Self-Tanners are making a comeback these days thanks to all the information we now know about sun protection and avoiding UV rays. You can find them in Sephora, drug stores or even online, but applying them like a pro takes some practice.
If you’re reaching for self-tanner to give yourself a perfectly bronzed glow, follow along with these easy tips to avoid looking like a streaky mess!
Exfoliate First
Self-tanner looks best when applied to clean, soft skin. To achieve this, exfoliate the part of your body you plan to use the self-tanner on before applying anything.
For your face, use a gentle exfoliator the night before application so your skin has time to relax from any sensitivity or inflammation. For your body, you can use a tougher exfoliator in the shower with a glove and wait until skin is completely dry to apply your tan.
Moisturize
If you’ve ever tried self-tanner before you may have experienced small spots of uneven color on your skin. These spots are the result of dehydrated patches of skin that are desperate for hydration.
If you’re applying self-tanner to your face, make sure your skin is well hydrated by using a daily moisturizer like our Repair & Release Cream for at least 7 days before application. For your body, a few days of using a heavy moisturizer or body butter will do the trick. This should help you avoid any uneven patches of self-tanner that could give away your faux-glow.
Lemon Can Fix Mistakes
If there is one thing almost guaranteed the first time you try self-tanner is a little mistake or two. While it’s a great alternative to tanning your skin in the sun and causing major damage, it is also no easy task for first-timers.
If after you apply your tanner you find any spots, streaks or areas that need a quick fix, reach for the lemon! Lemon has lots of acidity which breaks up the darker color and evens your tan out with your natural tone.
Just cut the lemon in half or slices and apply directly to the uneven color. You can also re-apply as many times as you need to fix your self-tanned mistakes.
Have you tried self-tanner before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
