The Ultimate Self-Tanner Guide | Tips and Tricks

Self-Tanner? No problem! Here is everything you need to know to achieve that gorgeous summer glow in the comfort of your own home. There is something about having a little color that makes everyone look better. Why you ask? Your look healthier, thinner, imperfections disappear and teeth look brighter.

OK let’s be honest we all have had bad spray tans resulting in those dreaded streaks or even worse look like an umpa-loompa with orange hands and feet! Some of us have been scarred never to attempt another spray tan again. While others have mustered up the courage to try it again. Well you are in for a treat because I am pretty damn good at applying self-tanner. Now to be fair I worked for one of the busiest if not the busiest tanning salons here in Charlotte throughout all 4 years of college. It is safe to say that I learned a thing or two. So naturally I need to share the wealth with y’all!

Pro – Tips

1. Do EVERYTHING first. Shave, Manicures, Pedicures and Hair.
2. Exfoliate with coarse scrub all over to remove any dead flakey skin. Spend extra time on your elbows, knees, ankles, and feet. These are the most dry parts of our bodies and spray tan loves to over develop wherever there is dry patchy skin. Result: the dreaded orange streaky spray tan! {Try avoiding oil based and petroleum based products}
3. Dry off completely after exfoliating. Water + Spray Tan application = HOT MESS
4. Moisturize lightly all over allowing your skin to absorb completely.
5. Apply extra moisturizer on your hands and feet {between your fingers and toes and on top of your nails}. Also apply extra to your ankles, knees and elbows. This will allow some of the solution to develop but not over develop.
6. Pick your favorite self-tanner  and grab your application tool or mit {If you aren’t sure which product to purchase you can check out my favorites at the end of this post}
7. Decide where you are going to apply the self tanner. Personally I put 1-2 dark towels on the bathroom floor in case I spill any solution it wont stain.
8. Foam Self Tanner products add 1-2 pumps of the product onto your mit per leg/arm. Tanning Oils apply 8-10 drops onto the applicator mit per leg/arm. Then starting at the bottom work your way up in circular motions.
9. EASY on applying product to your face. This is always tricky. Keep in mind less is more and you can always apply a little bronzer when doing your makeup!
10. Allow the product to DRY! This is really important to avoid streaks and staining of your clothes or bedding. Wait 5-10 minutes or you can also use a blow dry to fan yourself like I do!

Tricks

• Streaks? Dark Patches? Grab a lemon and cut it in half. Gently rub the lemon on the area that you wish to fix for 1-2 minutes then buff the area using a lightly damp towel. You can either reapply in that area or if it blended with the rest of your tan then your good to go!
• Prolong the life of your spray tan: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

Whew! I know that is a lot of instructions but I promise if you follow these easy steps you skin will look gorgeous with a sexy bronze glow! Questions? Leave me a comment below and I will answer to the best of my knowledge. Please leave a comment below and give me some suggestions that you would like me to write about or give a tutorial on!