I’ve been using self-tanner for several years so I thought I would write a full post on what I have learned, both the good and the bad. In addition to my personal experience I will answer some frequently asked questions about self tanning.
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What is self-tanner?
Self-tanner is a product that is applied to the skin in order to achieve a sunless tan. Common self-tanner formulas are mousse, water, drops, and lotion. There are a wide variety of self tanner products, ranging from gradual tanning that require multiple applications to one-time instant deep tanners.
How do self-tanners work?
Self tanning products contain certain active ingredients which react with the skin surface to temporarily create a faux tan. Unlike a real tan, self tanning products to not require UV ray exposure, which is why I began self tanning several years ago.
From my experience, most self tanners will produce color within several hours after application. I typically apply at night and wake up to a nice glow in the morning. If I desire a deeper color, I will apply an additional coat each day for 2-3 consecutive days.
Below are some picture of my skin with self-tanner. I have naturally fair skin and love the healthy glow I can achieve at home with self tanning products.
How do you prep for self-tanner application?
Preparation is critical to achieve a flawless tan. It took me a lot of trial and error to nail down a preparation and application process that works best for me. It is important to note that what works for me, may not be the process that is best for you.
Below are the steps I take immediately prior to self-tanner application, give it a try and tweak as necessary for your needs!
- Shower and Exfoliate
- Shave
- Lightly apply lotion to knees, elbows, wrists, and ankles
- Let skin dry fully
Self tanning preparation products
I found that my tan lasts longer when using an exfoliator cloth.
Can I use an exfoliating scrub? Yes, however when I use an exfoliator scrub my tan usually doesn’t last as long. I read somewhere that fragrances can cause a faux tan to fade quicker, which might be why this happens for me. Try it out and see what happens for you! Personally, I try to apply minimal products to my skin prior to self-tanner application.
This is the fragrance free lotion I use on my knees, elbows, wrists, and ankles. Just one or two small drops is all you need. These areas usually get much darker than other body parts and the lotion application helps my color to look more even around these areas.
How do you apply self-tanner?
Here are the application methods I use, depending on the product type.
Tanning Mousse & Tanning Water
For mousse products, I will put 1-2 pumps on this mitt and then apply in a circular motion. When the product is fully absorbed, I will repeat this process until I’ve covered my entire body, excluding the face (more on that below). After applied, allow to dry for 10-15 minutes. For a deeper tan, I will reapply again the next day. Wash hands immediately after application.
Facial Self Tanners
Mousse and tanning water products do not apply evenly to my face, therefore I use tanning drops formulated specifically for the face. You may not need to do this, but this is what works best for me.
To apply facial self tanner drops, you will mix 3-4 drops with your facial moisturizer in the palm of your hand. After the products are mixed thoroughly, spread it over the face and neck. Make sure to apply evenly and really smooth it in until fully absorbed. Allow to dry for 10 minutes or so. Wash hands immediately after application.
Self-Tanning Lotion
For lotion based self-tanners, I apply in a circular motion using my bare hands. The current lotion I use is a buildable product and works well on my face also, therefore I do not typically use facial tanning drops noted above when I use lotion based self-tanners.
After application, allow to dry 10-15 minutes. For a deeper tan, I will follow this process for three consecutive days, but only exfoliating and shaving the first day. Wash hands immediately after application.
Tanning Your Hands
Trust me here, this is tricky! IYKYK.
The problem with tanning your hands is that they often end up orange looking and streaky after applying tanner all over the body. It is so important to wash hands after applying tanner to the body. After that, this is how I use self tanner on my hands:
- Tanning mouse and water: Take a fluffy makeup brush (designate it for self tanning only) and lightly mist or dab self tanner onto the brush. Gently brush product over entire hand and wrist. Make sure to bend fingers to get in the knuckle creases and don’t forget to get in between each finger.
- Tanning lotion: Using tip of index or middle finger, apply 1-2 drops of lotion and lightly blend over entire hand and wrist. Make sure to bend fingers to get in the knuckles and don’t forget to get in between each finger. Gently wash finger and allow hands to dry for 15-20 minutes.
Self-tanner after care
After applying self-tanner and if possible, I will wear loose fitting clothes for the day. I usually wait at least 8 hours before showering in order to allow the color to really develop.
When it’s time to shower, use a gentle body wash or soap. Again, I prefer a fragrance free product to avoid any interaction with the self-tanner color. When you do shower, be sure to avoid scrubbing your skin and also any type of coarse cloth, loofah, or exfoliator towel because this will cause the color to quickly fade.
After a gentle shower, carefully pat dry your skin. Again, be sure to avoid any rubbing of the skin in order to protect the color of your tan.
It is important to note that showering will cause any tan to fade quicker. When I do use self tanners I avoid daily showers if at all possible. If you shower frequently your tan will fade much faster, so be sure to plan accordingly. If I do need to shower often/daily, I usually apply tanner every 2 days.
I also wash my face twice a day, therefore I will reapply self tanning product to my face each night after my skincare routine. This is why facial tanning drops are convenient… they mix right in with your usual moisturizer!
How long does self tanner last?
From my experience, self-tanner will last between 3-7 days. If I want an extended tan, I will usually follow the application process again after 3 full days.
Several factors impact the duration of color including the quality of your self tanner, preparation before your application, your skin type, how often you shower, and how you care for your skin after application.
Types of self-tanners
These are the three primary types of tanners
- Mousse: Easy to apply and comes in colored or clear. If the product is colored, you can see where you have already applied product, which is great for beginners.
- Water: This applies clear and has given great long lasting color. It applies clear, which is great for people with experience using self-tanners.
- Lotion: For a gradual and buildable tan. This one gives me the most natural looking tan.
Best Self-Tanner
This is a highly personal question because it will vary for every person based on tanning goal, skin type, lifestyle, etc.
With that, I have tried several different self tanners and my self tanning preferences have changed over the years. Currently, I am trying to use clean beauty products that contain more natural ingredients, fewer fragrances, no dyes, etc. When it comes to “clean” beauty, self-tanners are tricky because of the ingredients. However, my two current favorites are Beauty by Earth and Sol Bar. You can check out their websites to learn more about their products and ingredients. Both have given me great color.
Here are some of the self tanner products I have tried before and liked!
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