No-fail plan: 10 tips for your best fake tan ever (+ natural tanner picks)
Learn how to apply a natural fake tan in the tutorial above.
By: Hello Natural
Applying self-tanner can be extremely intimidating if you've never tried it before. But there are ways to ease this daunting task! We've put together a nice guide of tips and tricks for self tanning, along with a fantastic pre-tan scrub and our favorite natural tanners. Spring is here, summer is on the horizon, so let's bring on the healthy sun-kissed skin, without the sun damage.
1. PLAN AHEAD
Self tanning is never something you want to do spur of the moment. This is one area of life where spontaneity will not be your friend. Dry brushing is a great step to prep the skin. You will want to dry brush two days prior to your self-tanner application. Dry brush from soles of your feet to the top of your torso.
2. EXFOLIATE
The day before, use this scrub to remove dry, flaky dead skin cells. If you fail to exfoliate properly, then you will end up with streaks and dark patches. You can add a handful of sugar to your body wash or you can try this homemade pre-tan scrub recipe:
1 cup brown sugar
juice of half a lemon
3/4 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
Take your time to scrub your entire body, taking extra time at your knees, elbows, ankles and any other areas with dry patches.
3. MOISTURIZE
Before apply self tanner you'll want to shower, towel dry and apply a light moisturizer or lotion to your elbows and knees since they tend to grab more color than other areas. Avoid applying lotion all over the body as the oils don't mix well with self-tanner.
4. GLOVES!
Gloves are crucial so you don't end up with orange palms. You can find latex or vinyl gloves that end at the wrist.
5. AMPLE TIME
Give yourself plenty of time. Applying self-tanner is never something you want to rush. Be sure you apply during the daytime, in natural light and with a full length mirror if possible.
6. CIRCULAR MOTIONS
Apply small amounts of the self-tanner in circular motions. Do not jump around to different areas of the body but work slowly and gradually down one leg, on to the next, up one arm, and so on.
Oak & Olive Sunless Tanning LotionChocolate Sun Cocoa GlowTrue Natural Self TannerFake Bake Bronzing GelCaribbean Solution Beach ColorsJane Iredale TantasiaEco Tan Invisible Tan
7. AVOID
Avoid applying self-tanner to the bottoms of your feet and to the palms of your hands. It'll never end well. Mix tanner with a little bit of lotion to apply on to the tops of your hands once your body is finished and you remove your gloves.
8. LESS IS MORE
If you are using a gradual tanner then you won't see results for hours. You can always apply more two to three days later instead of going overboard all at once.
9. BLEND
If you need to remove any self tanner, use a non-oil based scrub and gently blend the scrub on the area you'd like to lighten and then remove with a damp wash cloth.
10. WAIT
Try not to shower for at least 10 hours. Wear loose fitting clothes and avoid exercising/sweating. By the next day you should have a beautiful sun-kissed glow without the damaging effects of the sun!
Click through for all-natural remedies to combat acne:
More from HelloNatural.co:
DIY pina colada pre-tan scrub + pineapple age spot mask
10 all-natural exfoliators for your skin
Cellulite coffee scrub + how to fake a tan
