Your Tanning Cheat Sheet

Choose The Right Type Of Tanner

Self-tanners come in a wide range of formulations, from lotions to mousses to gels. No matter what, try and pick a product with a guide colour or a light tint so that you can see where the colour is going. Lotions are great for beginners because they take a little bit longer to absorb into the skin, which means you can correct any mistakes. Next are gels, which are easy to spread and work well for people with normal or oily skin. Mousses are more like a liquid and their slightly higher alcohol content makes them dry faster. These are good for self-tanning experts who want to quickly cover a lot of area.

Make Sure The Colour Works For YOU

Whatever type of tanner you choose, make sure to test it on a small patch of skin first. Your stomach is a great place to start, because it’s usually pale and you can see it when you stand up and look in the mirror. Everyone’s skin reacts differently, so even if a colour looks golden on a friend, it might look different on you! With so many formulas and shades available, have fun experimenting until you find your must-have product!

Prep, Prep, Prep!

Before you tan, make sure to exfoliate your entire body. It’ll prolong the tan and prevent any splotching or flaking. When you’re ready to apply, always use a tanning mitt so that you don’t end up with brown hands. Put a little moisturiser on dry spots like elbows, knees and heels before you apply tanner to avoid over-saturating those areas. If you think you’ve applied too much, use a towel or washcloth to lightly buff the area and soak up excess product. No matter when you tan, be sure to let the formula dry completely and avoid water — sink, shower, pool — for six to eight hours.

Maintainance

Avoid heavy lotions and oils, which can make your tan slide off onto clothes. Three days after tanning schedule time to lightly exfoliate - the tan will be coming off anyway, and this will help you fade evenly.

(Pssst.... if you do end up streaky, get in a bathtub and soak for 20 – 25 minutes, then use a good body scrub to slough the colour off.)