Even if you wash your hands after applying self-tanner, you might still notice streaks that appear 4 to 6 hours later. Yes! When you tan dead skin cells, those dead skin cells are going to eventually shed themselves not at the same time as the other skin cells, and so you could be left looking patchy or spotty." On the flip side, to achieve a darker color, apply another layer of the self-tanner. Multiple applications may be needed to get a deeper result, Wnek says. However, you can use instant self-tanner on your face if you've tanned yourself before and you have non-sensitive skin. Guess again! ", "Great step-by-step guide for beginners looking to achieve a beautiful, even tan. If you have a hairbrush with a smooth and even surface on the back, you can also use that to get your back. Put a tanning glove o one hand. Be extra careful not to use too much tanner this second time around. Last Updated: July 11, 2020 1. Here's how to apply a self tanner correctly and further proof that it won't turn you orange and it won't streak. If you don't have someone to help apply tanner on your back, use a spray or a sponge paintbrush or roller. The test: Apply self-tanner in minutes. Choose another answer! While everyone has their own schedule and preference, the Monday-Thursday plan will have you looking your best for the weekends, and won’t eat up too much of your time during the week. Try another answer... Nope! Next, put on latex gloves and start working the self tanner in using circular motions. Add a pump of self tanner to a tanning glove and rub down areas you … I followed the steps, which made me feel like I did, "I have always had a mobile spray tanner before, but I needed a tan at short notice. Can I go swimming in a pool after applying self tanner? "You can hide your veins, it will camouflage your cellulite, you can contour the body to appear 15 to 20 pounds lighter than you actually are." Shave and exfoliate your skin the day before you apply your self-tanner. To create this article, 45 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. It's fine to use it before going to bed, as the tan will be deeper the longer it has to set in. STEP 1: … Once you get out of the shower, be sure to pat yourself dry instead of rubbing, since rubbing of any kind can cause skin cells to shed. Don't worry about borders; the skin on your lips and nipples won't be very much affected by self tanner, so don't go out of your way to avoid them. "This way you really remove all of the dead skin cells that are sitting on top of the skin ready to come off," says Pradas. How often to apply self-tanner. 7.) Whether you like your skin to look slightly sun-kissed, or else a totally bronzed beach babe look, self tan is the quickest - and safest - way to fake a holiday glow. To extend the longevity of your self tanner try and moisturize your body once a day! Keep in mind that self-tanners won't protect against sunburn, so make sure to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day to shield against sunburn. What if your self-tan goes wrong? Every self-tanner tutorial starts with this step, for good reason: dry skin= streaky tan. Instead, gradual self-tanners work by building up your tan over several applications. According to Pradas, if you have oily skin, you should steer clear of creams oils and opt for a mousse formula. Additionally, avoid using body moisturizers first, as they could form a barrier on skin that prevents the tanner from developing evenly. If you aren't wearing gloves, use a timer and make sure you wash your hands every five minutes, scrubbing under and around the nails. The process of applying self-tanners begins by ensuring the blank canvas onto which you're about to paint is properly primed (and by this we mean your radiant skin of course!). The baby powder acts something like face powder for your makeup, locking the self-tanner in place and preventing creases. Problems in self-tanner application Abnormal skin tone because of self-tanner. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. How to Prepare the Body for Self-Tanner Application? If you see a mistake right away, you should try to blend it out with a makeup sponge or brush, or even try blotting it with a paper towel. SELF-TANNER HACK #9: hold off on applying … You can also spread the tanner on your chin and nose and then work it outward in a circular motion. Freckles and moles are likely to darken along with your skin. Focus on rough spots like your elbows and knees. “For best product application, use a tanning mitt or latex gloves to apply the self-tanning product evenly and to avoid staining your fingers and palms,” explains Kittaneh. If you're using a spray tanner, follow the directions regarding how far you should hold the can from your body and how long you should spray any given area. See Step 1 to learn how to create an even, natural-looking tan at home. Don’t try to do your whole body at … How to Apply Self Tanner. You could get a friend to do it for you, or you could use some kind of cloth to spread the tanner around your back. 4. Read on for another quiz question. It's a little too easy to end up looking patchy, streaky, or worst — orange. Put a tanning glove o one hand. Then do your upper body, your arms, and your hands last. “Do your legs first, but stop at your ankles,” says Evans. Exfoliate … Applying a Self-tanner. You want your skin to be clean when you apply your self-tanner, but you should wait a little bit post-shower to slather on your tanning solution. This is because instant self-tanners stain your skin in the first application, so if you've never used an instant self-tanner before, you might apply too much. Why?” Evans asks. Not exactly! Put your hair up in a top knot bun (we love this big scrunchie as it won’t crease your hair). DO Enlist a Friend. Her trick is to slip a tanning mitt over a spatula and use that to apply tanner to the areas on your back that are out of arm’s reach. Not quite! There are so many self tanning products out there, it can be difficult to choose one that will work for you. It’s a foam, has a color guide so you can see where it’s been applied, doesn’t have a strong smell (it’s not unscented but it doesn’t have that super strong self-tanner … Getting the color right to suit everyone’s preference is difficult. Exfoliate. Then dry and apply tanner to the backs of your hands using a tissue or makeup application sponge. 12. Read more for tips on touching up light spots and lightening dark spots! Not only will applying your gradual tan at night give it more time to develop, but it also means you’ll have less chances of smudging it. Use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin prior to applying a self-tanner. Be mindful of other notoriously dry areas of the body as you tan. 2. With no need to rinse off, this refreshing, non-sticky and fast-absorbing self tanner provides up to 72 hours hydration, for a longer-lasting and more even streak-free tan. Focus on your knees (especially right under your kneecap), ankles, elbows, and wrists. Doing your feet and hands last is important because you can move the excess product down your legs or arms, so it fades naturally. Apply the self-tanner to your ankle area, making sure to blend the self-tanner into the entire ankle area and work your way down into the foot area. For small areas like your feet, Pradas recommends using a synthetic makeup brush to blend everything evenly. Apply a small amount of regular lotion around your knees, especially just below the knee. How to Self-Tan at Home and Get Professional-Looking Results Pick Your Potion. Pay attention to areas like the knees and elbows where tan can build up. I just use a loofah without body wash- I think the St. Tropez brand exfoliator is a waste of money. Guys might also want to shave or wax the chest or back before applying self tanner. You've probably heard that you should exfoliate before you tan, but for a truly seamless glow, Pradas recommends exfoliating every day for at least two to three days before you tan. 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