How To Expertly Apply Self Tanner

We all know that the health of our skin is directly correlated to one big decision: ‘fake’ or ‘bake?’ You should ALWAYS opt to use a self tanner over extended exposure to the sun. But going to the salon for a professional spray tan is expensive and time consuming. Achieve the same thing at home by following this simple guide.   

Supplies

• Self tanning spray mist
• Lotion
• Cotton balls
• Shower cap
• Hair blow dryer
• Powder puff

Start with clean, exfoliated skin. Put on a shower cap to protect hair, and insert cotton balls into your ears. This will prevent buildup in ears and product from entering your ear canal. Next, protect nails and cuticles by dabbing a bit of lotion them. Then, stand on a towel. Not only to protect the floor, but also to ensure you don’t step in residual tanner while you’re moving around and end up with stained feet.

Now it’s time to tan! Always opt for a mist instead of lotion because it is much easier to apply and it’s easier for you to avoid streaks. Stand with legs a little wider than hip width apart and softly bend knees to keep tanner from creasing. When you are ready to mist your bum, push it back slightly to avoid missing the area where the bum meets the thigh. Start from the bottom up and go very light on the tops of your feet. Your biggest priority when doing your own spray tan is very even coverage. So, no matter how deep you want your tan to look, think layers!

Begin by coating your whole body lightly and then start over again to build coverage. When doing your face keep in mind that you likely wash it more than the rest of your body so you might want to layer on just a touch more self tanner. Or, reapply it sooner to keep it looking the same as the rest of your body. Inspect everything closely when you’re done and if you find an area that’s blotchy use the powder puff to smooth it out.

Last, use your hair dryer to ensure that the mist dries completely. Don’t take a bath or shower for 24 hours. Then bathe to remove any residue. Don’t wear light colored garments during the first 24 hours to avoid staining them. Within a day you’ll look like you just returned from vacation!