We all wish we could keep our beautiful summer tan year round. Don’t get me wrong, I love my irish genes… but I don’t love the pale skin that comes with it. There’s just something that makes you feel like a ten with a tan. The truth is, there are ways around damaging your skin with the sun or tanning beds. Self tanner was never something I considered, until I realized how awesome it actually is.
Adding self tanning to your weekly routine is definitely a little bit of a chore. But that being said, if you have the desire to always have that summer glow, it is totally worth it. I’ve found that it keeps me on top of shaving, exfoliating and never forgetting to moisturize after my shower. I like that it keeps me on top of all of that. I’m definitely someone who gets lazy with my self care routine sometimes.
There are a few key steps in getting the perfect sunless tan. Shower + shave, exfoliate, hydrate.
Shower and shave. This helps to create a smooth barrier with nothing for the tanning mousse to attach to. Smooth skin is key.
Exfoliate. I usually exfoliate whether it’s with coffee grinds (this actually works so well), or one of my favorite scrubs. This further smoothens the skin and gets rid of any dead skin cells (gross) and freshens your skin before applying your tan.
Now that you’re smooth af, hop out of the shower. You want to moisturize before applying your tan, but not all over. Just catch the dry areas like your hands, knees, elbows and feet + ankles. The areas that tend to wrinkle when bent or get dry easily will collect tan and become dark in those areas if they aren’t hydrated.. making it more detectable that you’re wearing tan.
On to the fun part.. what mousse should you use?
I think this all comes with trial and error but I have found a few tans that work the best for me. I love Bondi Sands one hour express tanning mousse, it’s quick and easy. It smells like coconut and is a great lasting color. My favorite tanner that I’ve been using for at least a year now however, is No. 32 by Lux Unfiltered. It seriously just has the most beautiful olive color that is so natural looking but also can get so dark. It will give you anything from the most subtle glow, to a deeper golden tan the more often you apply. I typically will do every other day or three times a week. So gorgeous! And SO hydrating. I hate when a product dries my skin out, I’m all about the glow and hydration. It’s nice to have an all in one product. Thanks Sivan!
How do I apply?
Use your judgement on the correct amount for each limb, stomach, etc. I usually have my fiance help me with my back because it’s so difficult without someone’s help. Never use extra for hands and feetJust use what is leftover and rub that sh*t in! It will look so much more natural. We’ve all made that mistake where you apply too much and have orange hands, not cute. Let your tan dry for a good few minutes before getting dressed.
To make your tan last, try not to shower with overly hot water. I know, I love burning my skin too. But it’s actually not great for you either. Let those pores breathe a little! Pat dry after your showers, or air dry. Rubbing your skin dry with kind of start to rub your tan off after a while as well. Lastly, hydrate hydrate hydrate! The more hydrated your skin, the more you can prolong your tan.
That’s it. Hope this was helpful for you all! What are you some of your favorite self tanning products?
