How To Apply Self Tan For A Perfect Finish
Applying a fake tan which doesn't look false or streaky has been discussed time and again, but there really are some tips which must be followed to create a natural and golden tanned appearance. How much more sensible is it to apply a self tanning cream and save yourself from the ageing effects of a real tan? Also if you haven't been lucky enough to visit any sunnier shores for a while, its pretty unlikely with this year's grey skies that you will be able to achieve that desirable all over golden glow.
When Is The Best Time To Apply A Self Tan?
- The best time to plan a self tan application is a quiet mid week evening - that way you will have a great tan for the weekend if you are going out and it will allow time for the tan to dry if you are chilling at home.
What Is The Best Way To Prepare Your Skin For Self Tanning?
- Preferably have a shower rather than a bath as you will need to exfoliate which is much more effective in the shower where you can use a body polish, body buff or scrub to sluice away all those nasty dry skin cells which are going to ruin your smooth golden finish if not removed.
- Next when your skin is towel dried but still slightly damp from the shower, apply your favourite body moisturiser, using one which will soak into your skin rather than a richer, greasier type which will stay in a layer on your skin's surface. Make sure you pay attention to (working your way up) your heels, ankles, the front of your shins, knees, backs of hands, and elbows, ie anywhere your skin is likely to be dryer than the rest.
Applying Your Self Tan Product
- Next is the fun part - applying your fake tan. As well as many different brands in different price ranges, there are also a number of different varieties of self tanning products such as tanning lotions, mousses and sprays. All of these are also available in tinted versions to help you see where you have applied the product.
- Whichever is your preference, working your way up apply your tanning product as evenly as your can all over yourself - if you are going to apply self tan to your back you will either need a friend to help you, use one of the applicator sponges which are available with a long handle or use a spray which will work at any angle. The any angle sprays are pretty good, but you need to be careful you don't end up tanning your bathroom walls.
- If you are using a facial tanning product this also needs to be applied at this time, avoiding your hairline and eyebrows. Also be wary of applying it in the creases around your nose as this is a place excess tanning product can gather - any excess can be wiped away using a cotton-bud.
Make Sure You Remove Any Excess Product
- Once you are happy that you have applied everywhere, ensure that you wash the palms of your hands, including around your cuticles and also between your fingers.
- Using a damp flannel (only damp and not soaking wet) wipe any excess self tan from your toes, around the soles of your feet (brown soles look extremely odd), and from the creases in your elbows and under your arms. This will prevent tanning lotion gathering in these areas and creating darker brown areas.
Finishing Off
- Then ... relax - all the hard work is done and once your tanning product is dry I recommend dressing in some loose cotton clothing such as pyjamas which can be washed easily and chill.
The next day you should wake up with a healthy golden glow, which after another shower and application of moisturiser will look absolutely gorgeous.
Selected Self Tanning Products
If you have any fake tanning tips - or even disasters - it would be great to hear them.
