As more people embrace DIY beauty treatments, the allure of achieving a flawless self-tan at home has grown. Yet, mishandling self-tanner can lead to cringe-worthy beauty blunders. However, with strategic prep and the right skincare products – some of which you might already own – you can master a natural-looking, streak-free tan. If you're new to self-tanning, start with a lighter formula and gradually work your way up to darker shades. Once you've attained your desired sun-kissed glow, follow simple steps like using a gentle cleanser and consistent moisturizing to extend its lifespan. Steering clear of retinols and acne treatments ensures your tan remains radiant. Whether you're a self-tanning novice or seeking to perfect your technique, our expert tips and product recommendations make achieving and maintaining a beautiful tan not just possible but likely.
Prioritize Other Tasks First
Before applying self-tanner, attend to activities like shaving, nail care, or root touch-ups, as these can interfere with the tanning process.
Exfoliate
To avoid uneven application, exfoliate your skin with a scrub to eliminate dry patches. Focus on areas like knees, elbows, ankles, and heels, using a scrub. If your scrub contains oil, ensure thorough rinsing with soap to prevent an oily barrier. Our suggestion is to use a sea sponge and surf soap for a gentle cleanse, leaving a clean canvas for your tanner.
Tofino Soap Company Surf Scrub $28
Dry Off — Hydrate Too
After your shower, ensure you're completely dry, then wait for 10 minutes. Before applying self-tanner, reintroduce moisture to your skin. Apply a lightweight lotion to areas like nostrils, knees, elbows, and ankles to prevent them from darkening or turning orange. Our Organic Botanical Lotion is ideal for both face and body.
Choose Your Elixir
Mousses are widely considered the easiest to apply. We prioritize qualities like being organic, all-natural, vegan, and refillable. Salty Face Tan meets all these criteria with its foaming self-tanner in a luxurious glass bottle and a convenient steel pump top. It's not only easy to apply but also odor-free, delivering a natural tan using ingredients like sugar beets that might just leave you hooked.
Begin with the Face
Start by applying self-tanner to your face before the body. This area is the easiest to handle with bare hands, but make sure to wash them immediately to prevent staining. Opt for a tanner specifically designed for the face to achieve a natural tan. Facial skin tends to have more dry patches and larger pores, making it prone to darker results with body tanners. Ensure thorough coverage on your face, including under the eyes, over eyelids, on the tips of the ears, along the neck, and even around the back of the ears, visible when wearing a ponytail.
Start from the Bottom
Begin by tanning the tops of your feet, progressing upward and concluding with your hands. Lightly skim over areas prone to dryness, like knees, elbows, and ankles.
The rest of the body, especially with an applicator brush, is straightforward. Apply generously to thighs, buttocks, lower back, stomach, chest, and décolletage, blending onto the neck or the area where you finished tanning your face. For your back, utilize an ingenious back tan applicator.
Set, but Remember
Allow your self-tanner ample time to dry; if the instructions suggest five minutes, wait 10, especially if you need to leave soon. Dust talc-free powder all over to prevent transfer to your clothes. Avoid showering or sweating for six hours. If you have the day to spare, skip the talc powder and opt for a loose black dress to enhance your tan further.
Saltwater Luxe, Black Peasant Dress $122
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