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 22 tips to help you understand the right way to apply self-tan, along with tried-and-tested product recommendations to achieve streak-free, easy tanning without any orange or blotchiness in sight.
Preparing Your Skin Is Key
Exfoliation is key for an even application of self-tan. Exfoliate with body scrubs 24 hours before you are ready to self-tan, these will physically buff away dead skin cells, creating the perfect canvas. Ideally, use a cream-based exfoliator, but if you have an oil-based product, use it 48 hours before self-tanning. 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 48hrs 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.
Before applying self-tan, make sure you avoid applying fragrance of deodorant .
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.
Equally, after you have applied and feel yourself overheating, take a makeup brush and apply a dusting of talc to the insides of the elbows, under the arms, and the backs of the knees. This helps reduce the risk of the self-tan streaking.
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 it to the legs first. Avoid the knees, ankles, and feet. Once you have massaged it well into the legs, brush the residue from 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 afterwards, 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.
When washing your hands after applying self-tan, I find exfoliating hand washes work best. They help ensure there’s no tan left behind, especially around the nails and between the fingers, resulting in a much cleaner, more even finish. This is the one i am using; it's so good, a fraction of the price of the OG BUY HERE
When applying self-tan to the face, take a cotton bud to brush through the eyebrows after you have applied it. This will remove any excess and prevent the eyebrows from changing colour.
To protect your self-tan finish, avoid applying deodorant for at least 12 hours, as it can interfere with development and contribute to uneven colour under the arms.
Wait as long as possible to shower; too soon, and this will impact the longevity and the depth of your self-tan.
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
To protect your self-tan finish, especially under the arms, avoid applying deodorant for at least 12 hours, as it can interfere with development and lead to uneven colour there.
Wait as long as possible before showering; too soon, and this will affect the longevity and depth of your self-tan.
Whilst showering, avoid mitts or loathers, as these will buff the tan away more quickly.
After showering, be careful not to rub your skin dry. Instead, use a patting technique, as rubbing can cause the tan to fade more quickly.
Avoid baths; soaking in the bath will cause the tan to fade and streak.
Keep your skin hydrated and moisturised to maintain a golden glow and prevent dryness, which can shorten your tan's lifespan.
Avoid using body lotions with exfoliating properties or ingredients such as AHAs. 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.
Avoid oil-based moisturisers and SPFs, oils will break down the tanning pigment.
Best Self-Tanning Lotion From An Expert
Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan
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
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
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.
PURCHASE HERE use discount code LFTFFIONAB
Garnier Body Summer Hydrating Gradual Tan Lotion
This gives such a beautiful natural-looking bronze glow without looking orange or streaky. The formula is lightweight, absorbs quickly and leaves skin soft, smooth and hydrated thanks to the nourishing Apricot oil. I love how easy it is to apply like a normal body lotion, making it perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a low-maintenance tan. This is such a brilliant, affordable find and rivals some of the best gradual tans. The color gradually develops into a healthy, sun-kissed glow that builds over a few days. There is a slight fake tan scent, but it’s not overpowering. I would recommend getting the Deep Sunkissed Glow rather than the light.
BUY HERE Look Fantastic use code LFTFFIONAB for an extra discount
Dove Visible Glow Medium to Dark Self-Tan Lotion Review
This s a fantastic budget-friendly option that combines skincare benefits with a natural-looking tan. For the price, it's hard to fault – especially if you want a gradual tan that keeps skin feeling moisturised and comfortable while it develops.If you're looking for an affordable gradual tan that delivers great results without breaking the bank.
The formula has plenty of slip and feels more like a nourishing body lotion than a traditional self-tanner, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. This extra moisture also means there's a little more room for error during application, making it a good option for those who aren't completely confident with self-tan yet.
The colour develops gradually into a natural-looking medium-to-dark glow, allowing you to build the depth of tan over several applications rather than risking an overly dark result straight away. It's an easy way to maintain a healthy, sun-kissed look year-round while keeping skin hydrated.
BUY HERE Boots
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