Today on the blog I am sharing one of my favorite beauty products: sunless tanners! I used to be a total sun worshipper, but over the years I have given up my tanning days and have opted for sunless tanners as a safer, healthier option. Plus, no more awkward “farmers tan” and random tan lines (we’ve all been there). Using a sunless tanner gives you the option to create an even tan from head to toe. First, let’s talk about how to achieve the perfect summer tan using sunless tanners.
1. Exfoliate
Not only does exfoliating your skin give you a smooth surface to work with, but you will also get a more even result allowing your self-tan to fade evenly. Also, make sure you don’t forget to exfoliate your elbows, knees, and ankles which are your “problem areas” when using a self-tanner (the thickest areas of skin that tend to absorb the most color).
2. Shave The Day Before
Don’t shave the day you want to apply self-tanner. Instead, shave the day before and wait one more day after applying the self-tanner to shave again. Do not apply self-tanner the same day you shave to reduce the chance of skin irritation and follicle pockets of self-tanner. Wait one day after applying self-tanner to avoid stripping the color from your legs.
3. Moisturize
Hydrated skin helps maintain an even self-tan and keeps it from fading too quickly. Uneven, patchy self-tans are most often caused by is dry skin. In addition to exfoliating your problem areas (elbows, knees, and ankles) make sure you are moisturizing them before and after application.
4. Allow For Dry Time
Apply the self-tanner in the evening, right before you go to bed. This gives your self-tanner plenty of time to settle on your skin before you jump in the shower when you wake up! Also, make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing. Clothing that fits too tight could result in a patchy self-tan.
Nourish Your Glow: Best Sunless Tanners
Whether you prefer lotion, spray, or mousse, this list has the best sunless tanners in all forms. Organic formulas, soft glows, express deep tans (bloggers favorite); I am positive one or more of these sunless tanners will give you the glow you desire. Bonus: you can have a beautiful glow all year round! Check out the list below and get your glow on!
Budget-Friendly
An all-time top favorite, Jergens Natural Glow lotion creates a gradual glow to your skin with daily use. Plus, it comes in a mousse for an instant “just left the beach” tan!
Bloggers Favorite
Rant and raved by top beauty and fashion bloggers, Loving Tan Express gives you a healthy glow in no time! Develops in just two hours, this formula is the same as salon spray tans.
Skin Nourishing
Organic and moisturizing, COOLA tanning lotion not only gives you the look of a healthy glow but with its clean beauty properties, you will achieve firmer healthier skin.
Tropical Fragrance
Say goodbye to the typical self- tanner fragrance! Coco & Eve’s Sunny Honey has a tropical mango and guava fragrance that gives you the feel of an island escape! 100% Vegan.
Soft Healthy Glow
Packed with nourishing shea butter, sweet almond oil and safflower oil to help improve and hydrate your skin. Alba Botanica Sunless Tanner Lotion gives your skin a soft natural glow.
Best Organic Lotion
With over 5k reviews on amazon, Beauty by Earth’s organic tanning lotion is perfect for all skin types. Plus a little goes a long way, making this sunless tanner a worthwhile buy for you!
All-Time Favorite Mousse
With over 3k reviews on Amazon, this is a serious favorite of self-tanning gurus. St. Tropez offers so many great tanning products, like the bronzing face mist or the self-tan starter kit so you can try the products before committing to large sizes.
*images via Amazon
