Bestsellers for Self-Tanning & Bronzing
Achieving a flawless, sun-kissed glow without the sun's harmful effects is easier than you think. With the right self-tanner from Ulta Beauty, you can even out your skin tone and enjoy radiant skin all year round. The key to success lies in selecting a shade and formula that matches your natural complexion, preparing your skin properly before application, mastering the technique for an even spread, and knowing how to care for your skin afterward. This guide will walk you through each step of the process so that you can confidently achieve smooth results with minimal effort. Whether it’s your first time using self-tanner or if you’re looking to perfect your routine, we’ve got everything covered.
Selecting the Correct Shade and Formula
Choosing the right shade and formula of self-tanner is crucial for achieving a natural-looking tan. Your skin tone and type should guide your selection to ensure the best results. Here's how to make the perfect choice:
- Determine your skin tone: Light, medium, or dark. Pick a self-tanner that complements your natural complexion to avoid an orange or unnatural finish.
Consider your skin type: Oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. Select a formula that aligns with your skin's needs. For example, if you have dry skin, look for a moisturizing self-tanner.
Choose the right formula: Lotions, mousses, sprays, and drops are available options at Ulta Beauty. Lotions are great for beginners due to their easy application and hydration benefits. Mousses offer quick drying times and are suitable for those with some experience in self-tanning. Sprays provide an even application and are ideal for hard-to-reach areas. Drops can be mixed with your favorite moisturizer for a customized tan intensity.
Test before applying: Always conduct a patch test on a small area of your skin 24 hours before full application to check for any adverse reactions.
By following these guidelines, you can select a self-tanner that will give you a beautiful, even tan while taking care of your skin's health and appearance. Remember to read product descriptions carefully and consider reviews from users with similar skin tones and types to make an informed decision.
Preparation Steps Before Application
Before applying self-tanner, preparing your skin is a crucial step that shouldn't be overlooked. Proper preparation ensures the tanner applies smoothly and evenly, resulting in a more natural-looking tan. Here are the essential steps to prep your skin for self-tanning:
Exfoliate: Use a gentle exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells. Focus on areas with rougher skin, such as knees, elbows, and ankles. This step helps to avoid uneven patches and ensures a smoother application.
Shave or wax: If you plan to remove hair, do it at least 24 hours before applying self-tanner. This allows time for your pores to close, preventing the tanner from settling into them and causing dark spots.
Moisturize: Apply a light moisturizer to dry areas like hands, feet, elbows, and knees right after exfoliating and shaving or waxing. Avoid heavy creams that could create barriers between your skin and the tanner.
Avoid deodorants and perfumes: These products can react with the self-tanning formula, leading to discoloration or unevenness.
Wear gloves or use a tanning mitt: To prevent orange palms, wear disposable gloves or use a tanning mitt during application. This also helps in spreading the product more evenly across your skin.
Choose the right environment: Apply your self-tanner in a cool, dry place to prevent sweating until the product has fully absorbed into your skin.
By following these preparation steps carefully, you're setting yourself up for success with your self-tanning routine. Remember, taking time to prepare your skin can make all the difference in achieving that flawless glow you're aiming for.
Techniques for an Even Application
For an even application of self-tanner, technique matters as much as preparation. Here's how to ensure you get that flawless, streak-free tan:
Start from the bottom: Begin applying self-tanner at your feet and work your way up. This prevents creases or streaks that can occur if you bend over after applying tanner to your upper body.
Use circular motions: Apply the self-tanner in small, circular motions rather than dragging it across your skin. This method helps distribute the product more evenly.
Go light on joints: Knees, elbows, wrists, and ankles tend to absorb more product, leading to darker areas. Lightly brush over these areas with whatever is left on the mitt or gloves.
Wait before dressing: Allow the self-tanner to dry completely before putting on clothes. Follow the product's recommended drying time to avoid staining fabrics or causing unevenness.
Apply in sections: Break down your application by sections (legs, torso, arms) to ensure thorough coverage. Make sure each area is fully dry before moving on to the next.
Blend with a brush for face application: For a natural-looking facial tan, use a makeup brush to blend self-tanner around the hairline and jawline. This avoids harsh lines and ensures a smooth transition from face to neck.
By mastering these techniques, you'll achieve an even and natural-looking tan without leaving home. Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't flawless; each application will help you improve.
Post-Application Care for Smooth Results
After applying self-tanner, taking care of your skin is crucial to maintain smooth results and extend the life of your tan. Here are steps to follow for post-application care:
Stay dry: Avoid water and sweating for at least 4-8 hours after application. This time allows the self-tanner to develop fully and prevents streaks or patches.
Moisturize daily: Keeping your skin hydrated is key to a lasting tan. Use a light, hydrating moisturizer every day to prevent flaking and patchiness.
Avoid exfoliating: While exfoliation is important before applying self-tanner, it's best avoided afterward. Exfoliating can strip away the top layer of your tan, leading to unevenness.
Take short, cool showers: Hot water can accelerate the fading process of your tan. Opt for shorter, cooler showers and gently pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing.
Use gentle soaps: Harsh soaps can strip away your tan. Choose mild, moisturizing body washes that don't contain exfoliating agents.
Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin supple and extends the life of your tan by preventing dryness.
Remove leftover self-tanner before applying more: Remove any faded or patchy self-tanner before applying a new coat for a smoother, more even look.
By following these post-application care tips, you'll ensure that your self-tan looks even and lasts longer. Remember, the way you care for your skin after tanning is just as important as the preparation and application stages.
Ulta Beauty Buying Guide
Self-tanning and bronzing products offer a safe and convenient way to achieve a natural-looking tan without the harmful effects of UV rays. These products come in various forms, including foams, mousses, lotions, and sprays, allowing you to choose the application method that works best for you. When selecting a self-tanning or bronzing product, consider factors such as your skin type, desired level of color, and any additional skincare benefits you may be looking for. Look for products that are formulated with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera to keep your skin moisturized and nourished. Additionally, consider whether you want a product that offers instant color or one that gradually develops over time. Finally, don't forget to read reviews and check for any potential allergens or irritants in the product's ingredients list. With the right self-tanning or bronzing product, you can achieve a beautiful, sun-kissed glow all year round. Here are some products we recommend.
Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse from St. Tropez is a great product for achieving a natural-looking tan with ease. It is tinted, easy-to-apply, and streak-free, and it wears for up to 10 days without any self tan smell. Its formula adapts to your skin tone for a personalized look.
- Provides a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow without the harmful UV rays
- The mousse formula allows for easy application and even coverage
- Dries quickly, allowing you to dress shortly after application
- Long-lasting tan that fades evenly and subtly over time
- Infused with nourishing ingredients to promote a healthy skin
- Perfect for all skin tones, offering a customizable level of tan
- Leaves a refreshing scent, unlike many other self-tanners
Salon Quality Self Tanning Foam
This Salon Quality Self Tanning Foam from Bondi Sands is a great choice for achieving a sun-kissed tan, as it is enriched with aloe vera and has a delightful coconut scent. It is lightweight and easy to apply, leaving your skin glowing like you've spent the day at the beach. Plus, it's salon quality so you know it will last!
- Provides a natural-looking tan that many users love
- Easy to apply with its foam texture, making the tanning process smoother
- Offers a long-lasting tan, reducing the need for frequent reapplications
- Comes with a pleasant scent, unlike some other self-tanning products
- Suitable for all skin types, ensuring versatility and wide usability
- Dries quickly and doesn't leave any sticky residue, offering a clean and comfortable tanning experience
- Considered as a high-quality product comparable to salon tans, but at a more affordable price
Deluxe Bronzing Mousse
Deluxe Bronzing Mousse gives users a natural-looking, streak-free tan quickly.
Deluxe Bronzing Mousse is an ideal product for those looking to get a sun-kissed glow in minutes. It is easy to use and provides an even, streak-free coverage that looks natural. The mousse formula also allows you to build up the colour intensity as desired for a deeper, darker tan. Additionally, it has a pleasant scent making it even more enjoyable to use.
- Provides a natural-looking tan that users love.
- The mousse is easy to apply and dries quickly, allowing for a hassle-free application.
- Users have praised the long-lasting effect of the bronzing mousse.
- Many have appreciated its non-sticky texture, making it comfortable to wear all day.
- The product has a pleasant scent, unlike many other self-tanning products.
- It's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, according to user reviews.
- Users appreciate the luxurious packaging, enhancing the overall experience of using the product.
FAQ
Can I apply makeup over my self-tanner?
Yes, once the self-tanner is fully dry and has developed (typically after 4-8 hours), makeup can be applied over it. Ensure the tanner is thoroughly absorbed and your skin is moisturized for the best makeup application results.
How long should I wait to shower after applying self-tanner?
Wait at least 4-8 hours before taking a shower to allow the self-tanner to fully develop on your skin. Showering too soon can cause the tan to wash off or appear streaky.
Can self-tanner protect me from the sun?
No, self-tanners do not contain sunscreen and do not protect against sunburn or sun damage. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen when spending time outdoors to protect your skin.
How often should I reapply self-tanner to maintain my tan?
Reapplication frequency depends on the desired intensity of your tan and the formula used. Generally, reapplying once a week is sufficient to maintain an even tan. Adjust based on how your skin responds and the product instructions.
Why does my self-tanner fade unevenly sometimes?
Uneven fading can result from irregular skin exfoliation, infrequent moisturizing, or exposure to chlorinated water. Maintain a consistent skincare routine, moisturize daily, and wear sunscreen to help your tan fade evenly.
Is there a way to quickly remove self-tanner if I make a mistake?
Self-tanner removers can be applied to areas with mistakes to help fade the tan more quickly. Exfoliating scrubs and lemon juice are popular home remedies for correcting tanning errors.
Can I swim after applying self-tanner?
It's best to wait at least 8 hours before swimming to allow the self-tanner time to develop fully. Chlorinated pools and salt water can cause your tan to fade faster, so consider applying waterproof sunscreen to help protect your tan.
How can I prevent self-tanner from staining my clothes and sheets?
Wait for the self-tanner to completely dry and develop before wearing tight clothing or going to bed. Wearing dark, loose-fitting clothing after application can also help prevent fabric stains.
What should I do if my self-tanned skin looks orange?
If your skin appears orange, this may indicate that the self-tanner shade is too dark for your natural skin tone or was applied too heavily. Exfoliate gently to lighten the tan, and select a lighter shade or use less product for future applications.
Can I use a self-tanner on my face?
Yes, many self-tanners are suitable for use on the face. Check the product description to ensure it is safe for facial use. For a more tailored facial application, consider using self-tanning drops that can be mixed with your moisturizer to provide a more natural-looking tan.
