How To Get the Best Results When Self-Tanning?

Written by Adriana Albritton - Reviewed by Consumer Health Digest Team

Published: Feb 19, 2018 | Last Updated: Aug 2, 2019

I love being tanned as it just gives me a little bit of a confidence boost when I am not feeling too high about my body. So today I would like to share with you my top tips when it comes to self-tanning.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to achieve a natural glowing tan during the cold dark winter months due to the sun being pretty absent. This usually means we resort such alternative ways to get our summer sun-kissed skin back.

My method of choice for this situation would be self-tanners mainly because it is a safe and comfortable way to get bronzed up, but you have control of the tan you use meaning you aren’t going to end up with a color you hate which is also a massive bonus.

However, as I’m sure you have heard the many horror stories of orange knuckles and patchy legs it can sometimes end in a disaster which is why I want to share with you a few tips on what you should do to achieve that streak-free golden glow you have been dying for.

Tip 1 : Choose the Right Tan for You

It is so important to get the right tan for you; If you’re a tanning newbie, then I would recommend going for a tanning mousse and going for a light shade. I find that mousse formulae are the easiest to blend out as you get a little bit more time before the product dries but they also dry down quite nicely, so there’s less chance of smudging the product once you have finished blending.

It is also probably better to start with a light shade and as you get more confident applying self-tanners go darker. There are also many different tans out there for things such as different skin types and ones that last for different periods of time so this even something to consider when looking for your perfect self-tanner.

Tip 2 : Use a Tanning Mitt

Next up this is probably the best thing you can do when it comes to applying self-tanners as it makes applying the product one million times easier and you get a smoother, more even finish to your tan. It also helps you avoid the whole “tan hands’ situation as the mitt will protect the tan from staining your hands.

As tanning mitts give you a soft flat surface area, it makes it easier to spread out the product and creates an even coverage on the skin. When applying the tan, I would pump the product on to the mitt and then blend it into the skin using circular motions. I find that mixing the product in using circular motions helps to avoid getting streaks in the tan when it is developed.

Tip 3 : Shave 24hrs before & Exfoliate

To get a flawless finish, you need your skin to be as smooth as possible. Therefore prepping your surface is ideal for this, I would recommend shaving and exfoliating the skin to create that stable base for your tan.

It is probably best to do your skin prep the day before you plan on tanning giving your skin around 24 hours to breathe before adding the tan. This will also ensure that if your skin has been irritated by the hair removal, then it has some time to settle down.

Skin can also be susceptible to hair removal which is another reason why it’s best to have a little break before you tan. Exfoliating is essential before tanning if you want to get an even looking glow as it removes any dead skin which the tan may cling to causing a patchy effect once the tan has developed.

Tip 4 : Moisturize

Adding moisture to the skin is another crucial step to getting that perfect looking tan. As stated before prepping the skin and creating a smooth canvas for your tan is crucial to avoid a streaky tanning disaster. Therefore moisturizing is another fantastic way to prep the surface before tanning.

Moisturizing the skin has many benefits as many of them contain unusual ingredients which do wonders for the skin but also it hydrates the skin which means that there won’t be any dry patches for the tan to cling too. When applying the tan, I find that it is best to add some moisturizer to the knees and elbows.

This is because these areas tend to be a little rougher than the rest of the body so the tan can sometimes cling to these areas. Moisturizing can also help to maintain your tan after the application as it will help to keep your skin healthy and hydrated meaning that it won’t shed as much so your tan is likely to last longer.

Tip 5 : Use a Blending Brush to Blend those Problematic Spots

When applying tan, some areas of our bodies can tend to go a little bit patchy. These areas usually include around your neck, collarbones, your hands, wrists, and feet. I find that for these areas it is easier to use a dense makeup brush to add and blend out the self-tanner.

What I do is pump a small amount of tan on the area and then use the brush to buff out the tan. I prefer this method for these areas as it allows you to have more control of the amount of product you use and you can make sure the product blends out evenly.

I love experimenting with self-tanners, and I hope that these tips may help if you’re considering trying out tanning for yourself. It is a fantastic way to give yourself a little bit of color when you need it the most without the dangers of the sun or sunbed.

Overall I think the best method for getting a flawless looking self-tan is to keep practicing and experimenting with different formulations, products, and methods of an application until you find what works for you. I also believe that following these essential go to tanning tips will help you get on your way to a golden summer glow all year round.

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