When the summer heat comes, it’s time for self-tanning!
Self-tanners have come a long way and most of them actually smell decent or some are even fragrance-free now.
Get ready to look like you have been at the beach, without leaving the house!
Steps to a great sunless tan
- Exfoliate. A must! Dead skin cells build up on the body and face quickly. If you aren’t exfoliating and you apply a self-tanner, your color may be patchy and uneven. A quick body scrub or even using a loofah cloth or gloves is the 1st thing to do to prepare the skin for your self-tanner. Exfoliating is going to make your self-tanner last longer also.
- Body lotion. Not everyone does this, but I have found it gives a much better result with the self-tanner. So moisturize your body completely with a nice body lotion when you get out of the shower. When your skin is more hydrated, your self-tan will just look better. Self-tanners are usually drying, even if they say they aren’t. Using body lotion BEFORE you apply your tanner is a trick that gives great results.
- Disposable Gloves. This has made such a difference in self-tanning. I keep a box of thin disposable gloves with my self-tanner always. So after lotioning my skin, I put the gloves on and start applying the self-tanner. Again, I find it just gives a more even look. Applying with gloves is keeping your hands from the actual tanner and getting over tan palms. When I am done applying the self-tanner, I remove the gloves, and put a little tanner on them, and finish the top of my hands with the tanner. Then toss the gloves. No more tanned palms! This little trick works great every time!
- Tan Towels. Sometimes I use these when I don’t have time to apply the lotion. I love them, and they are great for travel! I still use them on exfoliated moisturized skin.
- Let Dry. A few minutes is all you really need, then get dressed and be ready to glow in a couple of hours!
Face Tanning
I use a different self-tanner for my face than my body. Creams are nice, but my favorite is facial drops. They are really popular this year, and I love them because you can really use them all year long. They are light, fragrance-free usually and give great color that you can control by how many drops you use. After I cleanse my skin, I tone, then apply the tanning drops, serums, and a moisturizer with SPF.
Self-tanning is the way to go to protect your skin from skin cancer which is on the rise every year. So think of it as anti-aging because it really is!
Using these tips with your self-tanner will give you a long-lasting look of a beautiful safe summer tan. Try it when your ready to get that summer glow and see if it doesn’t make a difference!
Until next time,
~pat
