New to Self-Tanning? 10 Application Tips You Need to Know

POPSUGAR Beauty

Source: New to Self-Tanning? 10 Application Tips You Need to Know

Spring is finally here, but that doesn't mean that your skin is ready for its close-up. A self-tanning treatment gives a natural-looking golden glow to your bare skin, but the process can be daunting with so many potential mistakes looming. St. Tropez expert Sophie Evans takes the complexity out of a DIY tan; read her tips for your best self-tanner application ever.

  • Moisturize the Dry Spots: You likely already know that you should exfoliate preapplication, but you should also apply moisturizer to your hands, feet, knees, and elbows to avoid a too-dark finish.

  • Use a Q-Tip to Refine: Fair-haired women should be cautious when using self-tanner on the face, as brows can be inadvertently colored in the process. Prevent bronzed brows by using a Q-tip to wipe eyebrows postapplication.

  • Spray With Caution: When using a self-tanning spray formula, use downward strokes for the best coverage, and make sure to do it in the shower to avoid a big mess.

  • Getting Your Back Right: If you're using a lotion to self-tan at home, then don't forget your back. It's actually easier to use a dab of product on the back of your hand to cover that hard-to-reach spot (flexibility helps with this move too).

  • Keep Your Nails Product-Free: Wipe your toenails and fingernails after your finish to avoid the telltale sign of a fake bake: yellow nails. You can also wipe and moisturize your wrists and heels after self-tanning to avoid product from settling into creases.


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  • Makeup Multitasker: Did you know you can use a self-tanning product as makeup, too? Apply an extra coat to eyelids and cheeks as a contour that will last for days.

  • Enhance Your Décolletage: Add a touch of self-tanner underneath the collarbone, along with a dab of illuminator above, to create a more defined neck and décolletage. This works especially well against a strapless gown.

  • Chlorine Interferes: When you go on vacation, keep in mind that the chlorine in the pool will actually alter your tan. Be prepared to reapply postswim as needed.

  • Avoid Oils: Stay away from oils if you want your faux bronze to last, as these products lift the color of the self-tanner. However, if you make a mistake, then you can use oil to erase accidental blotches.

  • Hide Hyperpigmentation:



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