I lived in Spain for three years when I was younger, and had a pretty much permanent tan all year round.
However, now I’ve moved back to the not-so-sunny shores of Scotland, my natural tan has long faded, although I do enjoy embracing the pale, I miss my healthy glow. Seeing as a week in Barbados is out of the question, how else can I get the glow back? One, easy and affordable way is self-tanning, however, it’s only easy if you know the tricks, and there’s nothing worse than being mistaken as an OompaLoompa when you think your rocking your tan.
So to save you the shame of dodgy tan lines, I’ve made up a wee list of handy tips.
1. If you prefer waxing to shaving, wax at the very least the day before you plan to tan, and never afterwards, as waxing takes off a thin layer of tan, and therefore your newly applied tan.
If you’re more of a shaving fan, then it’s actually best to shave quite close to your tanning time, so shave your legs in the morning if you plan to tan during the day.
2. Exfoliate before you tan. Tan tends to soak up into dry skin, so if you have dry patches on your skin, you will be guaranteed an uneven tan. Exfoliating lifts all those stubborn dead skin cells, and leaves your skin soft, and patch-free. It’s best to introduce exfoliating into your everyday skincare routine, ‘Simple Kind To Skin Exfoliating Body Wash’ is a gentle way to exfoliate in the shower, and will make sure your skin is prepped for tanning. If your skin is really uneven or patchy, invest in an exfoliating mitt, the ‘Tantastic Exfoliating Mitt’ is a glove shaped mitt that is delicately weaved to be rougher on the skin.
3. Moisturising is a tricky subject in tanning, if you don’t moisturise you risk more dry skin, leading to a patchy tan. However moisturise too much, or too close to tanning, and you’ll end up with a streaky, wet tan.
If you plan to tan in the morning, use a rich moisturiser, like ‘Nivea Crème’, the night before. Nivea Crème is deeply nourishing, and has no nasty ingredients that may flare your skin, or interfere with your tanning product of choice.
4. Pick your tan. Sounds simple, but you have to think about what you want from your tan. A gradual glow? Sunkissed Skin? Or full on holiday type tan?
If you’re new to tanning, start off with a gradual tan moisturiser, like ‘Dove Summer Glow’.
It may be tempting to opt for the dark, to get a more intense effect, but if you’re normally pale, your tan will look very unnatural, so stick to the normal.
If you’re still struggling with which tan to pick, have a look at my ‘Battle Of The Fake Tans’ blog, here.
5. So if you’ve chosen to go for the tanning mousse, don’t just slap it on, unless of course, you want a streaky tan? Thought not, so apply with a tanning mitt, I recommend ‘St. Moriz Self Tan Applicator Mitt’, just pump some mousse on the mitt, then apply in circular motions, ensuring an even, streak-free tan.
6. Work upwards! Start from the bottom of your body, and work to the top, meaning your not going over already drying parts of tan, which can lead to build up.
7. For tricky areas like, your face, neck, underarms, feet, and knees, which can soak up product, it’s best to mix your fake tan with a moisuriser, then apply in outwards motions. Collect any products residue with an old flannel.
8. Even the most flexible of us find applying tan to the back a pain in the behind, so why not use it as an excuse to get the girls over? Have a Fake Tan Party!
Your girlfriends will have the exact same application problems as you, so you can both help each other, all while having a natter, and a few glasses of wine.
Plus, if you’re feeling a bit short for cash, you can share a bottle of fake tan, and the bottle of wine while you’re at it!
9. Now that you’ve tanned, you need to give time for your tan to dry. Obviously, we’re not suggesting you spend the rest of the day standing in the buff, but try to wear loose fitting, dark clothing, like a black tunic, and if possible, try not to use things like backpacks, or across the body handbags, as you’ll be left with some pretty odd tan lines.
10. So, now you have your beautiful bronzed glow, and you’re looking fab, done!
Well, no, you’re not done actually, a tan is a commitment, and if you want to maintain your tan, you need to be prepared to put in time for upkeep.
Again, use a rich moisturiser daily, keeping your colour for longer, reducing flaking, and leaving your skin soft. Also, remember to exfoliate lightly every couple of days, ensuring that your tan evenly and gradually fades, while also preparing your skin for future tanning. If you wish to maintain your tan, reapply, using the same tips and technique every 5 days for a deep tan, and every 7 days for a lighter tan.
Are you a tanning temptress?
Max
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