{"id":174771,"date":"2022-05-11T12:12:31","date_gmt":"2022-05-11T19:12:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/?p=174771"},"modified":"2022-05-11T15:48:32","modified_gmt":"2022-05-11T22:48:32","slug":"apply-self-tanner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/apply-self-tanner\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Apply Self Tanner"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nothing conjures up effortless vacation vibes year-round like warm, glowing skin. Whether you\u2019re busy daydreaming about poolside lounging or craving a splash of sunlight in the depths of winter, a self-tanner is ready to help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, standing in your bathroom with your bottle of liquid sunshine, you may be wondering how to apply self-tanner and emerge from the house looking like you just returned from a sunbaked trip to the Maldives. Luckily, we\u2019ve got the steps to get that sunless tan of your beachy daydreams.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Steps For Self Tanning At Home<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Selfless tanner application boils down to two key steps: pre-application prep and application. Following each step with care can turn your sunless tanning experience into a self-care routine (with luminous results).\u00a0<\/span>Pre-Application<\/span><\/p>\n

Before you open up your bottle of self-tanner, you\u2019ll want to prepare your body for the best tan possible. These steps may require a little planning ahead, but taking the time to schedule them will help you score that streak-free, all-over bronze.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

#1 Shave Away<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Shaving your hair away pre-tan can help create an ideal canvas for adding summer color. That\u2019s because shaving removes the top layer of dead skin cells so that the tanner will be applied to a fresh layer of skin. This can help your skin look brighter <\/span>and <\/span><\/i>help your tan last longer. <\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For best results, shave 24 hours before applying the tanning lotion. This gives your pores time to tighten up to achieve a smooth, tanned look. Otherwise, you may risk the pigment collecting in the open pores resulting in little dark dots all over your body. This speckled self-tanner effect is sometimes called \u201cstrawberry\u201d skin.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So trust us, shave, then wait a day.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

#2 Shower Time<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After that 24-hour waiting period, it\u2019s time to jump back in the shower. A squeaky clean foundation is the start of all the best sunless tans. While showering, you\u2019ll want to pay attention to two important cleansing steps in your shower ritual.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Exfoliate<\/b> \u2013 Self-tanner works by \u201cdying\u201d the outermost layer of your skin, so you\u2019ll want whatever\u2019s on top to be as fresh as possible (hence shaving the day before). An exfoliant helps shed any excess dead skin cells, so your tanner clings to a brand new layer of skin. You can use any gently abrasive scrubby, from washing mitts to loofahs, or our personal favorite, Ouai Scalp, and Body Scrub<\/span>. <\/b>Give special attention to spots with a thicker layer of skin, like your elbows and knees. These areas will benefit from a good scrub to encourage even coloring.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. \u00a0<\/span>Cleanse with moisturizing soap<\/b> \u2013 Once you\u2019re done exfoliating, it\u2019s time to wash away the exfoliated build-up and reveal a fresh, clean canvas for tanning. Be sure to reach for a body wash or soap that hydrates and doesn\u2019t leave behind a residue. Hold off on the oil-based washes, and instead, opt for a cream-based, scentless soap to create a clean, moisturized area for your tan.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    #3 Dry Off<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Grab your favorite fluffy towel and dry off. Be extra thorough\u2014self tanner slides right off of wet skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    For the most part, you can skip your usual post-shower moisturizer with a few exceptions. Add a little moisturizer to your absolute driest areas, such as:<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/p>\n