My Self Tanning Guide

Although I tend to embrace the pale all winter long, I actually have a bit of an olive undertone and can get pretty dark if I’m in the sun a lot. You know I’m all about SPF so I try not to get too much sun, but I still love to have a tan. Doesn’t everybody just feel like they look better with a tan? Since I now try to stay out of the sun I’m all about self tanner. These are the products that I have found that really work:

Sunless Tanner

Of course number one is a good sunless tanner. I have found this mousse from Bondi Sands is the closest thing to a spray tan. I use the ultra dark color. It has more of an olive tone to it so it’s not orangey. It looks a little crazy when you first put it on but it gives me a nice even color and looks really natural!

Face Tanner

You already know I have a love for Drunk Elephant and these new Bronzi Drops are a great addition! You just mix a drop of this bronzing serum with your moisturizer to give your face a little glow. You can build up the color based on the ratio of bronzer to moisturizer you use and the serum is full of antioxidants that fight against fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and dullness. Win-win!

Bronzer

When I just want to add a little glow to the high points of my face I reach for my favorite bronzer – Bareminerals Warmth. It’s an oldie but goodie and seriously the best bronzer there is!

Body Bronzer

When I don’t have time for self tanner or want to help make my self tanner last longer I use this Vita Liberata Body Blur. It’s moisturizing and gives some temporary color and shimmer. Like summer in a bottle!

My Current Self Tanning Routine

• The day before I apply my self tanner, I exfoliate my body and shave. I have been LOVING this Josie Maran Argan Sugar Balm Body Scrub. It smells and feels AMAZING on your skin and definitely gets the exfoliating job done! You want to remove all dead skin cells and/or any old self tanner you have left on your skin before applying new self tanner.
• After exfoliating and shaving, I apply my favorite body oil so my skin is clean, prepped, and nice and moisturized! Hydrated skin will hold onto the self tanner longer than dry skin.
• The next day, I apply my self tanner! (You shouldn’t apply lotion on the same day you’re applying self tanner, so the day you apply self tanner, don’t put lotion on beforehand). I bought this applicator mitt to apply the self tanner with and LOVE it. It makes the self tanner go on so smooth without any streaks.
• Let it dry for about 2 minutes before getting dressed.
• Done!