Hello!
Since Summer is right around the corner, a lot of people are probably thinking about how to get a Summer glow. I am not one to use a tanning bed (I do not recommend at all), nor do I love laying out for long periods of time. I get impatient and normally too hot. I am also a firm believer in protecting your skin, please, always wear sunscreen when you go outside! I also know what you’re probably thinking, you use self tanner? Let me tell you, if I don’t use any self tanner, I am basically a transparent ghost. I blame it on my Irish roots. I use self tanner to look a normal shade of fair versus basically white. So here are the products I use, and the steps I go through to get a “tan”.
Step 1: Exfoliate in the shower
Exfoliating before applying self tanner is a very important step. It removes all of the dead skin cells/dry skin so you have a smooth canvas to apply your self tanner. Self tanners can also be very drying, you don’t want to keep applying the lotion over and over again on dry, rough skin. Your skin may eventually looked “cracked”, trust me it’s happened to me before. I apply my self tanner in the morning after I’ve showered and exfoliated. I used to do it at night, because your skin absorbs more while sleeping. But, I found myself never wanting to do it because I was too tired, and I think it’s better to apply right after exfoliating.
The sugar scrub I love is from Soap and Glory. You can get it at Target and Ulta. It’s a huge jar so it will last you a long time.
Step 2: Apply a normal lotion to you drier areas (elbows, ankles, shoulders)
Apply a moisturizer to areas where your skin tends to be drier, or you can all over. I always make sure to moisturize my shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles before applying the self tanner. Sometimes I go the whole nine yards and apply lotion pretty much everywhere. Wait a couple of minutes for the lotion to dry before applying the self tanner. My favorite body moisturizer is from Aveeno.
Step 3: Apply the self tanner
I used a tanning mitt for the longest time, but recently I started using my hands to apply it. The mitt does make it easier to get an even tan, but I feel like it soaks up half the product you apply to it. I also got tired of washing mine after I used both sides. I also feel like with the tanner I use, the color is darker when I apply with my hands, plus it saves A LOT of product. I normally start with my arms and work my way down. I do not apply self tanner to my face, self tanners can sometimes cause breakouts. The skin on your face is also a lot more sensitive, I recommend matching your foundation to your new self-tanned shade. Make sure you wash your hands really well after applying.
The Self Tanner I use is from Beauty by Earth. I buy it on Amazon. It is a little pricey, but it lasts me around three months, it may last even longer now that I’ve stopped using a mitt. The reason it is on the pricier side is because it is made with natural and organic ingredients. Most self tanners contain harmful ingredients, like DHA and dyes. It is cheaper than some of the St. Tropez products, which I know is a very popular self tanner brand. I honestly love this product, I also think it smells like cocoa butter.
Step 4: Let it dry
Applying my self tanner is normally the first thing I do when I get out of the shower. That way I can do everything else I need to do while it dries (brush my teeth, wash my face, etc.). Right before I am ready to get dressed, I set my hair dryer to the cool setting, and blast myself all over to help it dry faster. Then you’re good to go!
Step 5: Apply some normal moisturizer before bed
I like to do this because this product can dry your skin out a little bit (like most of them do), and I feel like it helps the tan last longer. I use my Aveeno lotion again.
Some final thoughts:
- I apply self tanner every other day.
- It can stain your bras due to them being tight on your body, but I find the product washes out well.
- The color it gives you looks natural, not orange.
- It also helps to apply moisturizer on the days you do not apply the self tanner
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