How to Achieve a Flawless Self Tan: The Ultimate Guide to Home Application

Once you’ve made the decision to enjoy the many benefits of a beautiful self tan, the next step is to master the art of self tanning at home. Lucky for you, we've got you covered.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of applying self tanning products in the comfort of your own home. Whether you prefer lotions, creams, gels, milks, mousses, or sprays, this guide is designed to work for all types of self tanners.

But before we dive in, there is one thing you should know. Getting a flawless, long-lasting self tan may seem a little intimidating at first, and it might take a few attempts to get it right. However, once you've mastered the steps, you'll be able to achieve a natural-looking tan in less than an hour.

So, let's get started!

Part One: What You'll Need Beforehand

• The Right Self Tanner: Choose a self tanner that suits your preferences and skin type.
• Exfoliating Scrub: Use a scrub to remove dead skin cells for a more even tan.
• Tight-Fitting Disposable Latex Gloves: These will be your best friend during the application process.
• Lotion Strap, Wand, or Sponge Paintbrush: A handy tool to help you reach your back if you don't have someone to assist you.
• Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly: Protect your eyebrows from the tanning lotion.
• Tissue: Basic tissue will come in handy.
• Band or Hair Tie: Keep your hair away from your face.
• Blow Dryer: Speed up the drying process after application.
• Mirror: Ensure you can see what you're doing.
• Time: Allow an hour for preparation and application, and a few hours for the product to dry. It's best to do this before bedtime to avoid staining your clothes.

Part Two: The Steps

1. Prepare the Skin: Shave any areas where you don't want hair at least an hour before application. Exfoliate your skin to remove dead cells, preferably one to two hours before.
2. Ensure Dryness: Make sure your skin is completely dry after shaving and exfoliating. Avoid steamy bathrooms as moisture can interfere with the self tanning products.
3. Protect Your Eyebrows: Apply a small amount of Vaseline to your eyebrows to prevent the tanning lotion from altering their color.
4. Moisturizer Optional: While we don't recommend using moisturizer before applying self tanner, some people prefer it. Experiment to find what works best for your skin.
5. Start with the Head: Wear gloves and apply a light layer of self tanning product to your head, including ears and neck. Use short, circular motions.
6. Move to the Legs and Feet: Apply a small amount of self tanner to your legs and feet, blending it in well.
7. Proceed to the Stomach, Chest, Shoulders, and Arms: Take care when applying to your hands, using a minimal amount and avoiding the palms.
8. Tackle the Back: Use a strap, wand, or paintbrush to apply the self tanner to your back.
9. Perfect the Application: Gently wipe at your wrists, tops of feet, elbows, and knees with a tissue to remove excess product.
10. Cleanse Your Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly, especially if you didn't wear gloves or a mitt.
11. Speed up the Drying Process: Use a blow dryer to dry the applied areas for a few seconds on each part.

Part Three: After You're Done, Fixing Mistakes, and Maintenance

1. Allow Drying Time: Wait at least an hour before putting on clothes or going to bed.
2. Overnight Magic: For best results, leave the self tanner on overnight. Use towels to protect your bed if the product has a guide or tint.
3. Morning Shower: Shower as usual in the morning, and you'll reveal a beautiful sunless tan.
4. Fixing Uneven Areas: If there are any areas that don't look right, you can either apply a little more product and blend it well or use lemon juice to lighten specific parts of your body.
5. Moisturize for Maintenance: Keep your skin moisturized to prolong the life of your tan. Your tan will naturally fade in 3-7 days, depending on the product used.
6. Schedule Your Tanning Sessions: Customize your tan maintenance schedule based on your preferences. Some people apply self tanner once a week for the body and twice a week for the face.

Now You Know How to Achieve a Flawless Self Tan!

Congratulations! With this comprehensive guide, you now have the knowledge and tools to achieve a flawless self tan at home. Remember, everyone's skin is unique, so feel free to personalize these steps to suit your specific needs.

For a handy reference, we've created a one-page cheat sheet that you can download and take with you to your self tanning sessions. Click here to download it.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this guide! If you have any additional steps or suggestions, connect with us on Facebook or Twitter. Your feedback is valuable to us as we strive to provide the best self tanning experience for our readers.