Self-tanners are excellent solutions to get that beautiful glow without the risk the sun poses. However, there are many ways that applying a self-tanner could turn out looking not so great. Alyssa Johansen from SelfTanning.com explains that applying self tanner improperly can cause uneven shades of tan which take time to wear off. However, there are many ways where applying a self-tanner could turn out not looking so great. In this article, we will walk you through some valuable tips about using self tanner to make the most natural tan on your skin–including some key application hacks. Here’s what you should know about self tanners.
An Even Look
When you apply self-tanner, you want an even tan. One trick to doing this is to exfoliate your skin thoroughly before applying the product. Oil-free exfoliators are the best to prevent an uneven absorption of the self-tanner. Using a new razor before you apply is also recommended to avoid streaking.
The Importance of Lotion
Once you’ve showered properly and also exfoliated, you’ll want to add some lotion to your hands once they’re free of both oils and fragrances. Apply this lotion all the way from your wrist to the ends of your fingers. You’ll also want to place some lotion on the back of your heels and in places where the self-tanner accumulates, such as your knees and elbows. This also ensures an even tan, especially when done 20 minutes prior to adding any of the self-tanner.
Protect Your Feet
When adding a spraying self-tanner, you might want to place tape across the bottom of each foot. This doesn’t let any residue apply itself where you don’t want it to go. No one wants orange foot spots! You can simply just use painter’s tape for this as it applies and removes without much work.
Temperature and Comfort
When you go to put on your self-tanner, aim to find an area that is dry as well as cool. Sweating will only cause streaking and won’t let the self-tanner work as well. Any sort of barrier – sweat, oil, dirt, you name it – can impact the outcome of your self-tanning session. Every precaution is worth taking!
Alternatives
Should you not want to try a self-tanner because of its semi-permanent-like staining, you can also attempt a body makeup. This makeup will actually wash off and is a bronzer that is great for last minute preparations going out. You just need to rinse the glow off with soap and water when the evening is done.
Getting the Tricky Areas
Applying the self-tanner to the creases of your knuckles is challenging because you don’t want it to pile up there. First, bend the fingers so they resemble a claw before adding the self-tanner. This way they will be smooth in color when held in a natural position. Another tricky area? The back of your hands. Try to blend these areas out with a brush made from a sponge-like material. You want to get a beautiful glow that can be seen without looking too concentrated or streaky. Fingers, knees, toes – all of these areas offer similar challenges that can be tackled with some careful sponge work.
Areas to Avoid
Avoid adding tanner to ankles and elbows as the skin here will absorb far more color than other places. After the first pass of rubbing in the tanner, lightly rub across these problem areas so the remnant of the tanner will create a less concentrated look on both of these areas.
The Face
Use a tiny brush of sponge-like material and some of your face self-tanner to contour your face, especially around your cheekbones. By adding a little, you can carefully put some under your jawline, your cheekbones, and even on the sides of your forehead. Adding a thin layer to the rest of your face allows you to have an even but contoured look. Use a similar method for all your body.
Precautions
Another hint to getting a nice tan is to use self-tanner that has an SPF already in it. When you do this, not only are you protecting your skin, but you’re also able to get more color from the sun itself at the same time. The combination of the two should keep a very nice glow on your body all season long.
Hard to Reach Spots
There’s no need to leave your back without color. Using a few tricks, you can apply the self-tanner there as well. You need to aim for an even application when self-tanning, and the back is no exception. Take a mitt, tie your hair back, then grab one of those brushes for your back. If you slip the mitt over the brush, you can easily apply the self-tanner via the mitt across your back in an even manner.
Getting Rid of Excess Tanner
After you’ve applied self-tanner, you’ll need to scrub off any that you don’t want lingering. For example, your palms might become orange and you don’t want that. Try using an exfoliator once you’ve applied the self-tanner. If you scoop a little of some scrub into your palms, you can slowly rub your hands together and get as much of the self-tanner off as possible. Be careful not to spread more tanner if it is still wet – it takes an adequate amount of drying time for the color to set.
Things not to Forget
Don’t forget your nails and your cuticles! It is best that you use a cotton swab to take off any self-tanner that has gotten in these areas. Remove it using the cotton then, nail by nail, rub each one and wipe off any product until any stains have been removed.
Drying
Drying your self-tanner can be the most difficult. You may want to do your self-tanning in a rush. You can use a blow-dryer on the lowest cool setting to help speed the drying time. Don’t make the mistake of moving too fast when your tanner is still too wet!
Follow-Up Procedure
Finally, there are some things to do after applying your self-tanner! Add some talc-free baby power to your elbows, armpits, and knees to keep them from getting creases. Cover your bed with a dark sheet so you don’t have to worry about the self-tanner getting stains on your bed every time you tan. Use some self-tanner remover so that the color fades evenly. Before long, you’ll be ready to start over again!
Self tanning might sound intimidating, but it’s definitely a practice that offers more personal control over your color preference, product selection, and price. Following these easy tips should help you no matter whether it’s your first or hundredth time self tanning. For extra beauty tips, check out our other articles to learn more.