Applying Self Tanners
Self tanners are fairly easy to apply, but they do require you take a little bit of time in order for them to look their best. First things first, always shower before application. I highly recommend you use an exfoliating scrub along with Exfoliating Spa Gloves and give special attention to areas on your skin that are dryer than the rest. For me, this is my elbows, knees and the bottom half of my legs. Also concentrate on your hands and feet and ankles, scrubbing them very well, including between your fingers and toes.
When you are finished with your shower, rub a little bit of regular lotion all over your body as well, again concentrating on the spots listed above. This extra step will equalize your skin just a little bit more, and will help your self tanner glide on a lot more smoothly. Let the lotion soak all of the way into your skin for a minute or two.
For the application of the self tanner itself, you can use a pair of disposable gloves, or even your kitchen gloves (you do use gloves when you do dishes, right?), or you can do it bare handed, but you must be sure to wash your hands very thoroughly when you are finished. Start in one spot (I always start with my feet and work my way up) and apply the self tanner where you want your tan. Be sure to rub and rub until the tanner is all of the way soaked in your skin. Anywhere you leave a thicker area of self tanner, you will have more tan (read: streaks!). Just like your foundation, you must blend, blend, blend!
Some places to watch are all around your feet and toes, all around your fingers and wrists and around your hairline (if self tanning your face). If you are using gloves, when you finish, remove your gloves, put a dot or two of self tanner on the back of one of your hands, take the back of the other hand, and rub them together, trying to get nice even coverage on both hands.
When I am finished with the application of self tanner, I like to take a dry towel (not a good towel, because the self tanner will stain), and buff a little bit all around the edges of where my tanner is applied. This will help feather out the color so you have no distinct line of demarcation from the self tanner. Also use the towel to clean between your toes and fingers where the self tanner likes to collect and leave a dark spot.
You are finished (take a deep breath…aaah!). I know this is a lot of work, but it is a small price to pay for cancer free suntans!
3 opinions for Applying Self Tanners
Kandi
Mar 10, 2008 at 7:45 pm
How do you reach the back with your hands. Do you have someone else do it for you or what. I’ve tried to reach but i couldnt. What should i do?
Kandi
Mar 10, 2008 at 7:47 pm
How do you reach the back with your hands. Do you have someone else do it for you or what. I’ve tried to reach but I couldn’t. WHat should I do?
Jill
May 29, 2008 at 9:00 am
What is the best way to blend in the tanner at the wrist. Mine always look fake when I apply tanner to my forearms.
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