Self Tanning Routine + Tips
applying self tanner
When applying self tanner I think about it in four different sections: first is exfoliating and prep, then tanning my body, tanning my face, and lastly my hands. It might sound complicated but it is really pretty simple and I feel like I have found some products that I really love and your tanning routine can really be as simple as complicated as you want it to be haha. So let’s get into it! Here is my routine, product breakdown, and tips for how to apply.
my self tanning faves
exfoliate + skin prep
In my opinion skin prep is the most important part of tanning because it really will impact the way your tan looks and how long it lasts. I really like this Ouai exfoliator because it has a subtle smell but it is pretty impactful and makes my skin feel so soft. I will typically use this in the shower on my arms, legs, chest, stomach, and back. I like to use this before shaving my legs, that way my skin doesn’t get irritated. I do typically like to shower before applying tanning lotion because it helps your skin feel clean and prepped for tanning.
Tanning Prep Tip: Another step that is important is to make sure your skin is hydrated. I really like this body lotion because it is super thick and moisturizing, but anybody lotion will do. Make sure you are focused on your elbows, knee caps, heels, and any other area that tends to be really dry. The parts of your skin that are too dry will soak up more color and can make the tan look really uneven.
two types of tanning
Gradual Tanning Lotion: When I am tanning my body there are two ways that I like to do it. One is with this gradual tanning lotion, it goes on white like a normal lotion while the tan develops over a few hours. I like to apply this product in the morning, if I showered and I feel like I just want a little extra glow in color. The color gives is very natural and light. I wouldn’t expect to get a deep tan from this product, although it is super hydrating like a lotion and I love the smell. It’s great for someone who is beginning with tanning products, and it is a good way to get subtle color. You can also layer it on top of it self multiple days in a row to get a deeper Tan.
Tanning Mouse: If I am wanting a super dark or deeper tan, there are two different mousses that I really like. The Jergens Instant Sun in Deep Bronze is actually really great. It’s got a bit more of a watery texture, but it gives good color and also has some instant color. I also find it really easy to apply, of course using a mitt. It’s also really affordable, and I purchased my restocks on Amazon in a two pack. Probably my all-time favorite mouse is the St Tropez + Ashley Graham collab. It’s super thick & fluffy, and it gives a nice reddish olive tone. It doesn’t pull too much of an orange tone, which I really like. I think the mouse and the mitt combo are really great together, although you do pay a little bit more for this combo. I find that a bottle of this self tanner lasts about four rounds of tanning. It doesn’t last a super long time, but it would depend on how much product you are using & how often you apply. I also love this mitt from Amazon, I have purchased several times & it is thicker and applies well. Also super affordable! When I apply tanning mouse, I like to start at one section at a time and do small circular motions to make sure the product is buffed into my skin, smooth and even. For example, I like to start with one leg and once that leg is complete, moved to the other leg. Then I will do my body, my stomach, and back. Before moving to each of my arms. Applying the self tanner one section at a time helps it to be less streaky & more even. I typically apply this tanning mousse at night and wash off in the morning! I like to just let it dry for a few minutes before putting on baggy sweats and a loose t-shirt, so the product is not getting smash or pressed too hard. I always wash it off in the shower the next day. You might notice that some of the color washes off in the shower, this is fairly normal as your tan will always look lighter after a shower. If you’re hoping for a deeper tan, you can always apply a second layer, or use the gradual tanning lotion on top the next day to hydrate & get an extra glow.
tanning your hands
One thing you want to make sure you do after applying self tanner, is wash your hands! I’m still not an expert at self tanning my hands, I feel like it is definitely the hardest part to figure out. But I do know that washing your hands after you apply self tanner is always the best option. I’ve ended up with orange palms and funky tan hands too many times haha. I recently saw someone share this idea of using a gradual tanning mist on your hands after you’ve applied tanning lotion everywhere else on your body. I have done this trick several times, and I actually really like the way that it turns out. So once your hands are washed, dried and then lotion up, you will spray the mist just on the top of your hand, not on the palms. Make sure your spray connects to where you stopped your tanning lotion on your wrist. I find that I just need about three or four sprays of this product on each of my hands and the tan develops overnight. I like to apply this product at night. One trick for applying the mist, is when your hand is out and ready to be sprayed, bend your fingers slightly so your knuckles can get color as well. If you’re hands are two flat you will have white marks inside your knuckles where they crease.
tanning your face
And lastly when I am tanning my face, I like to use tanning drops instead of applying the same self tanner I use on my body. I like the Isle of Paradise Drops in the shade dark - but you have to make sure to mix these with a moisturizer. These tend to give me a deeper tan, but if your skin is not exfoliated and hydrated, I do find that tends to build up around my nose and a dry areas on my face. I also love the Lux Unfiltered face drops, which go on clear and gradually develop over a few hours. The smell is super subtle and I like the way it feels on my skin. With this one you don’t have to add any moisturizer, as it is already a skin care product on its own. Both tans develop in a matter of hours, and I like to apply either before bed or in the morning with my skin care routine.
Isle of Paradise Tanning Drops:
I like to use the drops just for my face, and I find that it works really well that way for me. As you will read below, the tanning drops are to be added to lotion or moisturizer and mixed before putting on the skin. They are very strong and need to be diluted by the lotion before being put on the skin. I like keeping the drops for my face, and adding them to my face lotion whenever I need a little color; usually before I go to bed or on a day when I am not putting on makeup, although you can put makeup over the top of it too! I think the drops are pretty easy and fool proof, as long as you mix them with the lotion before applying. I always like to bring down the mixture to my neck as well, to make sure the color doesn’t look streaky or not blended well enough.
+ start with a clean / washed face
+ put some face lotion or cream into your palm
+ drop 1-10 drops (depends on how dark of color you want) into
your palm with the lotion, i usually do about 6 drops
+ mix together in your hand
+ spread all over your face like you would if it was just the lotion;
just make sure it's even and all over!
+ sleep with the lotion & tanning drop mix on
+ i wash my face every morning, so when i wake up i wash my face
and put more lotion on like normal
+ face will get darker overnight
+ DO NOT use the Isle of Paradise on their own
+ you can do it as many times as week as you want or use as
many drops as you want - find what works best for you!
