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Want to know how to apply self-tanner for super glowy, olive skin? This is precisely what you’ll learn today.
I’m Edward-Cullen-pale so I love applying self-tanner every once in a while, especially during summer or special events.
The first time I used it it was a complete disaster, I basically looked like an uneven orange. I’ve learned a lot since then and today I’m going to share all of my tips with you!
If you’re interested, I have an entire article about self-tanners’ safety and whether they age our skin or not. Spoiler, they do! So make sure to educate yourself about the topic if you want to age gracefully.
Pre-tanner routine
Basically, if you want your tan to look good you need to prep your skin properly. The pre-tanner routine is what is going to make or break your tan. This is what I find to work best.
1. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is absolutely key. First, everybody wants smooth and soft skin, it’s always a plus. Also, self-tanners basically stain the outer layer of our skin which is the one that sheds off.
Once this layer start to come off our tan will slowly disappear (this is why self-tanners only last about a week). By exfoliating before tanning we are going to prolong our tan.
Also, with exfoliation, we’ll make sure our tan won’t look splotchy. This is going to give us a flawless look.
You can exfoliate as you prefer. If you want a light exfoliation you can use exfoliating gloves as they are super gentle.
That said, I personally prefer scrubs or chemical exfoliants. I love using The Ordinary glicolic acid. After I shaved I apply a bit of product on a cotton pad and I gently brush my skin with it. It also works well to remove any remaining tan.
If you prefer scrubs, I make a DIY body scrub which works wonders. I mix a few ingredients in a bowl, adjusting doses until it has a thick creamy consistency.
- Coffee
- Canned sugar
- Body wash
- Coconut oil
Aurora’s tips
apply a little bit of coconut oil (or another hydrating oil) in the shower on your dryier areas such as elbows and ankles. Then wash it off. it will make your self-tanner glide on your skin effortlesly after. Plus, no dry patches for you!
2. Shave
Shaving is super important for the same reasons as exfoliations is. Also, we obviously don’t want any hair after we are freshly tanned so that we can show our beautiful legs off.
If you wax I suggest you still self-tan after but maybe wait a day or two before you do. It’s possible your skin is irritated so we don’t want to stress it out. Especially not with exfoliation.
3. Essential body skincare before self-tanning
After you showered it’s time for skincare! Do not dry yourself off immediately. It’s best to apply moisturizer on damp skin so that you can minimize transepidermal water loss (i.e. the loss of water from the skin).
For this step I recommend a thick hydrating moisturizer, preferably one that dries off quickly so that we can move along with our tanning routine. I love using the Sol de janeiro coco cabana cream as it is super moisturizing but, as I said, dryies off quickly.
To be honest the smell is very strong and sweet and I prefer other scents from Sol de Janeiro but this one is the best for deep hydration.
This is pretty expensive for a body moisturizer. While I think it’s worth the splurge if you’re on a budget I suggest the Neutrogena hydro boost body gel cream. Very hydrating for the price point.
Remember to focus on your dry areas, this is key to have a consistent body tan!
Another key step is to apply a vitamin C moisturizer or serum (if you use a serum apply before the moisturizer). This is going to protect you from the oxidative stress caused by the self-tanner as much as possible.
If you want to know more about how self-tanner ages our skin I have an entire article on it, completely backed by science!
I recommend using the Gold Bond green tea and vitamin C lotion or The INKEY list Q10 serum. If you want to know more on these products visit the article about self-tanner safety.
Self-tanning routine
Take two pumps of product on your tanning mit and start with your calves. You want to use two pumps for each calf. Rub it on your skin in circular motions, then rub your feet and ankles with whatever remains on your mitt (avoid the bottom of your feet).
Continue with your thighs again, two pumps each. Then do your knees with what remains on the mitt.
Now, you want to basically work your way up. Coat your stomach, chest, arms and neck. Also, don’t forget your shoulders. Actually you want to spend a little bit more time on them as the self-tanner could come off splotchy because of the skin creases there.
Also, blend your wrists very well as they can crease like the shoulders.
You could also contour your face with self-taner for the most beautiful bronzed, natural skin. Basically, you want to apply self-tanner where you would your bronzer. This gives the most beautiful sunkissed look.
Lastly, you want to shower with soap and water the morning after you tanned to achieve the most natural look!
The best self-tanner hacks
- Make sure you have black pajamas or loungewear so that you don’t ruin your clothes.
- Make sure your pajamas/loungewear is long-sleeved and has full-length pants so that you minimize the risk of staining your bed sheets.
- Do your tan at night time so you avoid wetting your skin as it will ruin your tan.
- Wait for the tan to completely dry before you go to bed.
- Don’t wear jewelry or socks the first night you tanned as they will rub the tan off.
- Moisturize your body as much as you can to prolong your tan and have the most glowy skin ever.
- ALWAYS APPLY SUNSCREEN. I love the Neutrogena ultra-sheer body mist sunscreen as it makes my skin extra glowy and plump. Make sure to coat yourself with it if you want actual sun protection though!
Best self-tanners products out here
Bondi Sand aero self-tanning foam
This is one of my absolute favorites. It gets pretty dark, I’m not going to lie. When I look for a natural, sheer tan this is not what I would go for but I still love this finish so much!
It’s so easy to work with and has a foam-like consistency.
It also comes with a mitt which works pretty great, so it’s a great start if you’re a beginner and don’t already own a self-tanning mitt.
Plus, if you love coconut like me you will adore this self-tanner’s scent, it is incredible.
Collistar self-tanning magic drops
This is one of my favorites. The reason I love it so much is that it’s incredibly buildable.
Essentially, I apply it every day for a week or more to achieve a super dark tan but if I want a more “natural” look I just apply it for a few days.
Also, it dries extra fast and I’ve never stained my bedsheets with it!
It has a very liquid-like consistency so I usually apply it with latex gloves.
I always repurchase this pack of mitts since I can use them to tackle all of my body. These are not pricy at all and are my absolute favorites.
Plus, the gadget to tan your back is absolutely amazing. It is the only way I’m able to self-tan my back without help.
If you want a flawless, non-splotchy tan these are a must-have, trust me!
