By: Erin Brady
Some people think it’s crazy that I regularly use sunless tanners, especially in the winter, but truth be told, I hate looking pale! If you walk into your neighborhood pharmacy, Sephora or a department store, you’ll find countless products that promise that enviable “bronzed glow,” yet you, like most, are probably skeptical to apply these yourself. Self tanning may be an art form in it’s own right, but we’ve compiled some of the best tips and top products you can use to achieve a perfect subtle sheen, sans-salon and that hefty price-tag.
1. Smooth, even skin is the first step to a flawless glow, so remember to exfoliate before you apply the treatment. Use a gentle scrub on your face to eliminate any rough patches. A Clarisonic works amazing for this, but an exfoliating cleanser is also great, try: Juice Beauty Exfoliating Cleanser. If you are tanning your body, exfoliate in the shower with scrub like Softsoap Body Butter Scrub in Coconut.
2. If you are tanning your face, choose a formula that’s made for the face. Our favorite is Clarins Instant Smooth Self Tanning. We found the cream easy to apply evenly, just put on as you would lotion, down to your neck area and up to the hairline. For the body, try a towelette to ensure you get the formula on quickly, evenly and don’t have to worry about a goopy gel. Our favorite are Tantowel Towelettes or Kate Somerville Somerville360 Tanning Towelette.
3. To accentuate your glow, use a large powder brush to dust bronzer on cheeks, nose, temples and décolletage. A pop of pink or coral cream blush on the apples of your cheeks will give you a natural sun-kissed complexion. Try NARS Cream Blush in Cactus Flower.
4. More mature skin may benefit from a formula that includes both a self tanner, SPF and anti-aging ingredients to reduce signs of fatigue and refresh your complexion. Try Lancome Flash Brozner Anti-Age Self-Tanning Face Lotion SPF 15.
