dark patches and streaks all over your body. We don’t want this, right? Also, make sure to exfoliate your face if you apply self-tanner there gently.
2. Shave before applying self-tanner
If you want to get the smoothest tan possible, shave your legs (and everything else you want to shave) before applying your self-tanning lotion because, if you do it afterward, you can be left with blotchy patches all over your legs. If you don’t shave but wax, then go ahead and do it before applying self-tanner.
3. Don’t apply your self-tanner on wet skin
Applying self-tanning lotion on wet skin almost guarantees that your tan will look streaky; therefore, make sure your body is 100 % dry before applying self-tanner.
4. Moisturize your skin before using a self-tanning lotion
Apply a lightweight moisturizer all over your body, concentrating on dry areas, such as your knees and elbows. Moisturizing your skin before applying tanning lotion will soften your skin and keep it from absorbing too much color. Let your moisturizer set for a couple of minutes, and you are good to go.
5. Pick up a self-tanner that suits your skin tone
According to your skin tone, choose your self-tanner: if you have fair skin, choose light or medium formula; if you have a darker skin tone, you can go for more intense self-tanners. Whichever shade you chose, it would be less risky if you picked up a gradual tanning formula, which might require multiple applications to achieve the desired result, but you can be sure that you won’t overdo it.
6. Test it before applying
Test your self-tanner before applying it all over your body: apply a small amount of it on your skin and see how the product reacts with your particular skin tone and skin type. This tip will help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
7. Self-tanner application
Now, you are ready to apply your self-tanner. You can wear gloves or apply self-tanning lotion with your hands (spray tan formulas on the market are very easy to use). Rub your tanner all over your body: start from the bottom and work your way up, using circular motions (don’t forget about such areas as your neck, area behind your ears, etc.)
Be especially careful while applying self-tanner on your face: use it only on the areas where the sun would naturally hit you – your forehead, the bridge of your nose, cheeks, and chin and then rub the rest of the product into your hairline. Avoid applying tanner on your eyelids, eyebrows, and around your mouth.
You can also apply your self-tanning lotion all over your face, but I find that for a more natural result, it’s better to apply it on your face sparingly; at the end of the day, if you find that your face doesn’t look as bronzed as you wish, you can always add up or just use your favorite bronzer.
8. If you’ve applied self-tanner with your hands
You would need to wash your hands thoroughly if you didn’t use gloves to apply your self-tanner. (If you did use gloves, don’t forget to take them off and rub self-tanning lotion all over your hands.)
How to wash self-tanner off your hands? Rub your hands with an exfoliating wash, and don’t forget to rub it between your fingers and around your nails, making sure that these areas won’t turn dark brown or orange.
9. Waiting time
Wait for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before getting dressed up if you don’t want to stain your clothes. Some people love applying self-tanner prior to going to sleep (at least 30 minutes before hitting the bed) so that in the morning, you can wake up looking like a bronzed goddess.
Here is the tip that can help you spread and even out your tan: apply a thin layer of light moisturizing body lotion about 25 minutes after you’ve used your tanner; it will help eliminate any possible streaks, even before they appear. Keep in mind that, usually, the color starts to show up only a couple of hours later, so be patient and wait.
10. How to prolong your gorgeous tan?
Avoid exfoliation, avoid taking a bath, going to the swimming pool, showering, and using retinoid treatments and other chemical pills at least 6-8 hours after application of your self-tanner.
If you want to prolong your tan, use a gentle cleanser, moisturize your skin regularly and, in general, avoid using chemical exfoliation treatments that can dissolve your gorgeous tan in no time.
I hope you’ve found these self-tanning tips helpful. Feel free to share your beauty tips on this subject in the comment section below.
Stay beautiful!