Self Tanning Routine!

Every time I share my self tanner, I get questions on how I prep my skin to apply it, and how I actually apply the tanner! I know it can be intimidating, especially if you've never done it before, so hopefully this step by step is helpful to you!

How I Prepare to Apply Self Tanner!

Prepping for self tanner application is as important as the application itself! The key is to exfoliate, and moisturize in the week leading up to applying self tanner. This will extend the life of your tan, as well as ensure that it's streak free! You're also going to want to shave, but save that for the day you self tan!

1. Exfoliate! This is so important. If you do not exfoliate, your tan is going to be extremely blotchy. Self tanner does not soak into dry, flaky skin, it sits on top of it. Your skin needs to be free of dead skin cells/dry skin in order to go on smoothly, soak in, and stay there. I exfoliate with sugar cubes, and an exfoliating mitt. I do this each day for at least 3-4 days before I'm planning on applying self tanner.
2. Moisturize! When you exfoliate, you're not only stripping away the dead skin, but you're also stripping some of the moisture in your skin. You need to replace that moisture with a good lotion after you exfoliate each day!

Application

Don't let this part scare you! With the right mitt, technique, and self tanner, this part is easy!

1. Make sure you shower and shave first! You want to make sure you remove any leftover lotion, dirt, etc., from your skin before you start applying the tanner. I use the Billie razor and I love it!
2. Make sure your skin is completely dry before you start!
3. If using a mousse: Pump 4-5 pumps of mousse into a mitt, and start working it into your arms and legs in circular motions; this ensures it won't be streaky. This tanner is pigmented so you'll be able to see exactly how it's going to look as it's going on your skin. I don't use any barrier cream on my ankles, knees, elbows, etc., because I've never had any problem with this mousse leaving those areas dark/orange. If you've been moisturizing daily, you won't need a barrier cream.
   • I do my arms, chest, and legs, twice. Whatever is left over on the mitt at the end is what I use for my face!
   • Put your hair dryer on the cool setting and try to go over your whole body twice before putting on clothes or going to sleep! This step isn't 100% necessary but I think it helps a lot!
   • Wear dark, loose fitting clothing for the next 2-3 hours. The longer you keep the tanner on, the darker you'll be. You can wash off in as quickly as one hour, but I like to keep it on for four to five hours for a darker tan. I've even slept in it before and it looks great the next day!
   • Once you're ready to rinse, rinse off and pat your skin dry with a towel!
4. If using a mist: spray all over your body in a continuous motion. Spray it just like you would a sunscreen! You do not need to rub it in, or a mitt for this mist. It dries in 30 seconds or less!
5. Make sure to moisturize each day to extend your tan as long as possible!

Tanning your face

There are a couple of different ways you can tan your face!

• Tanning Drops
  • These drops are amazing. All you do is mix 2-3 drops in your moisturizer at night, and apply your moisturizer like normal! You'll wake up bronzed and glowy!
  • Isle of Paradise: these are a bit more expensive, but smell good, last a little longer, and are more concentrated!
  • Ulta: these are way more affordable, and help you achieve the same thing as IOP! They just don't smell as great, or last as long!
• Tanning Spray:
  • I haven't used St. Tropez Spray Mist myself, but it has amazing reviews and I have heard such amazing things from people I know! All you have to do is apply like you would a setting spray! Spray and you're good to go!
• If you don't want to purchase either of these options, another way to tan your face is to mix either your mousse, mist, or whatever self tanner you use, into your moisturizer just like you would the drops! It doesn't work nearly as well, but if you're in a pinch or you're nervous to tan your face, this will give you some color!

Products I use

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