The Best Expert Tips For Applying Self-Tanning Lotion
Using self-tanning lotion is the simplest, safest, and fastest method to achieve a beautiful golden glow. It won't harm or age your skin, and you can avoid the painful process of spending hours on a sun lounger trying to get the same level of tan. Undoubtedly, having bronzed legs is the ultimate confidence booster and can be achieved quickly. Having spent years tanning people I have put together my top tips to help you understand the right way to apply self-tan and all the tried and tested product recommendations to achieve streak freak, easy tanning without any orange, or blotchiness in sight.
Preparing Your Skin Is Key
Exfoliation, is key for an even tan, exfoliate with body scrubs as these physically buff away the dead skin cells, these types of exfoliators ensure the perfect canvas. Be careful of exfoliating acids such as AHA, BHA, or PHA as they not only give you instant smoothness and glow but are designed to keep working throughout the day, depending on the product and this could limit the lasting effects of your tan, I would recommend if you so use these type of body exfoliators use them at least 24hrs before you apply the self-tan.
Avoid shaving and waxing before applying self-tan, waiting for at least 24 hours will allow the skin to recover and ensure the tan doesn’t sting or develop patchy.
Moisturise your skin before you apply self-tan and pay attention to elbows, knees, ankles, hands, knuckles, feet and heels especially if you have dry skin, I recommend this even with a gradual glow.
When applying self-tan to the face ensure you use either a hydrating serum or our moisturiser and don’t forget to apply moisturiser through your eyebrows.
Avoid Heat When Self-Tanning
Avoid applying self-tan when you are sweating, perspiring and sweltering, you want the skin to be calm and cool for the tan to develop evenly. Be careful of taking hot showers or baths before applying a fake tan especially if you know you like the water the hotter the better. Be aware of applying self-tanning lotion after exercising for the same reason if you end up getting hot and sweaty your tan will become streaky as the skin is still trying to cool the body down.
Self-Tan Tips for Optimal Development Time
When self-tanning your face think about the development process which is normally a few hours. I recommend self-tanning early evening not right before bed you don’t want the self-tan to come off and mark your pillow and sheets. Additionally, consider whether you have the time during the day for a tan to dry and develop properly. Clothes can rub off the tan, and applying SPF or makeup to your face may disturb the self-tan before it sets. While some self-tans can develop in as little as 20 minutes, they typically take several hours to fully develop.
The Best Self-Tan Application Techniques
When applying your self-tan apply the self-tan to the legs first, ensure to avoid the knees, ankles and feet, and only when you have massaged it in well to the legs then brush the residue that is in your hands over the knees, feet, and ankles. Self-tans love to grab and cling to dry skin, these areas are known to grab the tan and it can look darker and uneven. Do this technique for the arms too and when applying self-tan to the face ensure you use either a hydrating serum or a moisturiser, even through your eyebrows.
Washing your hands is key afterward however using a mitt or a brush will take away the pressure of it looking orange and streaky especially in between the fingers and around the nails. If you prefer to use your hands, apply a thick moisturiser to them first, and then wash thoroughly, paying special attention to the nails and cuticles.
The Ultimate Holiday Tan Preparation Duo
If you're self-tanning to avoid arriving on holiday looking incredibly pale, I recommend self-tanning at night and applying tan accelerators to your skin in the morning.
Top Tips for Prolonging Your Self-Tan
When showering, be careful to avoid rubbing your skin dry. Instead, use a patting technique, as rubbing can cause the tan to fade more quickly.
Keep your skin hydrated and moisturised to maintain a golden glow and prevent dryness, which can shorten the lifespan of your tan.
Avoid using body lotions with exfoliating properties or ingredients like AHA. These are useful when you want the tan to fade, such as when it starts looking old and patchy, and you're ready to reapply.
Best Self-Tanning Lotion From An Expert
Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan £66.00
If you're nervous about tanning or want a quick and easy application, this brilliant body self-tan is perfect. It's highly moisturising, providing a smooth glide for effortless application. It's a gradual tan, allowing you to control the depth of your tan discreetly over time. If you make a mistake, gradual self-tans are easier to correct because any errors are less noticeable during the gradual development process.
Self Glow By James Read, Endless Summer Everyday Tan Lotion, £44.00
If you are a skincare fanatic with dry skin and the tanning molecule dries your skin further, then Endless Summer is for you. James has created a skincare first sunless tanning brand which is focused on skin health, ensuring the skin is well cared for whilst applying self-tan. The formula is loaded with antioxidants, hydrating humectants like hyaluronic acid, and plant-based DHA to ensure your skin glows.
Isle Of Paradise Light Self-Tanning Water, £16.00
I loved this formula! If you prefer the convenience of a spray, I highly recommend this product. Despite the word "light," it produces an amazing tan. The water-based formula is lightweight, mess-free, and lightly fragranced with a fresh, summery scent. It's enriched with moisturising plant-based extracts. I also recommend using the mitt for enhanced tan application, ensuring even coverage.
Thank You For Reading
I hope you have enjoyed this blog, please let me know if you need any help with your skin.
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Bye for now,
Fiona x
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