Self-tanner is a great way to give yourself a tan before your holiday sunbathing, but it requires a certain level of skill. How to apply it properly? We tell you everything. 

There is nothing more beautiful than a tan to enhance a little summer look. But we don't always have the time to relax for tanning sessions under the summer sun. To remedy this, we are lucky enough to be able to rely on self-tanning products, but these require a certain level of skill and, above all, not to overdo it. 

How to choose your self-tanner? 

When choosing a self-tanner, it is important to take several factors into account to find the one that best suits your skin type but also your personal preferences, such as: the type of product (self-tanning spray, wipes, mousse, lotion or even self-tanning cream), the intensity of the desired tan (light and natural or intense and dark), the list of ingredients (always pay attention to this to check that there is no risk of allergy) or even the price since there are options for every budget. 

Preparing your skin before applying your self-tanner

Proper preparation according to your skin type should be done before applying your self-tanning product, this will guarantee a uniform and more satisfying result. Here are a few steps to follow to prepare your skin before applying the self-tanner:

1. Exfoliation: Before applying the self-tanner, exfoliate your skin using a body scrub (and face if you want to self-tan this area) to remove dead cells, impurities and residues of previous products. Use a gentle body scrub or an exfoliant specially designed to prepare the skin before self-tanning. Focus particularly on rough areas, such as elbows, knees and heels. Rinse thoroughly after exfoliating and dry carefully.

2. Light hydration: After exfoliating, lightly moisturize your skin with a light lotion or moisturizer. If you have dry skin you can double the dose. This will help to soften the skin and prevent rough areas that can absorb the self-tanner unevenly.

3. Hair removal: If you plan to remove hair, do it before applying the self-tanner. Hair removal can remove some of the self-tanner, so it is better to do it in advance. If you need to remove hair after applying the self-tanner, wait at least 24 hours to allow the color to set properly.

4. Protection of specific areas: If you have rough or dry areas, such as elbows, knees, heels or ankles, you can apply a small amount of moisturizing lotion or Vaseline to prevent excessive absorption of the self-tanner in these areas.

The steps to apply your self-tanner 

Once the skin is prepared, you can proceed with the application of the self-tanner according to the instructions provided with the product you have chosen but also by following these different steps to avoid excess self-tanner on the skin and ensure a uniform tan e:  

Gloves or applicator:

To avoid stains on your hands, it is recommended to use latex gloves or a self-tanning applicator. This allows for a more precise and uniform application.

Start with your legs:

Start by applying the self-tanner to your legs in circular motions. Work gradually from the bottom up to avoid rubbing or staining the already treated areas.

Arms and torso:

Apply the self-tanner to your arms, chest and abdomen using circular or sweeping motions. Make sure to spread the product well to get a uniform color that will ensure a beautiful tan.

Doing your back:

If you cannot reach your back, ask someone to help you apply the tanning product. Otherwise, you can use a long-handled applicator or a self-tanning spray specially designed for the back.

For the face:

For the face, use a self-tanner specially formulated for this delicate area. Apply a small amount of product carefully avoiding the eyes, eyebrows and hairline. Blend the product well on the neck and ears to avoid visible lines.

The finishing touches:

Once you have applied the self-tanner to all the desired areas, check if there are uneven areas or stains and blend them with a clean glove or a soft cloth. Be careful not to rub too hard so as not to remove the self-tanner.

Drying time:

Let the self-tanner dry completely before getting dressed. Follow the product instructions to find out the recommended drying time. Avoid any contact with water or sweat during this period.

Tan maintenance:

After application, follow the product recommendations regarding tan maintenance. Some brands suggest avoiding hot showers or prolonged baths, while others may recommend applying a moisturizer after the self-tanner to prolong the duration of the tan.

Attention, keep in mind that self-tanner does not provide protection against UV rays. If you plan to expose yourself to the sun, always use a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF (50 in summer) to protect your skin.