So if you know me AT ALL…..I am pretty much obsessed with tanning during the summer months! Heck, give me 1 hot day in March and I’ll be out there! I think it’s actually sac-religious to sit inside on any sort of sunny day in the summer… I almost feel guilty doing it because I’m not utilizing those UV Rays! I know, I know it’s actually horrible for your skin and your overall well-being, I totally understand that one day I will probably have skin of leather…but I can’t help it! I have Ukrainian skin which tans instantly…and I love it! So I take advantage! I am guilty of hitting Fabutan every now and then…but I mainly rely on natural sunlight and sunless tanners! I find using sunless tanners without any sort of base increases the risk of having streaky/orange skin {but that may be caused by my lazy application process!} Below I have listed my favorite go to sunless tanners and the process in which you should follow to achieve a wonderful summer glow in the dead of winter or during the summer if you’re too busy to get outside!
Exfoliation is Key!
You must exfoliate! You can use self-tanning specific exfoliators such as Balea Self Tanner Exfoliator, or you can use any exfoliating body wash you may have in your tub currently! I use Malibu Mango Body Scrub from Bath & Body Works {it’s has the most delicious smell!}. Pay special attention to the rougher areas of your body, such as your elbows, knees and heels. Also, shave before you tan! If you shave post tan, you are going to shave off whatever tan you just applied to yourself!Application!
Apply tanner limb by limb, starting with your legs/ feet and working your way up your body. Make sure you are applying the tanner as evenly as possible to avoid streaking and uneven tones! Wait about 10 minutes {or the suggested wait time that’s listed on the bottle} before dressing. Also avoid any excessive activity that may make you sweat for at least a few hours, if your tan hasn’t had enough time to set, this may also cause streaking! A useful tip is to apply Vaseline to your cuticle and nails. This protects your nails and finger tips from staining {or ruining your manicure!}
Many self-tanners suggest you wash your hand immediately after application, so the palms of your hands and your fingertips don’t turn orange. A good tip to avoid washing the colour off the back of your hands is to rub the palms of your hands with a wet cloth, making sure to get in-between your fingers and checking for any product that may have gotten on your nails!
Tanners!
Now for the tanners! Spray or cream? High end or drug store brand? The choice is really up to you and what works well with your skin and your budget. Of course you can go to Holt Renfrew or the Bay and pick up a higher end self-tanner for $30-60 a bottle and it’s glorious, or you can head over to Shoppers Drug Mart and pick up a $10 bottle and receive similar results. It’s all about preference, the amount you’re willing to spend, and the overall colour you desire! Below I have listed my top picks for a high end and low end spray and cream!
Spray:
High – End Brand
Lancome Flash Bronzer Dream Legs Spray: $42.00/bottle
Drug Store Brand
L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Clear Self -Tanning Gel: $12.00/bottle
Cream:
High-End Brand {it’s a tie for the best!}
Lancome Flash Bronzer: $37.00/bottle
Kiehl’s Sun-Free Self-Tanning Formula: $32.00/bottle
Drug Store Brand
Jergens Natural Glow: $10.00/bottle {this is the brand I use. I use the dark skin level}
Happy Tanning!*
