Bronzed to Perfection

It's time for summer ready skin!  Memorial Day is just around the corner!  We all know we are supposed to stay out of the sun.  But how do we get that summer glow we all want? I have my top picks for self tanners and importantly the how to's to get your skin ready for the tanner so you have an even, flawless application.

Step 1 - Exfoliate your body.

Exfoliation is one of the most important first steps when it comes to preparing your skin for a self tanner. Dry, rough patches of skin tend to attract and hold more color than skin which is smooth and soft. Failing to exfoliate before spray tanning can result in blotchy patches of dye on your elbows, knees, and other rough areas. Use a dry brush (see below for my pick), loofah or other type of exfoliating tool to scrub your entire body. (you can go to my dry brushing tutorial here).  A body scrub with sea salt or other exfoliating products also provides the optimum results. I have linked a few scrubs as well that are non irritating but exfoliate and moisturize in one step.

Step 2 -  Shave unwanted hair.

Shave before applying the tanner.  Do not wait to do that after the application.  While excessive body hair will not impair the ability of self tanners to stick to your skin, shaving soon after putting on a self tanner can be detrimental. Shaving may cause color to flake off from your skin.  

Step 3 - Avoid These Before the Tan
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I know skin is often dry in the summer but refrain from using skin lotions and moisturizers  immediately before applying tanner as these lotions often block the tanner from sticking to your skin. The same applies to products like antiperspirant, deodorant, make-up, perfume, or powder as they too can block the adherence of the tanner to your skin, resulting in blotchy coloration.

Step 4 - Apply the Tanner.

My favorite at home tan towels are linked here and also in the pictures below.  I like these because they are large in size (read I can get my whole back by myself with these).  Also because this is not a liquid, the towels are very easy to bring when I travel.  It is also really hard to mess these up. I have found very even application when using them.  And the smell is not bad. I will never say a self tanner smells good - they just don't - even when products say they smell good.  But this one is definitely not offensive. You could easily tan and go to work without smelling like a tanning salon.  If you ever do have any self tanner streaking, I have also added the bronzing powders I use as a contouring powder but they also quickly fix any mess ups in my self tanner.

Step 4 - Wear the proper clothes 

Self tanning solutions are likely to remain damp for awhile after you apply. If you can air day that is the best way to ensure an even application that does not get on your clothes.  If you cannot air dry, wear dark, lightweight, loose clothing so there is no staining of your clothes.  

Step 5 - Protect to Tan.

Don't sweat within the first 8 hours of applying the tanner.  Otherwise you may have streaking.  Also, after tanning, avoid lotions, creams, deodorant, or other personal hygiene items that could interfere with the tan adhering to the skin.  
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My picks below for all the products to get you from Snow White to Bronzed Goddess.  Just click on the pictures to be taken directly to the products.  Use arrows to scroll among products.

Can't wait to see you bronzed beauties at the beach!

Pictures courtesy of Pinterest.