Self tanner.
I sort of laugh when I say it because we all have had that "oh no" moment. Self tanner epic fail. The sort of moment that totally turns you off from trying it EVER again.
The thing is, self tanner can actually be gorgeous and handy if applied correctly. It can give you that beautiful healthy glow (the summertime radiance we are craving right now), without you having to commit to tanning beds. It can also save you money in the long run.
I have to share (one of) my epic fail stories because 1. I've had many (with determination to find the perfect system for a flawless application) and 2. it's a story most can relate too.
I was 20. I had a big event to attend (like a wedding). Naturally, I planned out the weeks leading up and scheduled in my self care routine- manicure, pedicure, waxing... the works. I also decided to do a self tanner because, well, a tan makes you look more toned and who doesn't want that deep, healthy glow (not to mention, my dress was also orange, so a tan was a must).
The week before was busy, so my scheduled self care time disappeared. I had to squeeze in time to do this 'self tan'. Two days before I slapped on a quick application of self tanner before bed. I woke up the next morning with a little glow, but I wanted it just a little darker. So the following night I slapped on another application. I woke up the following morning with a darker tan, but also streaks.
*Panic*
"Maybe if I exfoliate really well and do another later thin layer, it'll even itself out. Self tanner is kind of like paint- I just need to blend a little".
After convincing myself, I did exactly this.
The morning of the event, I woke up and ran to the mirror to see what my results were.
I had a nice dark tan, but it was also streaky and orangey looking. The last application also stained my hands terribly.
At this point there was nothing I could do. I tried stain remover, exfoliating again, etc.... nothing worked.
So at the event, I walked with my head high, in my orange dress and streaky, orange tan.
With this mistake (and multiple others), I learned some great tips on what NOT to do and this lead me to develop the perfect self tan routine (every. time.)
Step 1: Exfoliate your body the day before. I recommend exfoliating mitts (we retail them for $4). Do on dry skin before you get in the shower. This form of "dry brushing" is great for circulation, helping you achieve a closer shave and rids your skin of dead skin cells and buildup.
Following this, use a good sugar scrub in the shower (head to toe).
Step 2: Get rid of your hair. Shave (day before). Wax (do this 1-2 days before your self tan). Do your regular hair removal in advance.
Step 3: MOISTURIZE. Do a little extra moisturizing the night before, to help soften those rough areas.
Self Tan Day. I recommend you do this in the evening when you have spare time and wear only a cotton robe (if you need to walk around the house). Also, sleep naked or wear loose clothes without any elastics.
Step 4: Shower. Rinse your body well.
Step 5: Moisturize your knees, toes, between the fingers/ knuckles, elbows... those 'creasy' areas that tend to have dry patches.
Step 6: Apply self tanner in small circular motions, lightly and working quickly, in this order.
ANKLE, LEGS, HIP on both sides; then gently run your hands over the tops of your feet with the residue left over with the self tan.
Apply on your BACK and BUM (you may need someone to help with this. If you don't have help- a self tan mitt is helpful or you may have to bend your arms to reach all areas of you back)
Apply to your BELLY and SIDES of body.
Apply to your ARMS and SHOULDERS (when you reach the wrist, gently fade the tanner over the back of the hands and in the wrist area)
Apply to your CHEST area, fading up into the neck area.
Wash hands really well.
Step 7: Stay naked for 10-15 minutes or until the self tanner is dry. Wear loose clothing to avoid any lines.
A great self tanner for beginners is the Whish Self Tanner. We retail this self tanner because it gives a beautiful glow without looking orangey and being too dark. Its also formulated with clean ingredients and is cruelty free.
Another great brand is St.Tropez. The self tan mousse is easy to apply and gives you a dark, mid summer tan.
I hope this article helps you with your self tanning skills!
If you have any questions or feedback, don't hesitate to send a message on FB!
Good luck!
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