Friday, November 12, 2010

Self Tanner 101

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For years I have been a slave to the sun. The problem is that too much sun is terrible for your skin. It ages you and can also cause cancer. In the last few years I have worked hard to change my habits. I wear sunscreen every day and stay away from long sun sessions and roasting in tanning beds.  Now when I want a sun-kissed look I grab a bottle of self-tanner. I like to consider myself a bit of an expert. Here are some tips to give you a nice even glow:

1. Exfoliate The Skin. 
This is extremely important because exfoliating before application will make your skin smoother for a more even tan. Make sure to pay attention to spots that are prone to dryness like knees, elbows and knuckles.

2. Moisturize. 
Self-tanner can actually be drying. I recommend applying lotion first. This way your skin is soft and moist and will absorb the self-tanner better.

3. Start Off Light. 
This goes for both the application and the color of self-tanner you use. I promise you that it will come out darker than you expect. If you are brand new to this I would start with a tanning lotion or a build-a-tan version. This will allow you to experiment without looking like a oompa-loompa the next day (trust me I've been there)! Lightly rub tanner all over body. 

4. Cover Or Wash. 
Always wash hands after applying. If you are going to put on multiple coats then wash hands in between coats to keep the tanner from setting.  You can also use latex gloves when applying. Another great tip is to put Vaseline on the rough parts of skin to keep them from getting too tan. 

5. Be Patient. 
The longer you allow it to set the more color you will get. Wait as long as possible before getting dressed. I like to take an evening shower and then relax in a dingy robe while it sets. Then I put on old pajamas and sleep with it on. This is a little risky if you aren't use to self-tanning. I have been doing this so often that most of the time I wake up and it works perfectly, but sometimes I wake up to a hug streak on my arm or fluorescent orange fingers. After a few times you will find a method that works well for you. 


Photo: We Heart It

33 comments:

Anna said...

Great post Taylor, I have always wanted to try self tanner but never had the guts, maybe now I can try! Definitely the best way to go instead of slaving in the sun for hours.
Enjoy your weekend.
xxx

http://www.theothersideofthepondmydear.blogspot.com

Natalie Suarez said...

great post! i hardly ever go in the sun! awfully pale at the moment. these are great tips on how to look sun kissed! :)

natalieoffduty.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Haha I'm just trying to imagine waking up with a huge streak on me! Thank you for your advice! I always find the hands the hardest part xxx
http://reallyliteral.blogspot.com/

Leya said...

amazing post...
how useful =)

*** said...

Thanks for sharing. I am not a good expert at applying self- tanner, that's why I usually buy lighter shades so it is not that obvious if I mess up.

Have a lovely weekend!

xo

Emilie said...

Thanks for the tips!
Definitely the best way to go instead of staying in the sun for hours risking a cancer.

Vinda Sonata said...

great post.
this is very inspiring.
i love tanning so much.

thanks for sharing taylor:)

Unknown said...

I didn't know all of this. THANK YOU Taylor!

Sammy said...

Great post :) Thank goodness I have always been tanned though natutally!

Sam

Lilacandgrey said...

:D
Happy weekend!
<3 Cara
Lilac and Grey

ThE fAsHiOn WoRsHiPeR said...

Great idea considering I've already lost my summer glow... :(

XoXo-Kelli K
http://thefashionworshiper.blogspot.com

jenn from midlife modern said...

I love self-tanner. My only problem is the smell. Actually, it's not my problem; it's my boyfriend's. He tells me I smell like kitty litter when I spray it on, which is not exactly a boost to my ego. But whatever! I'm tan!

Ronisha said...

Taylor :) your rocked this post helpful tips ... Love!

http://vannoybfashion-ronisha119.blogspot.com

Taylor Sterling said...

Thanks everyone! If you try let me know how it goes!

Jenn- it is so funny you say that, Mine actually smells ok yet still my bf says that I smell terrible. However, then he liked when I look tan. Ha!

Unknown said...

i'm a slave to the self tanner too! i love L'Oreal Sublime Bronze lotion!
XXO

FASHION SNAG said...

Great post! I should try some self tanner because I get really pale! lol

www.FashionSnag.com

Unknown said...

great tips.yea im more of s self tanner girl but I always use instand tan that washs off so least if i do mess up i can wash it off.

something ive learnt also , is that dont shave your legs that day if your going to be applying tan, make sure and shave your legs the day before or it will look patchy and uneven

http://myheadandwardrobe.blogspot.com/

Joie de Viv said...

Great tips Taylor! I rarely tan but I'll bust out the spray can every so often. #5 is usually my problem though. and also if I don't remember to put some lotion around the heels and in between the toes, it can look a little funky.
Have a great Friday & weekend Taylor!

xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com
*** Last day to enter CSN $45 GC Giveaway! ***

Jamie said...

Great post! I love the sprays much better than the lotions. There is no streaking and they don't really smell bad. I like Banana Boat Self Tanning Mist Airbrush color. It isn't expensive but it really is great!!

http://www.glamlatte.com

Alicia Lund said...

Oh this is such a useful post!! I have a hard part with the very last step - I always get dressed too soon! And I'll have to try L'Oreal or Dermaquest self tanner next time!

Mara said...

I've worked closely with the cosmetics industry for almost 10 years and I've always said L'Oreal makes the best bronzer. Also, Lancome.

Stephanie said...

Great post! :D

Stay happy & Live.Laugh.Love.
http://www.style1509.blogspot.com

Bohemian Redhead said...

Thanks so much for the post. I have experimented with tanning for a while now and really like it. One thing that always pops up...how does one get their back tan? Do you have your bf or a friend put the lotion on your back for you? Just curious ;)

http://bohemianredhead.blogspot.com/

Taylor Sterling said...

Stacey,

I do it myself. I use the spray can and aim at at different angles up and down my back. it works out pretty good. :)

W said...

I don't know if you know this or not, but a topical cream is being worked on that will give a natural tan (because it works with the melanin in the skin). its basically going to be a legitimate sunless tan.

Gudrun and Iris said...

honestly, even with those tips i can never get it right. am pretty pale and i think i will stay that way. self tanner rubs off on the sheets, on white blouses and t-shirts and on white underwear after a few days when you sweat a bit. i have to admit that most clothes look better on slightly golden skin and boy you look much slimmer on the beach with a tan but i will save that for very special occasions and stay milk&honey in the meantime. it's kind of easier living in london too ;)

http://londonviennacologne.blogspot.com/

Josie said...

PERFECT post, my dear. I love having a sun-kissed glow (I'm really, really pale) but I'm always so worried about doing it right. Thankfully, Jergens is pretty foolproof in my experience!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Alyssa / A Muse a Day said...

Great tips! I swear I'm dysfunctional when it comes to self-tanner. I follow all these steps pretty much to a T but somehow I still get streaky. Luckily, spray tans are getting better AND cheaper.

By the way, I nominated you for a Happy 101 award on my blog. I hope you'll check it out and participate if you have time :)

hip hip gin gin said...

I so wish I could finally figure out self tanner, unfortunately I've never had it work and I've tried all the brands and all the tricks. I think my baseline color is just too pale to pull it off. Sad really, as much as I embrace the paleness, it would be nice to not be quite so pasty every once in a while.

Tanya Dempsey said...

Great tips! I even add a dab in my moisturizer for my legs - as I talk about in a trick for gorgeous gams.

xx

November Grey

Pop over for an awesome Art Giveaway

Roxan said...

Yay, thanks for DermaQuest mention Tay! It is the best self tanner on the market! xoxo

Sarah Klassen said...

As a fair, freckle-less redhead, I swear by self-tanners... all year round I use them, lightening a bit for fall/winter seasons. I have tried expensive, inexpensive and everything in between. Once you find the right one for you and your skin type, it's a breeze. These tips are fabulous!

Sarah said...

I also avoid the sun and wear sunscreen everyday. I know how bad it is for your skin. I LOVE airbrush tans!

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