Where would we be without the beauty godsend of self-tanners? Pale, pasty, and possibly sickly looking…that’s for sure. Self-tanners can be a double edged sword. For those that are skilled in application and pay attention to detail, self-tanners can be great. They can achieve golden goddess status with one sweep of a self-tanning mitt, while other less apt are left with streaks and blotches (or worse case scenario – a telltale orangish hue). The whole point of using a self-tanner is to look like you aren’t wearing any. But with so many variables; lack of time, lack of skill, and lack of patience, the result can be less than stellar.

With this in mind, I decided to write a blog post specifically to self-tanning tips. Soon, we will dive into the self-tanners, themselves. My thoughts are that no product is going to work if you don’t have some of the preliminaries down before hand. So let’s dive right in to ‘4 Self-Tanning Tips’ to achieve that sun-kissed glow …

Tip #1 : Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate

So cliche’, I know. But I cannot stress the importance of this! I’m not just talking exfoliate, but exfoliate the living daylights out of you!!! Take a nice, hot shower and exfoliate every part of your body. I like using the Tree Hut Detoxifying Mediterranean Salt Scrub. Not only does it do the trick, but it smells amazing too. On my elbows, wrists, knees, ankles, and feet, I use Lush’s Rub, Rub, Rub. This bar is a bit harsher, but I like it for those particular areas. If I am looking to get a more extreme exfoliation, sometimes I will use this bar over my whole entire body. It too, smells divine! I also recommend shaving on days that you are going to self-tan. You know I have a real love for the men’s razor, the Gilette Mach 3 Sensitive. A woman’s razor just doesn’t compare.

Tip #2 : Moisturize

You want to go heavy-handed and use a good, thick moisturizer on the following areas: knees, elbows, wrists, toes, toenails, heels and ankles. Really concentrating on the areas where your skin is thickest, and has more cracks and lines will help ensure the self-tanner doesn’t settle and leave a streaky finish. Let the moisturizer completely dry before applying your tanning product. I find that foot lotions are very thick in moisture and work wonderful. I love the Heel To Toe Line. Here are some of my favorites: Moisturizing Foot Balm | Foot Softener | Conditioning Leg & Foot Lotion

Tip #3 : Application

I recommend you try the following three methods to find which you prefer: a Tanning Mitt, a Paint Sponge  or my favorite type of gloves, Touch N Tuff. I personally don’t think you can go wrong with any of these methods for your application. It’s a matter of trial and error, and finding the one that suits you best. There are many factors that need to be considered and a lot of it is determined by how skilled and detailed you are. I use all three methods for different types of products. What I don’t recommend is using your bare hand. Apply a small amount of whichever type of product you are using: lotion, gel, or mousse, onto your hand, mitt, or sponge. In small circular motions, apply thoroughly to one area of your body before moving to the next area. Use sparingly around ankles, elbows, wrists, knees, and feet. I have found that if you bend your knees and elbows, it helps. If there is nobody around to do your back, use a Trim Roller. I know, GENIUS!!!

Tip for mitt and sponge use: whether using a mousse or lotion, distribute product onto the palm of the sponge or mitt, then clench your hand so the mitt (sponge) folds, and the product presses into the top half of the mitt. Then, apply it to your body, using only the top part of the mitt/sponge. You’re diluting the tan and making it thinner. This is especially important if you are applying it to your face. This way, you’re lightly buffering the tan onto your face without it being too dark. Only small amounts are going on, and you’re only getting a thin layer. I have learned that if I want more product to ensure a darker color, it’s better to do this method, and then go back with a round two – two thin applications vs. one heavy one. Result- more even tan.

Tip #4 : Developing process

Give the product time to set up slightly. If you can wait 15 minutes before getting dressed, that would be best. Avoid wearing tight fitting clothing over your sunless tan, as this will allow the color to develop evenly. Most of these products take several hours to develop. Also, understand that color develops as the proteins in your body respond to the color-inducing ingredients. This response creates the notorious smell often associated with self-tanning products. The products nowadays smell much better than they did years ago. Many smell pretty good on initial application. But once developed, there is no way around some type of self-tanner smell. Take it from someone who has probably tried over 30 products in the past two years. I feel the best time to apply a self-tanning product that takes hours to develop is at bedtime and then sleep in loose fitting pajamas, and shower in the morning.

Things to Consider

• Shaving after you apply self tanning products will reduce the life of your glow
• Do not let your self-tanning products come in contact with carpet, furniture, walls and certain fabrics (specifically wool)
• Sunless Tans can stain light hair
• If you break-out easy, rubbing an ice cube over your face closes your pores so they don’t get blocked, and you run less risk of breakouts

Fixing Errors

• Acetone or nail polish remover
• Lemon Juice or wedge
• Curdled milk – I know! This would be used for a bad reaction on the face. Put a little lemon juice into some milk, then place a lemon wedge in. Leave it in for about an hour, allowing the milk to curdle and form a paste. This creates an alpha-hydroxy acid. Leave it on your face for 15 minutes and it will strip the tan and leave you with a glowy complexion.

Hope these tips were helpful. Always remember, technique is key!

Wishing you a streak-free, beautiful sunless glow.