Self Tanning Routine
I think my tanning routine is always one of my most asked questions and I’m happy to give you the breakdown below. I’ve rounded up my favorite products along with some helpful tanning tips!
Gradual Tan: I have been LOVING gradual tanning lotions lately. I think these are perfect if you have a good base tan going and want to keep that sun kissed glow alive, especially in the summer months. I’ve been using a few different ones, one with a bronzer in it and one without. If you aren’t an expert tanner, I’d try the one with the bronzer first so you can easily see where it’s being applied so you don’t miss any spots! These types of tanning lotions are great also if you want a subtle tan and nothing too dark because the color is a bit lighter than the mousses. Also, since these tanners are lotions, you can apply multiple times a week like a normal body lotion!
Luminous Tanning Butter: I tried this tanning butter for the first time this year and quickly fell in love. This is perfect if you’re looking for more of a body butter type tan. I apply it like a daily moisturizer every few days and it gives the prettiest natural tan. I will say it doesn’t give as dark of a tan as the tanning mousses, so I like to use this in the summer months when I have a good base tan. I’d say it’s similar to the gradual lotions I use but a little bit thicker and doesn’t have any bronzer, so if you’re a beginner I’d opt for something with a bronzer so it’s easy to see where it’s being applied!
Tanning Mousse: I use tanning mouse when I want a dark tan fast or in the fall/winter months when I don’t have a good base tan. I love a tanning mousse because it’s so easy to use, definitely beginner friendly since the one I use has a bronzer in it so it’s easy to see where you’re applying it and it gives a great tan color. If you don’t want to sleep in it, i’d recommend trying a 2-hr express tanning mousse so you only have it on for a limited time. I also like using a 2-hr one if i’m in a time crunch and need a tan ASAP! Otherwise, I use the regular tanning mousse and sleep in it. It does come off on my sheets if I sweat lol but it comes right out in the wash. So just keep that in mind too when deciding between a 2-hr and a regular mousse.
Face Tanning Serum: I finally found a face tanning serum that gives the perfect bronze that also doesn’t break me out!!! I like to apply the face serum with a kabuki face brush and use it like i’m going in with contour. Trust the process LOL. I know you’ll look a little crazy but when you wake up you will have the perfect bronzed contoured face ;)
Instant Bronzing Lotion: I looove using this for when I need a little extra bronzed glow on my legs, chest or arms. If you don’t have time to tan your body and just need a little bronzing action, I found the perfect lotion from Amazon! Even if you are tan and just want to even everything out, this is perfect for that too. It blurs imperfections and gives you the prettiest glow!
Tanning Tips:
Exfoliate before applying! I always use an exfoliating mitt in the shower to help get off any previous tan & dead skin. This will help the new tanning lotion or mousse apply evenly to your skin!
Moisturize! After the first shower after your tan, keep up with moisturizing! I apply 2x daily because the most moisturized your skin is, the longer the tan will last!
Use a brush for your hands! I hav a kabuki brush that I use for my hands and feet. It helps apply the product evenly. If you don’t have a brush, you can use a mitt but don’t apply extra product for your hands and feet, just use whatever is left on the mitt. It will give a lighter and more natural tan to your hands and feet.
Use a mitt! This is a MUST! Always use a mitt. I even use one when I apply the gradual lotions. You don’t have your hands to be orange ;)
I hope this helps!! I know there are SO many tanning products out there and it can be overwhelming especially if you are new to self tanning. I’ve been doing this for way SO long so I’ve found the best products! Happy tanning! Xx
