At Home Self Tanning Tips

As you know, I’m all about a good faux glow. I love a good spray tan but found that you can get results that are just as good (and for a fraction of the price) with self tanner at home. No one wants to look like an oompa loompa, but that doesn’t mean self tanner has to be scary! It takes a little practice and dedication, but you can get a glow that’ll have everyone convinced you just came back from a tropical vacation with some easy at home self tanning tips (and the right product).

At Home Self Tanning Tips:

+ Shave and exfoliate – always shave and exfoliate your skin the day before so you get rid of any dead skin on your body. This allows product to go on smoothly, dry skin stuck on your body will create patchy spots that make it look obvious you used self tanner.

+ Moisturize – moisturize before applying self tanner to create a smooth base for the product. Make sure it has completely absorbed before using self tanner.

+ Use a tanning mitt – you can rub product in with your hands, but a tanning mitt ensures a smoother and more consistent application.

+ Avoid your hands and feet – these areas of your body absorb tanner more easily and get darker than the rest of your body. Apply a thicker moisturizer or barrier cream on your hands, feet, elbows, and knees to keep them from getting too dark or orange.

+ Don’t shower or sweat right away – kind of no brainer but at home self tanners usually need at least a few hours to set or else they will streak or wash off.

+ Layer product –  this helps you get a deeper color that lasts longer! A lot of people think one coat is enough, but I often have to apply a couple layers before I get the color (think: post vacation glow) I want.

+ Use a lemon to fix mistakes – believe it or not this works! If you accidentally use too much or apply tanner unevenly, use a little lemon to color correct. Think of it as an all natural Tide eraser pen for your skin.

+ Choose the right product – my favorite by far is St. Tropez, I love the new dark mousse formula and the golden bronze color it gives you.

Some other products I’ve tried and had good results with:

Bali Body – you can read my review here.

Isle of Paradise – really into the tanning mist, I spray it on after the shower and it goes on smoothly and not orange at all.

Tan Luxe – drops you can mix into your favorite moisturizer for an even glow.

Jergen’s – an old school drug store favorite that is reliable and affordable.

For all of these brands, I use medium to medium/dark since I naturally have a darker base.

What are your at home self tanning tips? xx

swimsuit: l*space | hat: lack of color | sunglasses: quay | bag: clare v 

towel: skova from box of style | earrings: luv aj | necklace: similar