Self tanner season is upon us and many people are looking for ways to get a sun-kissed glow without damaging their skin. Self-tanning products have come a long way in recent years and there are now many options available to help achieve a natural, healthy-looking tan. 

However, as popular as self tanning products are, a lot of people are still struggling with proper application. No matter how expensive or well-liked the self tanning product of your choice is, you will end up looking like a hot mess if you don’t apply it in the correct way. So let’s do a little self tanner 101, to help you look like a bronze goddess in the upcoming warmer days. 

Why even bother with self tanner?

Before we talk about the best ways to apply self tanner and maintain a bronze complexion, let me first remind you of why it’s such a great product. Sure, being tan isn’t the most important thing in the world. But if you were born with the skin tone of Casper the Friendly Ghost, you might feel a bit self-conscious going outside in shorts. Especially if everyone around you looks like they’ve been on a tropical vacation. 

To get a little bit of a tan, without accumulating any sun damage, self tanners are your safest and most straightforward option. Self tanning is also considerably cheaper than options such as spray tan. It’s pretty quick as well, and you can even do it the night before a big event. But in order for it to look decent, there are certain steps that you’ll have to follow.

Exfoliate

Before you apply self-tanner, it’s important to exfoliate your skin. This will help to remove any dead skin cells that can cause your tan to look uneven. You can use a body scrub or an exfoliating glove to get the job done. Don’t do it immediately before you apply self tanner. I would suggest shaving and exfoliating the night before so that your skin has enough time to regenerate. You’ll have a smooth surface to apply your self tanner, and you won’t have to deal with those annoying orange patches.

Moisturize

Your self tanner will only look good if your skin is moisturized! Now, this isn’t something that you can achieve overnight. My number one tip would be to use a rich body lotion after every shower, but apply an extra thick layer before you start your self tanner season. This will soften out your skin, and your self tanning products will also glide much more smoothly. Self tanner can be a bit drying, so make sure to use lotion in between applications as well. 

Use a Mitt

To ensure an even, streak-free application, it’s best to use a self-tanning mitt. This will help to spread the product evenly over your skin and prevent your hands from getting stained. When it comes to your face, you can use a kabuki brush or a beauty blender. This will help you apply the product in a lighter layer, and you can even use some extra self tanner on the places where you would normally apply bronzer. That gives your face a naturally sculpted look.

Let it Dry

Once you’ve applied the self-tanner, be sure to let it dry completely before getting dressed. You don’t want to risk getting your clothes stained. Also, it takes a little time to develop, so be patient. You may not see immediate results, but after a few hours, you should start to see a noticeable difference. Shower the excess product off, and don’t forget to moisturize your skin afterward. 

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