HOW TO APPLY SELF TANNER

GET THE IMPORTANT STUFF DONE FIRST

If you need to get a wax, shave your legs or even get a manicure/ pedicure, do any of these first before self-tanning. This is crucial as any of these can remove the self-tanner once it has been applied.

EXFOLIATE

Another important step before self- tanning is to exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. This is so important as self-tanner sinks into dry skin leaving you looking patchy and uneven, um gross!
Using an exfoliating puff or body wash, exfoliate your whole body and wherever you are more dry focus more on those areas like the elbows, knees etc.
Don't forget to exfoliate your face as well with a gentle exfoliating cleaner or with a Clarisonic.

DRYING OFF

This one is obvious but make sure when you get out of the shower or bath to wait 10 minutes until you are 100% dry before applying the self-tanner.

SKIN SHOULD BE MOISTURIZED

Even though you want to be 100% dry, you will also want to add a little bit of moisturizer back into your skin before you self tan. Apply a lightweight lotion around your nose, knees, elbows, ankles and any other area on your body that is dry. This will prevent the areas from looking orange or dark once the self-tanner has been applied.

PICKING THE SELF-TANNER

There are a tone of different self tanners on the market these days from mousse formulas, to sprays and even gels. Mousses tend to be the easiest to rub in as sprays are great for those hard to reach areas. Choose a self-tanner to your skin tone not what you want as your desired look. Go with a light to medium self-tanner if you have fair skin and a dark formula if you have olive skin. Remember, if you chose a formula that is a "gradual self-tanner" it can take up to two to four applications to reach the right shade.

I did a post on my favorite self-tanners, you can read all about it here.

START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK YOUR WAY UP

This is the technique that I like to start with but you can choose whatever way you want. With clean hands or latex gloves {which is what I use}, smooth on the self-tanner in circular motions. Start at your ankles {feet} and work your way up to your shoulders to prevent any weird lines or marks when you are bent over. Save your arms and hands for last.

TAKE IT EASY ON YOUR FACE

Dab on a dime size amount where you would naturally tan. Your forehead, the apples of your cheeks, the bridge of your nose and your chin, all blending outward with your fingertips {I would be using latex gloves for this one}. Be extra careful around your nose and above your lip as these areas tend to be drier. Whatever is left, apply along the hairline and past your jaw line.

DRYING TIME

If the product say's to wait ten minutes to dry, I would wait fifteen. Always wait a little longer than what the product say's.

**A little trick that I like to do is to add baby powder all over my body where I have applied the self-tanner. This trick is to prevent the tanner from transferring onto my clothes**

Always wait 6-8 hours before having a shower and during this time you shouldn't be sweating either, save the gym for later.

 CLEANING IT UP

We always make mistakes. If you have any streaks or splotches, rub half of a lemon on the area for a few minutes before removing with a damp cloth. It works like a charm!

MAINTAINING IT

You can't predict how long self-tanner will technically last but certain measures can prolong it. Use a gentle body wash and make sure your skin is always moisturized. Using acne creams or harsh chemicals will dissolve the colour on your face.
Once you're ready to refresh the tan, begin with exfoliating and repeat all the steps.


Now that the colder months are approaching, most of us are going to start self-tanning. With the simple steps above, you can be assured that your tan will look amazing!!!

What are your favorite self-tanners?

Thank you so much for stopping by and don't forget to follow me on Instagram @sincerelymissash