12 Best Self-Tanning Tips for a 100% Natural-Looking Glow
I don't know who needs to hear this, but PUT ON YOUR SUNSCREEN. A temporary glow is not worth the long-term havoc UV rays wreak on your skin. Trust me, your future self will thank you. Instead, reach for a bottle of self-tanner. You'll be bronzed much quicker and, if you apply it right, the effect can last almost as long as a real tan (but without the risk of skin cancer).
Now, I'm sure as soon as I said "self-tanner" images of Jersey Shore cast members and You Know Who (I'm not gonna say it, but you know who I'm talking about) popped in your head. But don't worry – if you follow these self-tanner tips, your sunless tan will look 100% real. I promise.
Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate
For an even glow, start by buffing away dry, flaky skin. Use a handful of body scrub, then go over your entire body (FYI: you should be doing this 2-3 times a week, anyway).
Pay extra attention to your knees, elbows, and ankles – the spots that tend to get the driest. Just make sure you skip any products that contain oil, which basically acts as a protectant and will keep your skin from absorbing the tanning formula.
Shave before you apply
If you're a person who shaves (you 100% don't have to be, just to be clear), make sure to do it before you start applying your faux tan. Running a razor down your legs dislodges dead skin, which means you'll literally shave off your fresh tint.
Dry skin only, please
The pros over at St. Tropez have an in-shower bronzer specifically made for wet skin (it's amazing, fwiw), but if you're using a regular formula, your skin needs to be 100% dry. Make sure to give it a few minutes post-shower before you start applying, in order to get an even application. Stalk your ex's new gf's Instagram, text your sister back, and by the time you're done, you'll be ready to apply. Just give it like, 10 or 15 minutes, kay?
Re-apply to fast-fade areas
Because of normal human stuff, like hand-washing and shoe-wearing, your hands and feet tend to fade waaaay faster than the rest of your body. Avoid mismatched skin tones by reapplying to faded areas every few days.
Werk 👏 that 👏 mitt 👏
You know the mitt that comes with your sunless tanning kit? That little baby is the secret to a tint that looks airbrushed. It works as a buffer to polish the product seamlessly into your skin. Oh, and it'll keep your hands from glowing orange afterward.
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