With warmer weather approaching and Easter dresses on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about pulling out those bronzing mitts! I’m one of those girls that just feels better when I’m tan, and since the sun is harmful, you might as well get a bronze the safe way!

I’ve got all of my favorite self-tanners linked, and I’ll explain them below why I love them and how I use them!

Self Tanner Faves

As a consistency, I prefer a mousse or a gel self-tanner for the quick drying properties. Gradual lotions work great, but for this blog post I’m focusing on high-powered self tanning products! I’ve tried numerous self tanners throughout the years, and knowing the color of the products as well as how your skin naturally tans is important. For example, the St. Tropez brand has olive-undertones so it applies well without orange vibes. However, the more red/brown-looking undertones in the Loving Tan products apply beautifully as well giving you a fresh, out-in-the-sun look. Learning what looks best on your skin is important! Many of these products come in smaller travel sizes, so that’s great to purchase to try out! I also have really come to love the express or rapid tanning products (usually in a mousse), which you shower off lightly after a couple hours! Less staining on your sheets, but the longer you leave them on, the more they develop!

Self Tanner Application

Firstly, it’s important to make sure you’ve properly exfoliated beforehand. I’m talking using a good sugar scrub (but not too oily!), shaved legs, etc. and apply to dry skin.

NOW TO THE GOOD STUFF! Depending on the type of self tanner you’re applying, you will probably want to use a self-tanning mitt to prevent orange palms and fingers. I use a mitt for any mousse products or rapid tanning products. I usually apply 1-2 pumps to the mitt and apply to each half of a limb (forearm, then bicep/tricep…calf, then thigh) and work in small, circular buffing motions. I apply to my chest and neck, and you can apply to your midsection if you want it to be tan as well.

If you’re worried about your knees and elbows and hands, apply a light moisturizer before applying the tanning product to those areas. I take the residual product left on the mitt to my fingers and backs of my hands so they also appear tan.

You can apply lotion products and gel products with the mitt also, or apply in the same fashion with your hands! Just make sure to wash your hands following. I also apply lightly around my feet so they don’t look streaky or pale compared to the rest of my tan. The picture of my legs above is after trying the NuSkin Sun Right Gel tanner (wowza!)

I also linked my self-tanning drops you can add to your daily moisturizer or facial moisturizer to tan those areas of your face you don’t feel okay with applying normal self tanner to. Even better, they won’t break out your face!

Mind you, I do all of these steps at night or when I know I have ample time for my tanning products to really set. I sleep in loose clothing, and try to avoid too much touching my freshly tanned areas. If you’re in a rush, they make so many quick-absorbing tanning products now! Look for a gel or for a mist, and blow dry those areas after application.

So there you have it! A quick run down of how to achieve a flawless self-tanner application at home! As much as I would love a professional spray tan, many of these products cost the same amount of one pro-spray and you’ll get so many uses out of a bottle of product! Don’t be intimidated to do it yourself, and if you end up with a little streak here and there, don’t be mad….everyone does! It’ll buff out in no time 😉

xo, Chelsea