Top 5 most popular self-tanners

The Ultimate Guide to Self Tanners: Preparation, Application and the Best Products

Self-tanners are a great way to get a beautiful, sun-kissed glow all year round without the damaging effects of UV rays. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, it's important to know how to prepare your skin, what steps to take during application, and which products are best. In this guide, we discuss everything you need to know about self-tanners, including a list of the five most popular products on the market.

Preparation: The Key to an Even Brown

1. Exfoliate your skin: Start exfoliating your skin at least 24 hours before applying self-tanner. This removes dead skin cells and provides a smooth surface, resulting in an even tan. Use a body peel or an exfoliating glove.

2. Moisturize dry areas: Moisturize dry areas such as knees, elbows, ankles and hands well. These parts of your body can absorb the self-tanner more quickly, leading to dark spots.

3. Shave or wax in advance: If you plan to shave or wax, do so at least 24 hours in advance to avoid irritation. This also ensures that the self-tanner is applied evenly without hairs getting in the way.

Steps for Applying Self Tanner

1. Use an application glove: A special self-tanning glove helps to apply the product evenly and prevents stains on your hands. Apply the self-tanner in circular movements.

2. Work from the bottom up: Start with your legs and work up to your torso and arms. This helps to prevent you from smudging yourself during application.

3. Be careful around joints: Use less product on your knees, elbows and ankles. Mix it well to prevent dark spots.

4. Allow the product to dry: Allow the self-tanner to dry completely before putting on clothes. This may take 10-30 minutes depending on the product. Wear loose clothing to avoid stains.

5. Rinse after the recommended time: Rinse your body after the time indicated on the package. This removes excess product and ensures a natural, even color.

The 5 Most Popular Self-tanners: Advantages and Disadvantages

1. St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

   • Benefits: Lightweight mousse, quick drying, easy to apply, gives a natural glow.
   • Cons: Can be expensive, smell can be unpleasant for some.

2. Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam

   • Benefits: Budget-friendly, smells like coconut, provides deep, long-lasting color.
   • Cons: Can give an orange tint if applied too thickly.

3. Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

   • Benefits: Easy to mix with your daily moisturizer, suitable for the face, no typical self-tanner smell.
   • Cons: Pricey, requires multiple applications for deeper color.

4. Loving Tan 2 Hour Express

   • Benefits: Fast results within 2 hours, natural olive tint, long lasting.
   • Disadvantages: Less suitable for beginners due to fast drying time, can be difficult to mix.

5. Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water

   • Benefits: Transparent formula, streak-free, contains color correction ingredients for an even glow.
   • Cons: Can be difficult to apply evenly due to water-like consistency, may take longer to see results.

Conclusion

Self-tanners offer a safe and effective way to achieve radiant, sun-kissed skin without the harmful effects of the sun. By properly preparing your skin and using the correct techniques during application, you can achieve a beautiful and even tan. Try different products to see which ones suit your skin type and preferences best. With this guide, you'll be ready to find the perfect self-tanner and achieve a healthy tan no matter the season.