Before my wedding I had been going to spray tanning salons for my showers and any pictures I was having before hand. I absolutely loved the color and how the tan made me feel. It gave me so much more self confidence! I had been paying $100-$150 per spray tan. When the wedding was over, I decided to invest in a spray tanner for my house. Not something I do for myself but my husband was all about spray tanning me! He is a perfectionist, something I am not, LOL. I was doing the spray tan pretty regularly, the upkeep was a lot, always having to wash out the sprayer and jars, putting the spray tent away, taking it back out, kind of bulky and time consuming! So the amount I was using it was less and less. Throughout the past year I have become more fluent in self tanners, gloves, drops, water sprays, gradual lotions, mousse, you name it, I’ve tried it.
I have used several different tanners from Coco & Eve, Tanologist to St. Tropez. Trying to find the best one that doesn’t have a “smell” or turn my skin orange has been a long time in the making. I think I have found my match though! St. Tropez has a couple different lines. I have tried all of them. I love the Purity Line for my face and hands. I feel like it nourishes my skin while also helping to tan. Doesn’t feel tacky, sticky, etc. The Classic Bronzing Mousse is my favorite for my upper body and the Self Tan Express for my lower body. If you are anything like me, I DON’T TAN! It’s like my legs repel the sun and don’t absorb at all, they are the whitest thing you will ever see in person. As for my upper body, I tend to burn super easy. There seems to be no in between for me. Which is why I have started to resort to self-tanners.
Some tips I found useful:
Exfoliate! One thing I've learned is the importance of exfoliating before applying any tanning product. It helps to create a smooth surface for the tanner to adhere to, which results in a more even and natural-looking tan. If you do happen to make a mistake or end up with streaks, don’t panic! There are products specifically designed to correct tanning errors, or you can use a gentle exfoliator to help even things out.
Tanning Mitt! Use a tanning mitt for application. It not only protects your hands from staining but also helps to blend the product more seamlessly.
Moisturize! Moisturize your skin regularly to maintain the tan and prevent it from looking patchy as it fades. I find that using a gradual tanning lotion in between applications helps to extend the life of my tan and keeps my skin hydrated.
Lastly, don’t forget to take care of your tan once it’s applied. Avoid long, hot showers and try to pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it with a towel to prevent the tan from fading unevenly. Wearing loose, dark clothing immediately after application can also help to avoid any unwanted transfer of the product.
And most importantly, enjoy the confidence that a beautiful, sun-kissed glow can bring. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just to feel a bit more radiant day-to-day, self-tanning can be a wonderful way to boost your self-esteem and feel great in your skin.
Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you use self-tanners, the better you will get at applying them evenly. And don't be afraid to experiment with different products and techniques until you find what works best for you. Thank you for reading, and I hope you found these tips helpful. Feel free to share your own experiences and any products you love. Together, we can all achieve that perfect, natural-looking tan! Happy tanning!
