How to Get a Natural-Looking Self-Tan
By Victoria Land, Allure magazine
Seeing photos of Kathy Griffin's pale, almost ghostly, complexion on the beach in Florida this week reminded me that I really need to get some (fake!) color before I jet off for my own vacation soon. But to make sure I don't over do it-and end up looking orange-I gathered some of the best expert tanning tips that have been featured in Allure. Here, a few of our favorite secrets for self-tanning success:
Related: Makeup Artists' Secrets for Sexy Skin
Don't go too deep. "Go for a tanner that's no more than a shade darker than your natural color," says makeup artist Scott Barnes. "When skin is too tan, it looks dirty, not radiant."
Try a puff. "I don't like to squirt self-tanner right on the skin," says makeup artist Jillian Dempsey. "If you have a dry spot, it will attach to that." Instead, she pumps tanner onto a round velour puff (like you'd use for face powder), and then swirls it over the skin in circular motions. "Run the puff over the elbows and knees lightly and quickly so they don't get too dark," she says.
Related: When Self-Tanning Goes Wrong
Speed dry. To quickly dry still-sticky skin (and cut down on streaks in the process), use your blowdryer: "This allows the tanner to set into the skin quicker and more evenly-so you know if you need a second coat on some areas," says Barnes.
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Photo Credit: WWD
