Having a healthy glow is important to me. I am naturally very fair skinned, so I enjoy a good base glow. It allows me to wear more colors, and I have an overall confidence when I’m tan.
When J & I took a trip to Arkansas in May, my cousin and her roommate asked “Do people in California fake tan?” We had to giggle a bit because the answer is absolutely YES. One, it takes a lot of time to lay out. Two, (believe it or not) it gets pretty chilly at the beach during the winter, so people avoid it at all costs.
Personally, I avoid tanning beds. I did a lot of tanning bed tans when I was in high school and college and the older I get, the more I realize how important it is to protect your skin from UV Rays.
My Self-Tanning Tips:
1. Exfoliate & shave prior to using the self-tanner.
2. While applying, be sure to use sparingly on the elbows, knees, hands and feet.
3. Choose a self-tanner that goes on dark, so you can avoid streaks.
4. Start from the bottom. Start on your legs, then work your way up to your stomach and arms. (If you start at the top and work your way down, you risk creases on your stomach).
5. Use a mirror. (Especially for hard to see places like your back).
6. Leave it on as long as possible. (I’m not encouraging you to skip showers, but it is best to leave it on overnight).
7. Moisturize daily. (Dry skin will cause the tan to flake off. If your skin is moisturized, your fake tan will stay much longer).
8. Try to avoid shaving. Shaving will take of your top layers of skin which will likely take off your tan.
9. Don’t be afraid to try self tanner on your face. Many self tanner brands offer a face lotion, or you could use a tiny dab in your moisturizer. (I recommend using small dabs and working your way up until you feel comfortable).
I recently had the opportunity to try Fake Bake tanning lotion and I think it is my new favorite. It goes on dark so I can see where I’m rubbing the lotion in, which is a must for me. It is a brown color, and therefore it looks way more brown than orange when it dries.
I also found it to last a lot longer than some of the self-tanners I’ve used in the past. (I felt “tan” for about 4-5 days after without reapplying).
What is your favorite self tanner?
I'm an avid self-tanner, but I've yet to find time to even do it! haha
I will have to try this! I love self tanner.
I'm going to Vegas in two days and I am SO white! I need to self tan immediately! Ahhh!
xx
Holly Foxen Wells
GlamourMash
I am going to have to try this! I have been using the Sun Laboratories lotions for awhile now and really like it, but who doesn't need options in the fake tan department?
http://pardonmf.blogspot.com
I used to be a big time tanner too – I do the self tanner now or laying out when I actually can (not as good… but better than a tanning bed??). I use Tan Towells and they never leave streaks which is great.
http://www.itsthelittlethingsblog.blogspot.com
I like the effect of this self tan! It looks very natural 🙂
great tips! my personal favorite is by kiehls, and i've tried quite a few in my day. i tanned in high school too – i wish i could go back and slap myself!
I'm a huge fan of Jergen's Natural Glow. It goes on nicely on my fair skin and doesn't streak. Plus, they recently got a new formula without the awful smell!
The color look really natural on your legs! I am lucky that I tan really easily so I don't use fake tanner but this one looks great! Also love the title of your blog! xx Rena Kiss and Make Up
Can you believe I have never faked tanned…ever!! I will keep your post in mind if I do….I get how there is a right way to do it!!
You did a great job! The first and last time I did self-tanner, it was completely blotchy and uneven. lol!
laviedetaylor.blogspot.com
Wow! Awesome post. I am super pale… This was helpful! Thank you so much!
xoxo
Kelly
kellyinthecity.com