The How-To's of Self-Tanning
Our beauty editor, Victoria Kirby, was on The Weekend Today show to talk about self-tanners. Tis the season, after all! In case you missed it, here's everything you need to know:
AT A SALON
Scrub. Getting rid of any dry skin will make the tanner go on much more evenly, so exfoliate the morning of your appointment. We like Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish to do the job.
Time it right. Make sure you can head right home after your appointment, because you're going to look super-dark immediately afterward-and the tanner has to stay on your skin for 8 to 10 hours before you shower.
Choose your method. Airbrushing-where an aesthetician sprays your body-costs between $80 and $100, and many people prefer it because there's little risk of streaks. However, you have to really strip down-the less you wear, the better. (Ok, you can wear a black bikini, if you don't mind it getting a little trashed with tanner. Also, most salons offer disposable underwear.) Spray-tan machines are much cheaper (about $30 to $40 a shot) and they're really fast-a minute or so. But you may have to smooth the color a bit on your own, especially on your hands and feet.
Check out Allure.com's Salon & Spa Directory for a sunless-tanning salon near you.
AT HOME
Scrub. See above. This is not optional!
Moisturize. Certain dry spots, like the knees, heels, and elbows, may absorb extra tanner. Put a light layer of moisturizer on them. But don't apply it on the rest of your body-that can lead to streaks. Tanner absorbs best on dry skin.
Don't make a mess. If you're using any product that sprays, get in the shower with the curtain closed.
Hit all the hot spots. Speaking of sprays (like St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Spray), they are the best for reaching out-of-the-way spots like the back.
Fix mistakes. You can use a makeup sponge or a sponge brush (from a paint store) to smooth out visible edges or dark patches. Even better, have a self-tanner remover, like Model Co Tan Remover Exfoliating Scrub, to do the job.
Top 5 self-tanner picks from the beauty team at allure.com.
-- Jillian Mackenzie, Deputy Editor
More from Allure's Daily Beauty Reporter:
