Self Tan, Fake Tan and Sunless Tanning – A guide to the best Self Tan products and how to use them Part 1.
Whichever self tan products you plan to use – a self tan spray, self tanning lotion, self tan mousse or even a self tan moisturiser, you want the best self tanning (or sunless tanning) product that is available and right for you. Thankfully nowadays self tan products are much more user friendly, they do not stain your clothes or furniture and are much easier to use and longer lasting.
The Best Self Tan products
There are a mass of self tan products on the market ranging from fairly cheap and easy to apply moisturisers, through to the more professional self tan spray, self tan mousse and self tan lotion products that are available. When you are trying to find the best self tanning product for you the choice can seem daunting. Breaking the choice of self tanning products down into self tan appearance, self tan application and then self tan product is probably the easiest way.
Self Tan Appearance How do you want your self tan to appear? Do you want it to build up over a period of time or instantly? If you prefer the gradual approach, use one of the moisturiser self tanning products that you can apply daily, or at regular intervals. That will then gradually build into a natural looking self tan and you can take the time to blend the applications to achieve your perfect self tan. If you prefer the instant approach you will need a self tan spray, a self tan mouse or a self tan lotion.
Self Tan Application If you have chosen the instant method you will need to decide how to apply your self tan. Would you prefer to apply your self tan by hand using a self tan lotion or self tan mouse, or would you prefer a self tan spray? Are you supple enough to reach those “hard to get” areas such as the middle of your back or will you need a little help at that point?
Self Tan Product We have now decided on the best self tan product in terms of appearance and application but are now left with the choice of which particular brand name and price range to choose from.
In our travel size toiletries shop we stock a wide range of different self tan preparations from the major brand names that we recommend:
- Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanner
- Clarins Self Tanning Milk
- Johnsons Holiday Skin Lightglow Body Lotion
- Nivea Body Sunkissed Skin
- Nuage Sunshine Glow Facial Moisturiser
- Piz Buin Mid Self Tan Foam
- Piz Buin Mid Self Tan Summer Sensation Lotion
- Piz Buin Mid Self Tan Summer Sensation Mist Spray
- St Tropez Ultimate Tan Aero Bronze
Once we have chosen our product we’re almost ready to achieve the perfect self tan.
The secret of good self tanning is preparation. This starts a few days before you apply your self tan by preparing your skin to “accept” and absorb the self tanning product of your choice before you start to use your self tan. In order to get the best professional Self Tan just follow the steps below and you should end up with a perfect self tan without the damage from the sun:
Top Tips for achieving the best Self Tan
Exfoliate the Skin For 2-3 days before you apply your self tanning product make sure that you exfoliate your skin thoroughly. A product such St Ives Apricot Scrub is particularly gentle on your face and can be used every day in the shower. Make sure that you pay particular attention to the areas around the elbows and knees.
Moisturise the Skin After exfoliating always apply moisturiser liberally to “feed” the skin. Keeping the skin soft and supple in the run up to applying your self tanning product will ensure that you get a deeper and longer lasting self tan effect. DO NOT moisturise immediately before applying self tanning products as this interferes with the absorption of the self tanning agents.
Shave thoroughly Ensure that you shave your legs thoroughly (or have a leg wax) the day before using self tan. DO NOT shave on the day you plan to apply self tan.
Coming soon in Part 2 - How to Use Self Tan (the beginners guide Part 2)
