How To Prep Skin For Self Tanner with Natural Products
Then, without fail, I’ll end up with the issues described above how to prep skin for self tanner. I’m lucky if the tan looks good for maybe 2 days then it’ll start coming off in some areas. It’s driving me crazy because I’ll go to all this effort and start looking patchy and not golden very quickly. As a newbie, I would start with Loving Tan 2-hr express mousse with Instant Bronzer showing where you apply and it develops in 2 hours. When it comes to putting on self-tanner, there are a few steps you should always follow. Use the below steps as a guide to help apply self-tanner for a streak-free, bronzed finish. https://us.ioniqskin.com/blogs/blog/how-to-prep-skin-for-self-tanner
You can’t “erase” the pigment, but you can exfoliate away how to prep skin for self tanner the layer of skin where the pigment has developed — returning your skin to its normal color. Next, blot yourself dry and apply a non-active (no retinoids or acids), lightweight body lotion. Most of the self-tanning brands make prep lotions that are designed to work well with their products, so if you want to up your chances of success, use those.
Or just choose something without how to prep skin for self tanner rich oils, active ingredients (retinol, acids, etc.), or too much of that silicone-slip feeling. Start by exfoliating in the shower, using “a textured mitt to make sure you’re removing all dead skin cells and leaving a softer, more even canvas for your application of self-tanner,” says Joss. To help extend the life of your tan, moisturizing regularly with a gentle lotion can prevent dryness and flaking, which can lead to uneven fading.
Or just choose something without how to prep skin for self tanner rich oils, active ingredients (retinol, acids, etc.), or too much of that silicone-slip feeling. Start by exfoliating in the shower, using “a textured mitt to make sure you’re removing all dead skin cells and leaving a softer, more even canvas for your application of self-tanner,” says Joss. To help extend the life of your tan, moisturizing regularly with a gentle lotion can prevent dryness and flaking, which can lead to uneven fading.
They tend to develop more than other areas, so if you apply the same amount of product they can end up looking a bit darker. Skipping makeup ahead of your appointment likely goes without saying. Still, it’s worth mentioning—do not wear makeup to your spray tan appointment since it will prevent your tan from properly adhering to your skin.
I became a devotee of the local tanning salon, cooking my body under the warm glow of the tanning bed lights. I luckily learned the error of my ways by the time I hit college, and now, in my thirties, I’m vigilant about using SPF to protect my skin from UV damage at all times. Except that bronzed goddess craving is still there, buried in my millennial psyche, which has led me down a long and winding road to find the absolute best self-tanner for my fair skin. After applying self tan to your face, check in natural light to ensure an even application. Use your blending brush to smooth out any areas where the product may have accumulated, such as the creases around your nose or eyes. This allows you to focus on blending the product evenly before it dries.
Exfoliating clears away dead skin cells, improves circulation, and ensures your skin is ready to absorb the tanning product evenly. Without this step, your tan may look patchy or wear off unevenly. Oil-based moisturizers can create a barrier that prevents the self-tanner from applying evenly . Using circular motions during exfoliation helps work the product into your skin, improves blood flow, and ensures a smooth surface for applying self-tanner evenly.
I’ve tried out COUNTLESS self tanners and continue coming back to this one and this routine, because both work really well for my skin. This guide will walk you through how to self-tan properly, from prep to application and aftercare, so you can enjoy a sun-kissed glow without the sun damage. Directly before the application, it's best to have a shower to make sure your skin is squeaky clean.
Getting really picky here, this one rates 4/5 on duration and fade for me, personally. I find that I have to exfoliate a day or two before with this one, compared to some of the other self tanners I use. The blood orange smell is really pleasant and barely there, and the color is nice & dark! It applies buttery smooth and very even and dries incredibly quick...but not too quick that you have to work at light speed. Given some of my other favorites I'll share below, I'm a little spoiled in the smell category which is why I ranked that a 4/5.
When you get your Rose Gold Mousse you should keep it in a cool dry place away from heat sources. After you apply self-tanner, avoid moisture for at least a few hours. Take a shower within the 24 hours following self-tanner application and gently pat dry to avoid streaks. Remember to moisturise anywhere that the fake tan has a habit of catching, which includes the knees, wrists, elbows and fingers.
If you have dry or flaky skin, there’s a good chance your spray-on tan won’t turn out the way you’d hoped. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient in most self-tanners is considered safe for topical use. Really, I just want to look sun-kissed, especially with winter in full swing—and without the wrinkles, sunspots, or UV damage that come with extended sun exposure. That’s where self-tanners have come in, giving me the perfect bronzed look year-round—no sunburn required, just some serious testing. I tested 12 popular self-tanning products in a two-month period to determine the formulas that are truly worth the hype. During testing, I patch-tested each tanner on one arm to compare to my other, lesser-tan arm.
Exfoliate from head to toe and all over your face to create the perfect canvas for the clear self-tanner to get to work. To really achieve the effortless application that clear self-tanners offer, you need to know how to apply them properly. Another issue that might arise is that some might feel like the tan hasn’t given them a bronzed enough look.
However, to achieve a deeper, more pronounced tan, it’s recommended to leave it on for at least 4 to 6 hours, or even overnight if your skin tolerates it. Hogg recommends moving across the body from arms to décolleté, then apply product upwards from legs to torso.“Finish with the backs of hands and tops of feet,” she says. Just note, Evans says in her personal experience that she finds that fast-development tans last a few days less than a traditional tan.
The reason how to prep skin for self tanner this is that when you bend over, you naturally will bend at the waist, creating folds in your skin. You could gently scrub off using a scrubbing mitt or use the Loving Tan Deluxe Tan Removal. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Sign up for WWD Shop’s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.
Self-tanning products used in the past often left us looking like baked pumpkins. Now that the formulas have improved, the explosion of available choices has produced much more natural-looking, sun-kissed color. When choosing self-tanners, Evans says to opt for a well-known brand you can trust, like Isle of Paradise or St. Tropez, if you’re a self-tanning newbie.
It comes out as a super-fine mist and smells refreshing, which is always a plus for something you’re putting directly onto your face. It gives you an extremely even-toned tan, and it’s extremely subtle. Zimmerman recommends lightweight yet moisturizing options like Hempz lotion, Jergens Ultra Healing Lotion, or Fenty Skin Butta Drop Body Milk to lock in hydration without disrupting your glow. ” If you’re looking to get a faux tan (the only safe and recommended way to tan, ahem), the options can be a little overwhelming, especially in today’s overpopulated world of at-home self tanners. You’ve got tanning drops, tanning sprays, tanning wipes, and even tanning gels.
It is recommended to moisturize the dry areas you exfoliated prior, as this will prevent those areas from becoming too dark or orange. Exfoliate or use a cleanser with salicylic or glycolic acid on rough spots such as your heels, knees, ankles, and elbows, to remove any dead skin cells on the surface. If DHA enters the bloodstream, it does have the potential to cause gene mutation which could then lead to the development of cancers. It is possible for dihydroxyacetone skin care to enter the bloodstream if inhaled and so you should be careful when opting for a spray tan. I personally like to mix a little bit of moisturizer with my self-tan.
First thing’s first, don’t use your bare hands unless you want your palms to look like they belong to an Oompa Loompa. For seamless application, get yourself a mitt, like the Bondi Sands Application Mitt, or the St. Tropez Velvet Luxe Tan Applicator Mitt. Although I’ve never tried it personally, I’ve heard of friends using latex gloves to apply instead of a mitt too. If you’re using tanning drops or waters you can rub these in using your hands, just wash your palms with micellar water afterwards. ST. TROPEZ Suprême Violet Mousse is great when it comes to the body, says Evans, as it has a deep guide color and will be the easiest to apply. Evans notes that your base tan must be lighter than the formula you use to contour.
"Work in sections using roughly two pumps per limb and always apply using a flat hand and a light stroke," Evans says. To avoid patchy knees, skim over the knee and take the excess tan that's left on your mitt and fade it from the ankle over the foot, blending in between the toes and matching up the sides. "Drenching your skin in oil prior to showering will allow your skin to be more susceptible to exfoliation," Evans adds. "My go-to exfoliator is St. Tropez Tan Enhancing Body Polish. It’s designed with microgranules for even fading," she says.
Most utilize a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to build that magical bronze. Glow oils like this Kopari Coconut Body Glow are also a great option and my favorite especially for areas like shoulders and chest. If you prefer a cream, the DIBS Status Stick in Good Life Gold applied with the DIBS Every(body) Brush is my go-to. Use your preferred brewing method, such as a French press, drip coffee maker, or espresso machine. The key is to make it potent, as this will enhance the how to prep skin for self tanner of color in your self-tanner.
But because I can’t leave well enough alone, I let it sit as long as possible and wash it off the following day. When you finish the process, throw on a loose-fitting dress – and skip a bra for a few hours. I keep an old tank dress from when I was pregnant on hand just for this. With the mitt on your left hand, work from your left leg up your body and apply on your right arm, chest, and neck.
Another trick is to soak in a warm bath, as this will help to soften the skin and aid with exfoliation. “Use a loofah or exfoliating mitt during the bath to help remove the self-tanner,” suggests Brownlow. And avoid reapplying self tanner immediately after removing it, as this can exacerbate the issue. “Always follow the specific instructions of the products you are using, and be cautious not to over-exfoliate, especially if you have sensitive skin,” she says. Once you're done applying your self-tanner to the rest of your body, it's time to work on your elbows, hands, and feet. To achieve a seamless, natural, and streak-free finish, Forbes swears by applying an extra layer of moisturizer to these areas.
Packed with skin-protecting antioxidants, hydrating glycerin, and soothing chamomile, it not only gives you a stunning bronze, but it also nourishes and protects your skin. For the best results, use a mitt to blend the mousse from your ankles to your chest, then lightly pat any excess onto the top of your hands and feet. The airy texture dries quickly—so no need to worry about staining your couch or sweatpants. And don't be shocked by the green hue before you rinse it off, this actually works to counteract any dreaded orange tones.
To fade a too-dark tan, Evans suggests reaching for a bottle of baby oil to instantly drop your faux tan a few shades. "Drench the skin in oil and leave it on for about 5-10 minutes," she says. If you notice any how to prep skin for self tanner or uneven patches after the product has developed, gently exfoliate the area and reapply a small amount of tanner to even it out.
No matter how experienced you are with at-home tanning, hands and feet always prove to be a little tricky. The most telling sign of a fake tan is a poorly blended wrist or ankle. Problems in these areas happen because "the hands and feet are very sensitive to self-tan and will develop a lot darker than the rest of the body," says Evans. To keep these parts looking natural, apply a light layer of moisturizer before tanning. A great product for this is the St. Tropez Tan Enhancing Body Moisturizer ($18), as it's a non-greasy, non-oil-based formula that won't disrupt the color.
One of the simplest methods is using a gentle exfoliating scrub in the shower. Opt for products containing natural exfoliants, like sugar or salt, which can help lift the tint from your skin while also providing a refreshing feel. While gloves can be used for applying a self-tanner on the face, it’s generally recommended to use a tanning mitt or apply the self-tanner with your hands for better control and precision. The delicate facial skin requires extra care and attention during application. So, if you are the type that is comfortable applying self-tanner with your bare hands or with a tanning how to prep skin for self tanner, then go for it! But, if you’re worried about getting a patchy or unnatural-looking tan, then using gloves can be a great option.
I became a devotee of the local tanning salon, cooking my body under the warm glow of the tanning bed lights. I luckily learned the error of my ways by the time I hit college, and now, in my thirties, I’m vigilant about using SPF to protect my skin from UV damage at all times. Except that bronzed goddess craving is still there, buried in my millennial psyche, which has led me down a long and winding road to find the absolute best self-tanner for my fair skin. After applying self tan to your face, check in natural light to ensure an even application. Use your blending brush to smooth out any areas where the product may have accumulated, such as the creases around your nose or eyes. This allows you to focus on blending the product evenly before it dries.
Exfoliating clears away dead skin cells, improves circulation, and ensures your skin is ready to absorb the tanning product evenly. Without this step, your tan may look patchy or wear off unevenly. Oil-based moisturizers can create a barrier that prevents the self-tanner from applying evenly . Using circular motions during exfoliation helps work the product into your skin, improves blood flow, and ensures a smooth surface for applying self-tanner evenly.
I’ve tried out COUNTLESS self tanners and continue coming back to this one and this routine, because both work really well for my skin. This guide will walk you through how to self-tan properly, from prep to application and aftercare, so you can enjoy a sun-kissed glow without the sun damage. Directly before the application, it's best to have a shower to make sure your skin is squeaky clean.
Getting really picky here, this one rates 4/5 on duration and fade for me, personally. I find that I have to exfoliate a day or two before with this one, compared to some of the other self tanners I use. The blood orange smell is really pleasant and barely there, and the color is nice & dark! It applies buttery smooth and very even and dries incredibly quick...but not too quick that you have to work at light speed. Given some of my other favorites I'll share below, I'm a little spoiled in the smell category which is why I ranked that a 4/5.
When you get your Rose Gold Mousse you should keep it in a cool dry place away from heat sources. After you apply self-tanner, avoid moisture for at least a few hours. Take a shower within the 24 hours following self-tanner application and gently pat dry to avoid streaks. Remember to moisturise anywhere that the fake tan has a habit of catching, which includes the knees, wrists, elbows and fingers.
If you have dry or flaky skin, there’s a good chance your spray-on tan won’t turn out the way you’d hoped. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient in most self-tanners is considered safe for topical use. Really, I just want to look sun-kissed, especially with winter in full swing—and without the wrinkles, sunspots, or UV damage that come with extended sun exposure. That’s where self-tanners have come in, giving me the perfect bronzed look year-round—no sunburn required, just some serious testing. I tested 12 popular self-tanning products in a two-month period to determine the formulas that are truly worth the hype. During testing, I patch-tested each tanner on one arm to compare to my other, lesser-tan arm.
Exfoliate from head to toe and all over your face to create the perfect canvas for the clear self-tanner to get to work. To really achieve the effortless application that clear self-tanners offer, you need to know how to apply them properly. Another issue that might arise is that some might feel like the tan hasn’t given them a bronzed enough look.
However, to achieve a deeper, more pronounced tan, it’s recommended to leave it on for at least 4 to 6 hours, or even overnight if your skin tolerates it. Hogg recommends moving across the body from arms to décolleté, then apply product upwards from legs to torso.“Finish with the backs of hands and tops of feet,” she says. Just note, Evans says in her personal experience that she finds that fast-development tans last a few days less than a traditional tan.
The reason how to prep skin for self tanner this is that when you bend over, you naturally will bend at the waist, creating folds in your skin. You could gently scrub off using a scrubbing mitt or use the Loving Tan Deluxe Tan Removal. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Sign up for WWD Shop’s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.
Self-tanning products used in the past often left us looking like baked pumpkins. Now that the formulas have improved, the explosion of available choices has produced much more natural-looking, sun-kissed color. When choosing self-tanners, Evans says to opt for a well-known brand you can trust, like Isle of Paradise or St. Tropez, if you’re a self-tanning newbie.
It comes out as a super-fine mist and smells refreshing, which is always a plus for something you’re putting directly onto your face. It gives you an extremely even-toned tan, and it’s extremely subtle. Zimmerman recommends lightweight yet moisturizing options like Hempz lotion, Jergens Ultra Healing Lotion, or Fenty Skin Butta Drop Body Milk to lock in hydration without disrupting your glow. ” If you’re looking to get a faux tan (the only safe and recommended way to tan, ahem), the options can be a little overwhelming, especially in today’s overpopulated world of at-home self tanners. You’ve got tanning drops, tanning sprays, tanning wipes, and even tanning gels.
It is recommended to moisturize the dry areas you exfoliated prior, as this will prevent those areas from becoming too dark or orange. Exfoliate or use a cleanser with salicylic or glycolic acid on rough spots such as your heels, knees, ankles, and elbows, to remove any dead skin cells on the surface. If DHA enters the bloodstream, it does have the potential to cause gene mutation which could then lead to the development of cancers. It is possible for dihydroxyacetone skin care to enter the bloodstream if inhaled and so you should be careful when opting for a spray tan. I personally like to mix a little bit of moisturizer with my self-tan.
First thing’s first, don’t use your bare hands unless you want your palms to look like they belong to an Oompa Loompa. For seamless application, get yourself a mitt, like the Bondi Sands Application Mitt, or the St. Tropez Velvet Luxe Tan Applicator Mitt. Although I’ve never tried it personally, I’ve heard of friends using latex gloves to apply instead of a mitt too. If you’re using tanning drops or waters you can rub these in using your hands, just wash your palms with micellar water afterwards. ST. TROPEZ Suprême Violet Mousse is great when it comes to the body, says Evans, as it has a deep guide color and will be the easiest to apply. Evans notes that your base tan must be lighter than the formula you use to contour.
"Work in sections using roughly two pumps per limb and always apply using a flat hand and a light stroke," Evans says. To avoid patchy knees, skim over the knee and take the excess tan that's left on your mitt and fade it from the ankle over the foot, blending in between the toes and matching up the sides. "Drenching your skin in oil prior to showering will allow your skin to be more susceptible to exfoliation," Evans adds. "My go-to exfoliator is St. Tropez Tan Enhancing Body Polish. It’s designed with microgranules for even fading," she says.
Most utilize a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to build that magical bronze. Glow oils like this Kopari Coconut Body Glow are also a great option and my favorite especially for areas like shoulders and chest. If you prefer a cream, the DIBS Status Stick in Good Life Gold applied with the DIBS Every(body) Brush is my go-to. Use your preferred brewing method, such as a French press, drip coffee maker, or espresso machine. The key is to make it potent, as this will enhance the how to prep skin for self tanner of color in your self-tanner.
But because I can’t leave well enough alone, I let it sit as long as possible and wash it off the following day. When you finish the process, throw on a loose-fitting dress – and skip a bra for a few hours. I keep an old tank dress from when I was pregnant on hand just for this. With the mitt on your left hand, work from your left leg up your body and apply on your right arm, chest, and neck.
Another trick is to soak in a warm bath, as this will help to soften the skin and aid with exfoliation. “Use a loofah or exfoliating mitt during the bath to help remove the self-tanner,” suggests Brownlow. And avoid reapplying self tanner immediately after removing it, as this can exacerbate the issue. “Always follow the specific instructions of the products you are using, and be cautious not to over-exfoliate, especially if you have sensitive skin,” she says. Once you're done applying your self-tanner to the rest of your body, it's time to work on your elbows, hands, and feet. To achieve a seamless, natural, and streak-free finish, Forbes swears by applying an extra layer of moisturizer to these areas.
Packed with skin-protecting antioxidants, hydrating glycerin, and soothing chamomile, it not only gives you a stunning bronze, but it also nourishes and protects your skin. For the best results, use a mitt to blend the mousse from your ankles to your chest, then lightly pat any excess onto the top of your hands and feet. The airy texture dries quickly—so no need to worry about staining your couch or sweatpants. And don't be shocked by the green hue before you rinse it off, this actually works to counteract any dreaded orange tones.
To fade a too-dark tan, Evans suggests reaching for a bottle of baby oil to instantly drop your faux tan a few shades. "Drench the skin in oil and leave it on for about 5-10 minutes," she says. If you notice any how to prep skin for self tanner or uneven patches after the product has developed, gently exfoliate the area and reapply a small amount of tanner to even it out.
No matter how experienced you are with at-home tanning, hands and feet always prove to be a little tricky. The most telling sign of a fake tan is a poorly blended wrist or ankle. Problems in these areas happen because "the hands and feet are very sensitive to self-tan and will develop a lot darker than the rest of the body," says Evans. To keep these parts looking natural, apply a light layer of moisturizer before tanning. A great product for this is the St. Tropez Tan Enhancing Body Moisturizer ($18), as it's a non-greasy, non-oil-based formula that won't disrupt the color.
One of the simplest methods is using a gentle exfoliating scrub in the shower. Opt for products containing natural exfoliants, like sugar or salt, which can help lift the tint from your skin while also providing a refreshing feel. While gloves can be used for applying a self-tanner on the face, it’s generally recommended to use a tanning mitt or apply the self-tanner with your hands for better control and precision. The delicate facial skin requires extra care and attention during application. So, if you are the type that is comfortable applying self-tanner with your bare hands or with a tanning how to prep skin for self tanner, then go for it! But, if you’re worried about getting a patchy or unnatural-looking tan, then using gloves can be a great option.
