Summer is kind of almost here, right? I know with this pandemic upon us Spring has already felt like the longest season ever when typically it flies by. The good news is this is the PERFECT time to try out and test some new self tanners on yourself. Ultimately, no one is seeing you anyways, right? We will dive into the best self tanners you should be using.
I promise though none of these will turn you orange. Ultimately, the key to a good self tanner is finding one that has green undertones to it. For example, if it doesn’t, it will make you look like an Oompa Loompa and nobody has time for that! I am 100% Italian, but I have a lot of red undertones to my skin (not olive) and burn easily in the sun so I feel like I have fairer skin for being Italian! It’s no fun looking pastey white in the Winter months.
In this post, I’ll explain how to prepare your skin before you self tan, my favorite current self tanners and how to apply each of them.
Exfoliation- Best Self Tanners
The key to an even self tan is to exfoliate your skin before you apply it. You can either exfoliate with a scrub in the shower or by dry brushing outside of the shower. To exfoliate in the shower, use a good body scrub and apply while in the shower. The Coco Colada one smells amazing! No really. You will want to eat it (but please don’t). Your skin will be silky smooth from it, smell delicious and will be ready to go once you get out.
To exfoliate outside of the shower, dry brushing is a great technique to get the job done. According to The Cleveland Clinic, it helps to detoxify the body by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage. Additionally, it also unclogs pores. Don’t dry brush in the shower, as it will rob your skin of its moisture. For example, choose a dry brush with stiff bristles and brush upward starting at your feet/ankles and working your way up towards your heart, as this is the direction everything flows.
Moisturize- Best Self Tanners
Moisturizing your skin in the areas where they are the driest (elbows, knees, and feet) will help for the self tanner to look more natural in these areas and not build up looking darker. Some self tanners recommend you apply them to a moisturized free body so always make sure to read the directions before applying, but still stick to moisturizing the dry areas always.
After you self tan, you can then apply body lotion to your whole body.
Application
Most self tanners are best to be applied with a mitt. Some will include one when you purchase them. Others don’t so it is always a good idea to have one on hand in case you need it. Just a note when using a mitt, it will soak up a lot of the self tanner. So I have used my bare hands with certain products, but it just takes more time after to clean up your hands before they turn tan!
Here are two tips to remove self tanner from your hands if you ever do use your hands and not the mitt to apply. You will thank me one day for these tips.
- Wash instantly. Don’t wait or the self tanner will soak in right away. You can wash your entire hands with soap and water, but the backs of your hands will lose the tan as well. If you want the tops of your hands to remain tan, use a baby wipe or makeup remover wipe and just wipe the palms of your hands clean.
- If soap and water isn’t cutting it, grab a hand towel, wet it and apply soap and toothpaste to one side of it. Rub your hands vigorously along the side with the soap and toothpaste. This will remove it. You will also smell minty fresh after it!
The Best Self Tanners
BEAUTY BY EARTH
WHY I LOVE IT
- Simple & Natural Ingredients
- Certified Vegan, Organic and Cruelty Free
- Light & natural looking tan that isn’t too dark.
- Additionally you can reapply if desired color is not reached within 6 hours.
- Apply every 4-7 days or as needed to maintain tan.
- Lotion is white (not brown) and has a nice tropical scent to it.
- Doesn’t stain clothing or fabric.
- Bottle is a decent size and will last awhile.
- Use in Winter months when you want a lighter tan and not a “Hey I just got back from Jamaica looking tan!”
- I don’t use a mitt with this one. Just apply and wash hands.
SUN LABORATORIES SELF-TANNING LOTION
WHY I LOVE IT
- Some Natural Ingredients/ Paraben Free
- Cruelty Free
- Dark shade gives a nice natural looking tan (darker than Beauty by Earth above).
- Tan continues to develop up to 8 hrs (Perfect to do before you go to sleep!)
- Tanner has a cosmetic bronzer in it therefore you will see that wash away in the shower, but the self tanning color will remain.
- To maintain tan, reapply 1-3 times each week.
- This one WILL stain your hands, as it is a dark brown lotion so either use a mitt or use your hands and wash right away with the soap/toothpaste trick! I’ve done it numerous times.
FAKE BAKE FLAWLESS SELF-TAN LIQUID
WHY I LOVE IT
- Streak Free
- Cosmetic bronzer additionally allows you to see where you are applying it.
- Instant golden tan
- Nice tropical scent
- Comes with a mitt
- The mitt makes sense with this one because it comes in a spray bottle.
- I typically use this self tanner the most.
- Tan will last approximately 2 days. Additionally, reapply throughout week as needed.
COCO & EVE SUNNY HONEY BALI BRONZING FOAM
WHY I LOVE IT
- Enriched with Bali-Inspired Ingredients
- 100% Natural DHA & Vegan
- Tropical scent
- Mousse formula is easy to use on a mitt.
- Green-grey base makes a natural looking golden glow.
- Tan develops in 2 hours.
- Medium shade is a perfect shade. The dark shade would be better for the Summer.
As mentioned, I really like all of these self tanning products. It just depends on the day or occasion and the tan I’m looking for. For daily use, a lighter tan is nicer and more natural looking. Additionally, you can amp up your tan if you are going out for the night or have a special occasion you are getting dressed up for. For special occasions, I typically self tan the day before and the day of to ensure a nice dark tan. Remember to always use sunscreen when going in the sun though!
There are so many self tanners out there, but I promise these 4 won’t turn you orange. I know that for a fact. I have a few more in mind I want to try out, but honestly I’ve been super happy with these that I haven’t purchased any others. Once I do, I will be sure to review them for all of you.
Ultimately what is your favorite self tanner? I always love hearing about and trying new products. Let us know in the comments below.
I hope these tips and products help you and give you that perfect glow you are looking for. Above all remember the perfect tan is always the best accessory for any outfit! We can’t wait to hear what you think of them. Let us know in the comments below.
Interested in other beauty posts? Most certainly make sure to read our posts on:
- Top Must Haves You Need in Your Makeup Bag
- The Secret to Beautiful Hair & Skin
- Trending Alert: Hair Accessories You Need for Spring 2020
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