Summer is almost upon us; which means most of us like to ditch our pasty white winter skin for something more in the golden brown shades. However, we don’t want to bake to a crisp to get that desired look either. That can mean only one thing…Sunless Tanners!!! Like most people, I struggled with what kind to use, how to use it, and what to do with I look more like a character out of Willy Wonka then my sun kissed self.
Well have no fear, my Makeup Tip of the Week is devoted to getting that golden goodness!!!
1) Prep Work:
A lot of the problems that occur from sunless tanners is user error. This product was not made to just rub, spray or mist on at anytime, you have prep your skin first. This means a good exfoliating, not sure a little rub down with a loofah, but a good old break out the salts and get that dead, gross skin off. I personally like to use St. Ives apricot scrub along with those awesome body gloves, they make sure all areas are covered (and don’t kill the nails). Second would be moisturizing the skin again, but just lightly, don’t go overkill on the lotion. Use a nice light, oil free lotion like lubriderm!!! These rules also apply for your face.
2) Picking your Tanner
In today’s market you can buy everything from lotion, to foam, to mist. There is also the kind that instant so you get some color right away to the slow building of color. Well first off I can tell you to skip the good ole plain lotion (no matter what kind) it never ends well, second the foam is not bad, but pretty messy. That leaves us with the mist, which is my pick. Its pretty easy to use, and you can get all angles covered. Plus you don’t have to rub it in which causing those “racing stripes” we are oh so fond of.
Next is the color, my rule of thumb is go with the lighter color, that way you won’t end up on the too dark side of things. Once the color starts building, you can always get the next shade up.
3) Applying
So you’ve done the prep work, you have your tanner in hand, now what? What I like to do is stand in a room with plenty of space around me and a full length mirror. That way I can see all angles. I also put some old towels on the floor so nothing stains.
Next, I start from the bottom up; I start with the tops of my feet, working around the ankles, they in straight lines go up my legs, stopping at the top of my thighs. They repeat with my arms, and up to my neck. Now I’m not one to do my full body, too many chances for mistakes.
Now, you have to let yourself air dry, no rubbing with hands or towels, that will only mess up the work you’ve done. I give it about 15 minutes, then I put on loose clothes.
4) Face
NEVER use your body tanner on your face..it was not made for the face, so you will not get good results!!! Most companies make a separate tanner just for your face.
When applying you even strokes, and rub into the hairline, along the jaw and down the neck, blending all together.
If you happen to make a mistake or rub in the wrong direction, its okay. Wait until the tan develops, lightly exfoliate the area, and lightly reapply.
Now, if your still to chicken to so this yourself, most tanning salons offer the Mystic tan, which is fine, but a word of caution, don’t wear cotton as that effect the overall tan. Also, if you happen to be over 5’7″, some mystic booths may not work for you.
There you have it, my do’s and don’ts for sunless tanning!!
If you have any questions, please email me at misti@mistischindele.com
Happy (Safe) Tanning!!!
