Ok so Summer is over, but does that mean you have to go back to pasty white skin?
Well I don't think so, because thanks to the miracle in a bottle in less than two hours you can get a beautiful golden colour just like you've just come back from a two-week holiday on the Almalfi Coast.
Self-tanners now days have come a long way from the dark, smelly, streaky products they used to be. Today they work in a matter of hours, are light and streak free, and even have a nice scent.
The key to achieving a perfect bronze glow with self-tan is careful application, which can be tricky. It takes repeat experimentation to figure out how much product to use, what areas to go over lightly (like knees and elbows), what areas to avoid completely (like palms of hands and armpits), and where to start and stop the application (do you stop at your ankles or continue down to your toes?). These are all questions that you'll need to answer for yourself, depending on your own personal preferences and blending techniques.
Here are some tips for a flawless self-tan application:
- Shaving and waxing
Make sure you do any shaving and waxing the day before.
- Self-tanning takes time
Allow 30 to 60 minutes. If you’re short on time go for a mouse as it’s quick and dries in seconds, but lotions tend to last longer. I've found that if the lotion is applied correctly it will last about 5-7 days and the mousse about 5 days.
- Exfoliate your skin
This is essential for a flawless fake tan. Pay extra attention to your knees, ankles, feet, elbows, and neck, or where ever you tend to have dry skin.
- Moisturise
After showering and completely drying off apply a thin layer of lightweight moisturiser over the areas where you will be applying self tan. Apply little extra moisturiser over ankles, knees, and elbows. Fake tan tends to come out darker on dry skin so a bit of moisturiser is great for thinning out the tan. When applying the tan in those areas spread it gently and remember a little goes a long way. Make sure your shower isn't too hot, if you perspire your self tanner may streak. After the tan has developed try to moisturise everyday and use an exfoliant.
- Apply self-tanner to one section of your body at a time.
Be more concerned about even application than rubbing it all the way in. Applying self-tanner on your back requires a friend with a helping hand or you can invest in a St Tropez back applicator.
- Prevent tanned palms
You can try using latex gloves or a tanning mitt to apply the self-tanner. This can work well, but can also make application trickier. Another option is to wash your hands every few minutes or after each section of your body.
- Take special care with problem areas
Be aware that different parts of your body "pick up" self-tanner more easily than others. Be careful around your nose, eyes, eyebrows, ears, hairline, and lips. A cotton swab, makeup sponge, or synthetic makeup brush can help blend a thin, even amount smoothly over those areas.
As an option for your hands, which can be particularly tricky to get looking natural. Once you have finished with your body remove the gloves or mitt and wash your hands thoroughly. Then put on some moisturiser. Get some cotton wool or a makeup sponge and put some fake tan onto it and gently dab it onto the back of your hand. You should be able to get the tan onto your hands more evenly this way. You can also this technique to apply self-tanner to the tops of your feet, temples, and hairline.
- Apply Fake Tan before going to bed
I tend to apply my fake tan before I go to bed. Be aware that the fake tan will stain light coloured bedding but don't worry as it washes out. If it does bother you then make sure you put on dark coloured bedding. Make sure your skin feels dry to touch before you hop into bed or put your clothes on. The Lotions take longer to dry but tend to last a bit longer on your skin. In the morning jump in the shower or bath and exfoliate, this will give you a nice glow.
- Mistakes
If you make a mistake and end up with streaky or dark areas of skin, consider using a liquid exfoliant such as a BHA, AHA or exfoliate over those spots. This should rub off any uneven stripes.
- Skin colour
If you have a very pale skin colour it will take more applications over several nights to get a deep dark tan. Build it up until you get the colour you want. This enables you to control how dark you want your tan to be. Once you achieve your desired tan, you will only need to apply the self-tanner once every five to seven days to maintain it.
- Reapply self-tanner as you feel the need.
Generally it will start fading in about three to four days as the surface layers of skin shed
- Stand in front of mirror and admire your tan.
Happy safe tanning!
