Self Tan, Fake Tan and Sunless Tanning – A guide to the best Self Tan products and how to use them Part 2.
In The Best Self Tan Part 1 we covered the selection of the self tan product you plan to use – a self tan spray, self tanning lotion, self tan mousse or even a self tan moisturiser. In this part we will now cover how to get the best self tanning effect for your skin that looks like a natural sun tan.
The secret of good self tanning is achieving the natural shades or skin tones across the different areas of the body. We naturally tan “unevenly” so you need to ensure that whatever self tanning product you are using matches the same “uneven” coverage, particularly the palms of the hands or soles of your feet. 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 on how to use Self Tan
Before applying self tan It may sound silly but if you are using a self tanning mousse or self tan lotion practice reaching all the difficult areas such as the middle of your back. The last thing you want is a bare patch! Make sure that you are supple enough to reach or that you’ve got “another pair of hands” on call for when you start applying your self tan.
Self Tan Day Be prepared and allow yourself plenty of time to relax and do the job right! Set aside a good hour or so to shower, dry thoroughly, apply the self tan and allow plenty of time for it to dry properly. Do not apply self tan to broken irritated or sensitive skin!
Shower After having a shower ensure that your body is completely dry before applying the self tanning product of your choice. (Remember: no shaving, no moisturiser!).
Get ready for Self Tanning Cover all the parts of your body that you DO NOT want to self tan. For example if you are using a self tan spray you might want to use a shower cap to protect your hair. It’s also a good idea to use a light covering of moisturising cream on the areas that you want a “lighter self tan” or natural effect such as the palms of your hands or soles of your feet. (Remember: moisturisers prevent the full absorption of the self tanning agents)
If you are using a self tan lotion or self tan mousse that you apply by hand have a sink full of soapy water ready to rinse your hands often (at least every 5 minutes) and use a nail brush on your nails, paying particular attention to your knuckles, cuticles and palms of hand as self tanner can stain these areas easily.
Now you are ready to begin applying your self tanning product – Hooray!
Start applying Self Tan For Self Tan lotion, shake the bottle or tube well and apply to the skin using a circular motion. Don’t forget to wash your hands regularly. For your hands, feet, knees and elbows spread the self tanner from nearby areas rather than applying directly, then moisten a tissue and lightly dab the area to achieve a “lighter” natural effect. For Self Tan spray, shave the tin well before use and hold the container about 6” away and spray evenly, blending with the hands where necessary. Spray using a long sweeping motion rather than short bursts just over one area. Do not spray directly onto the face but use a facial sponge.
When applying self tan to your face, bear in mind that the forehead and neck absorb colour easily so use your self tanning product sparingly on these areas.
Once your body is covered evenly with self tan allow plenty of time for the self tan to dry thoroughly, at least 15 minutes but longer if possible. To get the best self tan effect stand up to “air dry”, watch some TV or read a magazine or book to pass the time.
How to maintain or prolong self tan To make your self tan last longer let it fully absorb into the skin and do not shower for at least 8 hours after applying any self tanning product. After showering moisturise regularly using a good body lotion to extend your sunless tan. A top tip to prolong self tan is to use a moisturiser with a tint or self tanning agent included.
Self tan moisturisers are a great boost for an existing self tan and are easy for beginners at self tanning. The best self tan moisturisers gradually build up your self tan and are a little more subtle. They are ideal for holiday to top up your tan and moisturise at the same time. The process for using self tan moisturiser is the roughly same as for your self tan cream, self tan mousse or self tan lotion and colour builds up each day to give you a glowing sunless tan.
Choose from our self tanning moisturising range which include Nivea Sunkissed Skin, Johnsons Holiday Skin. For the face and neck Nuage Sunshine Glow for Face and Neck is perfect to give your face a healthy glow.
