Hey, what can we say, we are an inventive society! If we like the way our skin looks with a tan but getting a tan is dangerous we will just develop and use self tanning lotions instead!
Of course, in life, few things are that easy. Self tanning lotions can work great but there is also usually a bit of a learning curve.
There can be a technique in applying them the right way and making them look good.
With so many different brands on the market, not to mention the various hues you can get, it may take a little trial and error until you have the practice down pat.
In this article I will provide you with some easy to follow tips that may make it a little easier for you to get that “sun kissed glow”… from a bottle.
Here we go:
1. First things first, like a painter you have to prepare your canvas which in this case is your skin.
Make sure you skin is clean and dry. Removing excess oils can help the tanner adhere to the skin better.
This is why you don’t want to use a moisturizer too soon before applying the tanner either, if you do it won’t soak into the skin as readily.
2. Exfoliate to remove as much excess dead skin as you possibly can. Again, this will make it easier for the tanner to absorb into the skin and provide a more even tone with less of a blotchy look.
3. Many people recommend you start at your feet and work your way up.
That way the tanner can dry completely without you bending over and possibly smearing it.
4. Either wear gloves or wash your hands frequently throughout the procedure. Otherwise you can end up with freakishly tanned looking hands.
5. Apply the tanner in several coats if you want a darker look as opposed to one thick coat.
This tends to look more natural and will usually prevent a “gloppy” look.
6. Tanners tend to dry pretty quickly so make sure you work fast. Don’t get distracted when applying your self tanner.
7. Wait a minimum of one half hour between layers or before sitting down on furniture or getting dressed or you might make a really big mess.
8. And last, but not least, to keep that sun kissed look for longer try to reapply the tanner every few days.
Do a light exfoliation before you reapply the tanner to maximize the absorption each time you reapply.
You can also minimize how much gets washed off in the shower by rubbing a little bit of baby oil on your skin right before your shower.
This may help eliminate some of the “run off” of your tanner while you are in the shower.
That’s pretty much it, not exactly rocket science is it? Still, there is a technique to it if you want it to look as natural as possible.
To make sure you get the result you want, take some time to experiment. The last thing you want to do is to try to apply a tanner for the first time right before a big event.
You sure don’t want to show up for your big day with an orange, blotchy looking tan.
Practice your technique first when using self tanning lotions for the best look possible.