{Blogged after a visit to the genius bar with my laptop :/} Ok, so I do not claim to be an expert on anything, let alone self tanners. But I have used them for a long time because I am rarely in the sun (and I have the pale legs to prove it!) and I have developed some tricks over the years. I think most of us feel better when we have a little color to our skin, but we also know that getting that tan from any way besides a bottle is really bad for us. Enter my friend the self-tanner. Since warmer weather is (or should be- dang June gloom) upon us, I figured I'd give you my thoughts on the best way to get that tropical tan --without the plane ride... or the tropics :(
1. Professional Spray Tan- This is by far my preference. If I can have someone spray me all over with a nice bronzey mist, I am a happy girl. But this is pricey and scheduling can prove a challenge and I normally reserve this for special events- a wedding or some fancy event I am going to. So long as you follow the guidelines (e.g., don't shower or sweat or sit on any white couches for at least 6 hours), this is almost idiot proof.
2. Spray Tan Booth- If I can't have someone come over and hose me down with a tan, I will go to a tanning salon and hop in one of those mystic booths. The important thing here is to choose a color that is complimentary to your skin (like, untan me could not waltz in and ask for the darkest solution they have) and work your way up to a darker tan. The key to this is the preparation you do before you get into the booth --carefully tuck your hair behind your ears and into a plastic cap. Pay attention as to where the elastic sits on your forehead-- if it is down too far, it will leave a not-so-charming tan line where one shouldn't be! Also, use the lotion that is provided as a barrier to those spots that don't need to be too tan- elbows, knees, tops of feet, palms, between fingers and toes, etc. This takes practice to get it just right, Then, strip, hop into the machine, hold your breath and follow the poses they suggest. Once you have been sufficiently misted, you need to carefully wipe off the lotion you applied and lightly pat yourself dry. This sort of tanning system can be susceptible to drips, so look at the back of your legs, your arms, etc and pat pat pat (no rubbing) until you are dry. The worst part of this is you have to get dressed when you are still sort of sticky. Bring loose, baggy, DARK clothes and try not to disturb your beautiful glow. I usually try to get this spray tan on a Friday night, I will go to sleep all tanned up, take a shower Saturday and by Tuesday or Wednesday, I am ready for another squirt.
3. Self-Tanner- For my daily uneventful, just going to work life, I am a huge fan of the self tanner. I have tried a TON over the years and I will admittedly try anything new that comes on the market. Now, I do love the products by Stila and Nars that are meant to be washed off at the end of the night and I will use these (and those brushes filled with glitter) all the time. But my tried and true favorites are St Tropez for my body and Dr Dennis Gross for my face. I have also recently started using the Charlotte Tiibury Night Mask but I haven't used it enough to form an opinion. For the St Tropez- they sell a handy mitt that makes it really easy but I never use it. The mousse texture goes on perfectly after a shower, when you are nice and dry. DO NOT moisturize immediately before or after you self tan. It is a dark mousse that allows you to see exactly where are you spreading it. You will come to know how much you need to apply, but less is more my friends. Once you have it on, you will need to SCRUB your hands. Like, maybe a few times- your palms and between your fingers especially. I will do this before work and by lunch time, I am looking tan. This usually lasts 2 days, so once summer is in full swing and I am wearing skirts, I will do this twice or more a week. For my face, I really like the pads by Dr Gross. There are some skin care products built in, but for these, I will wash my face and apply this tanner maybe an hour or more before bed time. Then, right before bed time, when I know this tanner is dry and wont smudge, I will add my serum and night cream.
And that's it! I want to hear the tanners that you love ... and I will also do a post about sunscreen (as they kinda go hand in hand), because I have some tried and true too. I linked these products and my cute romper below-- happy Friday beautiful friends.. Sweetly, Michelle
photos by @bleudogfotography
