Applying Self Tan

Now that you have chosen your product, you are ready to start applying self tan. Follow my step by step guide to achieve a perfect salon application.

TIP 1 - Prep your skin by exfoliating

This can be done either the day before or on the day that you tan. Remember my tip, if you use a salt scrub either do this the day before your tan or make sure you wash the salt scrub off with a cleanser so no oil is left on the surface of the skin.

TIP 2 - Wear gloves

My tip for staying free of orange palms is to wear a pair of tight fitting disposable glove. You can get these from most drug stores or your local supermarket. If your gloves are not a snug fit, you will have trouble applying your tan evenly. If you don’t want to wear gloves, my tip is to place your palms in a mixture of bleach & water, straight after you tan. The bleach will take the tan right off your palms while keeping the tops of your hands tanned. Remember to dry them on a white towel.

TIP 3 - Apply section by section

Apply your tan in sections. I recommend beginning at your legs and then working up your body. Applying your self tan in small sections will help you to avoid streaking and missing areas as well as making the application process a lot easier.

TIP 4 - Start at your legs

Start with the bottom half of your legs and feet. Move onto the tops of your legs and knees. Apply to your tummy, chest and décolletage. Move to the upper arms through to your lower arms. Apply to your face and finish with your hands. Always get someone to apply to your back.

TIP 5 - Use the lotion sparingly

Apply a small amount, about the size of your thumb nail, to your palms and rub together before you apply to each section. You can always add more lotion if it isn’t enough.

TIP 6 - Work your lotion in really well to the skin

Work the tanning lotion in to the skin until it is completely absorbed. Add more if you need to, as you get the hang of applying, you will get a better idea of how much lotion you need for each section.

When you are applying self tan to your face, if you would like the colour to be a little lighter than the rest of your body, simply mix it with your daily face moisturizer (note; it needs to be AHA free).

TIP 7 - Use a wet cotton bud to remove tan from your eyebrows

Tan will also tint your eyebrows. I recommend using a damp cotton bud on the eyebrows after you have applied the tan to remove any lotion from this area.

TIP 8 - Tanning the backs of your hands

When you get to your hands, simply roll down your gloves, and apply to the back of your hands. Alternatively have someone else help you with applying self tan to your hands and fingers.

TIP 9 - Sponge around the dry areas

Have a slightly damp sponge ready before you tan. Use this once you are finished to slightly flicker over the extra dry areas to remove any excess tan. I do this on the knees, elbows, soles of my feet and the palms of my hands. It will help to stop it catching in these areas.

TIP 9 - Wait until you are dry to get dressed

To stop it coming off, it is best to wait until you are completely dry before you get dresses. Avoid tight clothing and underwear if possible. Opt for loose dark clothes.

Happy Tanning