.
Set delivery address
Change
Set delivery address
Change

How to DIY self-tan like a pro

11 November 2019 | Leigh van den Berg

Summer is here, and we’re ready to hit the pool with a gorgeous faux glow. Here’s how to get the streak-free self-tan of your dreams!

 

/medias/Perfect-self-tan-520px-123rf-119813426-s.jpg?context=bWFzdGVyfEFydGljbGVJbWFnZXN8NzQ1MDF8aW1hZ2UvanBlZ3xBcnRpY2xlSW1hZ2VzL2g0YS9oNGIvOTYxMDcwNTg2MjY4Ni5qcGd8NWQyZWY5ZmFkMTgwMzU5ZmIwMTU1ODJiYTA1MWEwMTVhMTI3ZmNkYzAxYWJkMDA4ZGNiOWY1N2I1N2QzMDJlZQ

If you love the look of bronzed skin but are wise to the risks of unprotected sun exposure, self-tan is the smartest way to get your glow on. Still, using it properly does require a little know-how. We got expert advice from Tamryn Jefferies, the owner of a spray-tan business, on how to create the perfect faux glow.

Choose your weapon 

Self-tan formulations have come a long way, so you no longer have to worry about looking orange. Still, most brands offer a selection of shades to choose from. Tamryn suggests you pick one that’s not vastly different from your skin tone in order to look as natural as possible. 

“If you’re nervous about missing a spot during application, use a tinted self-tan that can act as a colour guide,” she suggests. “Apply it as smoothly as you can, but don’t get too freaked out if, as you’re stroking it on, it looks a bit too dark or even a little streaky. Colour guides are often much darker than the end result and these ‘streaks’ are just tidemarks that wash away.”

Australian Gold Gradual Sunless Lotion serves up a subtle glow that would suit paler skin types and Caribbean Tan Tan In A Can Instant is available in three shades with an immediate tint that acts as a colour guide.

A proper prep 

Don’t underestimate the importance of prep. “Getting rid of dry, dead skin cells that are almost ready to shift on their own means you’ll be tanning fresh, new skin that isn’t going to shed anytime soon,” explains Tamryn. This means your tan will last a lot longer.

For a great exfoliation, we recommend using a product like Caribbean Tan Skin Smoothing Exfoliator or Sorbet Balancing Body Scrub the night before you self-tan.

A few minutes prior to self-tanning, Tamryn suggests applying a little body lotion to the driest parts of your body where the skin is a little thicker – places like your elbows, knees and ankles. “Dry skin will absorb more of the self-tanning product. This is why people sometimes end up with a great overall tan but very dark looking knees. So, if you ‘feed’ these areas with moisture before you apply your self-tan, you’ll get a more even result.”

Time to tan 

“Once you invest in a self-tan mitt, you’ll never go back to applying self-tan with your hands,” says Tamryn. Using a mitt prevents stained fingernails and palms and makes for a much speedier, smoother application. 

When you’ve finished applying your tan, wait until you’re completely dry before slipping into dark clothing, preferably a loose dress. “If you brush up against fabric or anything that could remove your self-tan before it’s fully absorbed, you’ll end up looking uneven,” warns Tamryn.

Once you’re a bronzed goddess, Tamryn says you can extend your tan’s “shelf-life” by avoiding exfoliating bath and body products and keeping your skin well-moisturised. 

 

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com

Products featured in this article


Latest promotions

See all promotions