Being someone who’s very fair naturally, I have tried every self tanner under the sun (pun intended). I can usually build up to a medium shade if I spend enough time outside or in a tanning bed, but A. Who has time for that? And B. Who wants to risk all the negatives that come with tanning? Therefore, my preferred method of keeping a summer glow year round is self tanning.
After much trial and error, and everything drugstore to high end, by far the best I’ve ever used is from Loving Tan. I like to use their 2 Hour Express Mousse in shade Dark. This tan develops in two hours as opposed to eight which normally the case for self tanners, which is perfect for all your procrastinators out there (myself included!) If you have a darker complexion than me, they have an even darker shade, Ultra Dark, but it only comes in the normal formula that develops in eight hours. Okay, now for how to apply!
I also love their Bronze Shimmer Lotion in Dark. I use this for special occasions when I want my skin to look extra luminous. It’s also perfect if your in between applications and want to add a little extra color.
1. Moisturize– I can’t say this enough. For a couple days before you plan to apply the mousse, make sure your skin is moisturized. It doesn’t matter how good your self tanner is, if your skin is dry, the application will be splotchy, and it won’t fade evenly. It will also be very obvious that your tried to self tan, and no one wants that.
If your skin is really dry, opt for a body cream vs. a lotion. Anyone will do. I’ve been loving the Dove Purely Pampering Body Cream, as my skin can use all the hydration it can get.
2. Exfoliate – There are a couple different ways you can do this. I like to use a dry brush before I shower, but you can also use any type of body scrub. Make sure you focus on the areas that are typically the roughest; your feet/ankles, knees and elbows. Exfoliating will remove all of the dead and dry skin off, which as you can imagine, isn’t good for self tanning.
3. Shower – Showering is going to move any lotion, perfume, etc. you have on your skin. You want your tanner to stick to your skin, not the products on it.
4. Shave – While in the shower, make sure you shave any areas you want hair free before you apply the tanner. You don’t want to remove layers of tan by shaving.
5. Moisturize again – This might sound like overkill, but trust me. After you get out of the shower, apply a very LIGHT layer of lotion over the rough areas I mentioned above. This is going to help stop the dreaded orange hands.
6. Application – Don’t be afraid of this step. You’ve done all the prep work, so now this should be a breeze. Also, this self tanner has a color guard in it, which means, it has color to it so you’re able to see exactly where you’re applying it.
- I like to add a pump or two of the mousse to my mitt before to make sure it’s evenly saturated.
- Work in small areas at a time. I usually start with my calves. Then, with whatever’s left on my mitt I work it onto my feet and ankles. Next, is my thighs. I work my way up, breaking it down in small sections.
- Start with a pump or two per section. How much you need for each section varies from person, and as you continue to do it, you’ll learn exactly how much you need. I would start with less because you can always add more.
- Use a variation of straight lines and swirling motions. To apply the product evenly to an area, I start with lines (like how you would shave). Then, to make sure it’s all blended, I go over it in swirling motions.
- Make sure you use a mirror. This will help you see areas like the backs of your legs and arms. A full length mirror works best.
- Ask a friend for help with your back. Nothing says, “I just self tanned” quite like leaving your back completely pale.
- This product is safe to use on your face. Again, just make sure it’s moisturized or else it will make your dry spots darker.
- If you are doing your face, make sure to blend it into your hair line. You don’t want it to look like you’re wearing a mask.
- Make sure you do your neck and ears too.
7. Let it set – Now that you’ve applied it, give it a few minutes to dry and change into loose comfy clothes, preferably dark colored so it doesn’t stain. I try to self tan before bed that way when I wake up, I’m nice and bronzed, but you all know I’m a procrastinator. This tanner is perfect because I can apply it on a Friday night while I’m getting ready, and by the time I need to leave, I’m bronze.
8. Rinse– After your tan has developed, it’s time to rinse off in the shower. This is going rinse off the color guard and any lingering tan scent. The first time you shower after using self tanner, I wouldn’t use any body wash or loofas. Simply use the water to rinse off the tan.
9. You guessed it; Moisturize – Continue to give your skin hydration. This is will not only help keep your tan on longer, but as it fades, it will fade more evenly vs starting to look patchy and dry in areas.
Congratulations! You are now a bronzed goddess. Your tan should last about a week depending on how you take care of it.
xx,
Nicole
