It’s only spring but the weather is starting to feel like summer already. When it feels like summer, I have an urge to look like summer and that comes in the form of bronze, healthy skin! I learned from a young age to stay out of the sun because of how damaging it can be. The alternative solution has always been self-tanners. I know so many people who run from self-tanners because they have a bad rap of fading unevenly and turning the skin orange. Since it’s that time of the year, I want to share my ultimate self-tanner guide! I hope this will make you reconsider tanning products so that you can get glowing skin without taking risks!
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Before starting the process, I recommend that you exfoliate well and dry off. However, don’t dry off completely. I like to have a little dampness so that my skin stays soft and that I can spread the product easily. I also like to start at my feet and work my way up, leaving my hands for last. Now that we’ve covered my basics, let’s go through my favorite products.
Vita Liberata
I have used the Vita Liberata line for years and have always loved it for the quick-drying formula that delivers instant, natural-looking color that doesn’t fade so quickly. It works excellent on all skin tones so all my fair-skinned girls can be confident that they won’t end up with the slightest tinge of orange.
Tan-Luxe
Tan-Luxe’s self-tanner drops are great because unlike your traditional self-tanners, you mix these with your favorite lotion and can control the final color based on the number of drops you add. I’m always amazed with the natural radiance and warmth that I end up with.
St. Tropez
I like the St. Tropez self-tanner because of the mousse texture that is so easy to spread. The color tailors to your specific skin tone so you don’t have to worry about picking the wrong one. The color comes off more of a neutral brown rather than orange and goes on evenly. It also doesn’t fade so fast and that’s always a bonus!
Coola
If you’re looking for an express option (meaning applies swiftly) that will give you easy access to hard-to-reach areas, you must try this Coola mist. Aside from effectively adding color and radiance to your skin, its jam packed with natural, beneficial skincare ingredients. The only downside is that it’s not the most long lasting.
Clarins
The Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel sinks in immediately and dries in about 5 minutes while delivering a beautiful finish. The gel consistency is perfect because it makes blending so easy! It’s also tinted so you know exactly where to apply it.
Jergens
If you’re looking to get your feet wet with self-tanners, I highly recommend Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer. For one, it’s super affordable. However, it also builds color gradually so you won’t get any surprises. This product is great for beginners because it’s streak free and won’t make a mess in staining your towels or clothes.
TanTowel
If you’re just not into lotions, gels, mousses, or sprays, there’s another option you should consider. Enter self-tanning towels. TanTowel is a great option for fair to medium skin tones. In terms of application, you take a disposable towelette and rub it over your skin. It gently exfoliates the skin and will give you blotch-free results.
Dr. Dennis Gross
Another tanning towel option is from Dr. Dennis Gross, a brand I love. It’s a exfoliating self tanner that firms and smooths skin with ingredients like caffeine and Vitamin D while mitigating shaving needs. All you do is apply the towel to your body in circular motions until it’s dry. I love that the final color is so natural.
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What are some of your go-to self-tanners?
