Bestsellers for Self-Tanning & Bronzing
As summer fades and the school year approaches, keeping that sun-kissed glow might seem challenging once you're back in the classroom instead of outside or at the beach. However, with the right products and techniques, extending the life of your tan is simpler than you think. From choosing long-lasting formulas to integrating daily habits that enhance tan longevity, this guide will help you maintain your summer radiance well into the school season.
Applying Self-Tanner for Lasting Results
Applying self-tanner might seem daunting initially, but you can achieve a flawless, lasting tan with the right approach. The key is in the preparation and application process. Following these steps ensures your tan looks natural and stays put longer, even with a hectic school schedule.
Here's how to get started:
- Exfoliate: Before applying any self-tanner, it's crucial to exfoliate your skin. This removes dead skin cells and provides a smooth canvas for an even application. Focus on areas like elbows, knees, and ankles where skin tends to be drier.
Moisturize: Apply a light moisturizer to dry areas immediately after exfoliating. This step prevents the self-tanner from absorbing too heavily in spots like elbows and knees, which can lead to an uneven tan.
Use gloves or a mitt: To avoid orange palms, use disposable gloves or a tanning mitt when applying self-tanner. This also helps distribute the product more evenly across your skin.
Apply in sections: Work the self-tanner into your skin one section at a time to ensure thorough coverage. Start from your legs and work your way up to avoid creases that can occur from bending.
Blend at joints: Lightly blend the product with a damp towel or sponge around wrists, ankles, knees, and elbows for a natural transition.
Wait before dressing: Allow the self-tanner to dry completely before wearing clothes. Wearing loose-fitting garments after application helps avoid smudging.
Maintain hydration: In the days following application, keep your skin moisturized. Hydrated skin retains color better and ensures an even fade.
Here are some other steps to consider:
Use an overnight self-tanning product: Apply an overnight self-tanning lotion before bed so the color can develop while you sleep. When you wake up, shower as usual to remove any residue or excess tanner, moisturize, and then head to class!
Touch-up with bronzers: Keep a bronzing powder or a wash-off bronzing drops handy for instant color boosts before events or photo ops. These products offer a temporary glow that's easy to apply and remove.
Following these steps will give you a beautiful tan that looks like you've just returned from summer vacation. Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't flawless; each application will help you improve your technique for future applications.
Tan Maintenance Habits to Start Before School Does
Balancing school, homework, and extracurricular activities leave little time for complicated beauty routines. Yet, maintaining your summer tan amidst this hustle is achievable with some innovative strategies. Integrating simple steps into your daily routine allows you to preserve that sun-kissed glow without sacrificing time for your studies or friends. Here are straightforward tips:
Choose multitasking products: Opt for moisturizers or body lotions with a hint of self-tanner or bronzer. This way, you hydrate your skin while subtly enhancing your tan with each application.
Prioritize SPF protection: Even in autumn, UV rays can fade your tan and harm your skin. Use a daily facial moisturizer with SPF to protect your complexion and prevent uneven tan fading.
Efficient exfoliation: Use an exfoliating glove, mitt, or brush in the shower once a week to quickly remove dead skin cells without additional products or time-consuming scrubbing.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin. Hydrated skin not only looks better but holds onto a tan longer.
Wear loose clothing: Tight clothing can rub against your skin and cause your tan to fade prematurely. Opt for loose-fitting fabrics that allow your skin to breathe.
Avoid hot showers: Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to faster fading of your tan. Stick to lukewarm water and keep showers short.
Pat dry after showering: Rubbing your skin with a towel can exfoliate it unintentionally, causing your tan to fade. Gently pat your skin dry instead.
Use gentle body washes: Harsh soaps can strip away your tan along with the skin's natural oils. Choose mild, moisturizing body washes that clean without being too aggressive.
Moisturize daily: Keeping your skin moisturized is key. Look for lotions enriched with aloe vera or shea butter for an extra boost of hydration.
By adopting these efficient practices, you'll find it surprisingly simple to keep your summer tan glowing. Remember, the key is consistency and choosing products that work hard so you don't have to.
Products That Help Extend Your Summer Tan
When selecting products to prolong your summer tan, focus on those that hydrate and enhance the skin's natural glow. The key is to find items that not only maintain but also improve the appearance of your tan. Here are some product types you should consider:
Moisturizing Body Wash: Hydrating your skin starts in the shower! Choose an ultra-moisturizing body wash, like Bubble, a K-Beauty favorite, to help preserve your tan.
Hydrating lotions: These lotions keep your skin moisturized, essential for making your tan last longer. Dry skin tends to flake off, taking your beautiful tan with it.
Gradual tanning lotions: Perfect for daily use, these lotions add a subtle amount of color over time, helping to keep your tan even and natural-looking.
Bronzing powders: Ideal for quick touch-ups, bronzing powders can help enhance your face and body's sun-kissed look without the commitment of self-tanners.
Tan extenders: Specially formulated to extend the life of your tan, these products often contain ingredients that help preserve the color and improve skin hydration.
Remember, applying sunscreen every day is non-negotiable. It protects your skin from harmful UV rays while preventing your tan from fading unevenly. Look for sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection without leaving a white cast, as this can help maintain the natural look of your tan.
Lastly, consider incorporating a gentle exfoliator into your routine once a week. This will remove dead skin cells and create a smooth base for any tanning products you use, ensuring an even application and preventing patchiness. By choosing the right products and integrating them into your daily skincare routine, you can effortlessly keep that summer glow all year.
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 sunscreen prevent my tan from developing?
Sunscreen does not prevent tanning but protects your skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. A tan is a sign of skin damage, so while sunscreen allows some UV rays to reach your skin, enabling tanning, it significantly reduces the risk of harmful effects.
How long should I wait to shower after applying self-tanner?
It's best to wait at least 8-10 hours before showering after applying self-tanner. This allows the product time to develop and ensures your tan lasts longer. Showering too soon can stop the development process and result in a lighter tan.
Is it necessary to moisturize before applying self-tanner?
Yes, moisturizing before applying self-tanner is crucial, especially on dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles. It prevents the product from absorbing too heavily in these areas, which can lead to an uneven tan.
How often should I apply gradual tanning lotions to maintain my tan?
For best results, apply gradual tanning lotions daily. These products build color gradually, so regular application is necessary to develop and maintain your desired shade of tan.
What's the best way to remove self-tanner if I make a mistake?
For immediate mistakes, use a damp towel to gently blot (not rub) the area. For color that's already developed, exfoliating with a mild scrub can help lighten the tan. There are also products specifically designed to remove self-tanner available at Ulta Beauty.
Can I use my facial products on my body to maintain my tan?
While some facial products may be safe for body use, it's important to use products formulated for the specific needs of body skin to maintain your tan. Body skin can be thicker and may require more hydrating formulas than those designed for the face.
How can I prevent streaks when applying self-tanner?
Ensure your skin is smooth and exfoliated before application, use a tanning mitt or gloves to apply the product evenly, and blend thoroughly at joints like wrists and ankles. Applying in sections and allowing the product to dry completely between layers can also prevent streaks.
Will swimming affect my tan?
Chlorine and saltwater can cause your tan to fade faster. After swimming, rinse off with fresh water and moisturize your skin to help extend the life of your tan.
How can I make my tan look natural on my face?
Choose a bronzing powder or a facial tanner one shade lighter than your body tan. Blend well, focusing on areas the sun naturally hits like the forehead, cheeks, and nose. Avoid heavy application around the jawline and hairline.
Are there any tips for tanning hard-to-reach areas?
For areas like your back, use a tanning mitt on a wooden spoon or ask for help from a friend. Apply the product as evenly as possible and blend towards the sides to ensure complete coverage without missing spots.
