The Best Self-Tanning Products

There is just something about having a nice tan that can make you feel like a million bucks! Gone are when you had to rub oil on yourself outside in the heat or lay in a tanning bed to get a nice tan. If you are new to the self-tanning process, it can be overwhelming. For starters, there are so many products to choose from, and many of them can leave you with streaks or an overly tan color. Then, there’s the actual application of the self-tanner and how to apply it correctly. To help make the process easier, I’m sharing my self-tanning routine and favorite tanning products.

My Self-Tanning Routine

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I usually self-tan once a week. It usually lasts about a week, but the first few days are the best! My favorite self-tanning products are the Clarin Radiance Glow Booster, Couskincare Face Tanning Serum, +Lux Unfiltered Tanning Mousse, and the +Lux Unfiltered Gradual Lotion.

The +Lux Unfilted Tanning Mouse is non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free. It contains sunflower extract, jojoba seed extract, papaya extract, cocoa seed extract, and hyaluronic acid; N°36 will evenly tan your body while infusing your skin with the hydration it craves. Color will start developing within 2 hours and continue growing for 8 hours.

For the +Lux Unfiltered Gradual Lotion, I get the shade Santal. It is infused with shea butter, cocoa butter, squalane, avocado oil, and passion fruit oil, and this gradual self-tanner will leave your skin dewy and bronze. You put it on just like a lotion (with your hands), leave it on for 8 hours, rinse off, and you’re good to go! 

The CouSkincare Face Tanning Serum has ingredients like Raspberry Seed Oil, Aloe Vera, and Vitamin A & E. This tanning serum hydrates, tightens, and strengthens the skin while giving you a luminous glow. This gradual tanner can be built up daily or just used for special occasions. It goes on transparent (does not have a color guide), so pigment will not transfer to your clothes or sheets. It can be used on bare skin or integrated into your makeup routine.

Last but not least, the Clarin Radiance Glow Booster. These are easy-to-apply self-tanning drops for the face—formulated with 99% ingredients of natural origin—that delivers an even, long-lasting tan 365 days a year. A concentrated formula that builds in intensity with every drop, so you control the glow—from sun-touched to deep bronze. Formulated with our exclusive Self Tan Complex of DHA + Erythrulose, two 100% naturally sourced plant sugars that produce a natural-looking tanned appearance on the skin’s surface with even, long-lasting results. You’re golden with 2-3 tanning drops mixed with any face moisturizer!

Step 1. Exfoliate & Shave

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The best self-tan starts in preparation. To get a completely even color, you should always exfoliate and shave the day before you self-tan. Self-tanner applies best and stays on longer when the skin has been exfoliated. From experience, I have learned that when you self-tan too soon after you exfoliate and shave, the formula fills your pours and can leave dark spots, especially on your legs.

I love using this exfoliating mitt and body wash to ensure and get everything off.

After exfoliating in the shower, I get out and moisturize well. I pay extra attention to the spots that tend to get dry. Those spots typically consist of my elbows, back of knees, hands, feet, etc.

Step 2. Apply The Self-Tanner

I will apply the self-tanner the following day or several hours after I take my prep shower. As I listed above, I have a few different go-to’s, but I gravel-towards +Lux Unfilted Tanning Mouse most often for my body.

For application, I spray the mousse onto my tanning mitt and work up my body, starting at my legs. I go in an upward motion to make sure there are no streaks or splotches. After that, I do my mid-section and my arms. I often have my husband do my back or use this self-tanning back applicator. After my body is done, I will use what is left on my mitt and go over my hands and feet. I scrunch my hands to make a claw position and get every crevice. It’s essential to wipe the palms of your hands off after you are finished with your application. If self-tanner gets on your palms, they can end up looking splotchy.

I will use the CouSkincare Face Tanning Serum or Clarin Glow Glow Booster for my face. For the CouSkincare Tanning Serum, you apply a few pumps directly on your face and gently rub them in. For the Clarin Radiance Glow Booster, mix a few drops with your moisturizer and use it on your face.

Step 3. Let The Self-Tanner Develop

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I always try to apply spray tanner at night and let it dry overnight.

After you finish self-tanning, wearing oversized, baggy clothes is crucial, as you don’t want to wear anything that will rub up against your skin or leave marks. Ensure your clothing is not too heavy, as you don’t want to sweat, causing the self-tanner to run or streak. I also try to wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt to avoid staining my bed sheets overnight.

If you are going to tan during the day, it is still important to wear loose-fitting clothing. If you wear a bra or leggings, it will more than likely cause your tan to streak and develop splotchy. It is also essential to avoid getting your body wet while your tan develops. Always check the directions on your spray tanner to see how long they recommend you wait until showering.

Step 4. Self-Tanner Rinse

When it’s time to shower after the allotted time, be sure to rinse off gently. When drying off, pat your skin dry, and do not rub it with a towel. Avoid rubbing or using a washcloth, as you don’t want to rub off the self-tanner. It’s ok that some color looks like it is coming off in the shower. Don’t panic; this is only the top layer of the tan.

Step 5. Protecting Your Tan

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To prolong my tan, I apply lotion every day after I rinse off. I will often apply my +Lux Unfiltered Gradual Lotion after I rinse off. This will lock in your color and prolong your tan.

Now go and enjoy your beautiful tan!

xx Tammy

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