Ladies!
I’m frankly curious how many of you use self-tanners regularly: balms, mists, wipes, spray on tights.
My story with a self-tanning products has just begun, actually. Last week it was my first time when I reached for bronzing mousse so now want to share my impressions. Why? Because it appears that even application of a self-tanner isn’t simple! No, no, no.
Why did I start using self-tanner?
Trust me, I’m surprised myself that I decided to start using a self-tanner. I guess, you sometimes need time to grow into using some beauty products that seem to be strange at the first encounter. You just have to realize that applying some cosmetics – even the seemingly weirdest ones – wisely is all it takes to achieve stunning effects.
A touch of self-tanner may enhance your beauty in a subtle way – in my case, it’s about blurring the difference between the shades of my arms, cleavage and face when compared to my legs. This disproportion is really plain to notice, especially after the winter when I keep hiding my legs wearing pants. Therefore, I thought that by the time I get my legs tanned naturally, I would cover up this nasty contrast with the aid of bronzing mousse.
I came back to earth with a bump when I realized that fake tan isn’t easy to create. Not only does the product itself matter, but also the way you adopt to apply it is what determines the final effect.
Self-tanners. What should you pick?
The key question is: “Which self-tanner to choose?”
Sadly, the answer isn’t simple, especially when you stand in front of the selves filled with various self-tanners. I think that we should take a closer look at each type to make the choice easier. Shall we?
- Single-use self-tanning towelettes – they are the simplest in use self-tanning products that are packed separately; perfect for a trip.
- Bronzing mist – it’s easy to use because it has atomizer that distributes the self-tanner evenly on skin; it’s advised to massage the product into skin after spreading it all over the body (the effects are achieved after 2-3 uses).
- Classic self-tanning body balm – depending on the consistency, it might be easier or more demanding to use, especially when you realize that some self-tanning body balms leave nasty marks on skin when you happen to distribute them unevenly; also, you should match the intensity of delivered effects to your current skin tone.
- Spray on tights – this is a fairly common form of a self-tanning product used for big events (mainly by celebrities) because it combines a few assets: firstly, it’s easy to spread on skin, it doesn’t require being massaged into body and, finally, the effects appear almost the moment applied.
- Bronzing mousse (my choice) – is able to give you instant fake tan but you can also use it to create fake tan gradually; what’s important, it has a lightweight consistency and doesn’t stain skin, which is just perfect for the beginners.
Obviously, these are just the most popular solutions. After all, you can also make use of self-tanning products that have the following forms: gel, foams, powders and so on and so forth.
How to apply a self-tanner appropriately?
You managed to choose a self-tanning product. Okay, one-third of the entire fake tanning process has been accomplished. Now you have to make your skin ready for the product and use it correctly to achieve even and natural-looking tan.
I’ll try to be as brief as possible.
Step 1. Making skin ready for a self-tanner
First and foremost, skin that is about to be exposed to a self-tanning product can’t be dehydrated. Well-moisturized skin is the core of achieving even tan. Therefore, a day before using a self-tanner, you should treat your skin with a reliable moisturizing body balm. Obviously, before applying balm to your skin, you should get rid of dead skin cells – therefore, apply a body scrub. There are two reasons why you should exfoliate your skin prior to applying a self-tanner. First, skin treated with a body scrub absorbs and captures moisture better and secondly, this procedure helps extend the lifespan of your fake tan.
Right before using a self-tanner, your skin should be freed from any cosmetic residues (no cream, balms, oils, antiperspirants, fragrances whatsoever) because there is a huge possibility of them interfering with the self-tanner you are about to apply. As a consequence, the fake tan will create uneven shade.
Step 2. The right way of applying a self-tanner
Start with choosing the most appropriate time of a day to apply a self-tanner. Don’t you ever do this in rush! I used to devote almost an entire evening to spreading the product evenly on my body. I was afraid that I may get some stains.
The second important issue is the way you adopt to apply the self-tanning product. I know, there are many tools facilitating this challenging task, such as gloves, special applicators, sponges etc. Still, I’d advise you to go for the most common solution, which is using your own hands. Thanks to this you’re constantly in control over the product – you know whether it’s being distributed evenly. If you think that you may stain the hands – put on some rubber gloves.
Another thing to mention – the quantity. The less is the better. It’d be easier for you to add some portion of the self-tanning product where you feel it should be added, instead of wiping off the excess. Basically, a thin layer should do.
And now the most important part – rubbing it into the skin. Well, you have to do this really carefully, part by part, heading from feet to head. Don’t skip any body part. Otherwise, you will create uneven tan. Also, make sure that there is no portion of self-tanner gathering in skin creases. Trust me, buckle down to this if you care for achieving even and natural-looking fake tan.
