4 tips to apply your self-tanner like a pro: tan but not orange

Published on December 5, 2021.

Even if it’s cold, you may want to have a well-tanned complexion. Unfortunately for us, our tan didn’t really survive to the DECADE that separates him from his last holiday in the sun… Suddenly, a solution can present itself before us: the self-tanner. But how get a nice tan without turning orange or end up with a striped effect on the face? Not easy!

Being an avid self-tanner user, I give you my advice.

Prepare the skin before application

“Skincare first, then makeup”. This saying, which invites us to redefine our priorities, is no coincidence that it has become a creed for makeup artists and skin experts. Even if foundation, blush, pencil or lipstick allow you to sublimate, they cannot reveal the full extent of their power. only when they are preceded by a beauty routine established according to the needs of the epidermis.

And if this notion works for makeup, it also applies to applying self-tanner!

Obviously, the gestures are not the same in this case. The most important ? First cleanse your skin properly ! To do this, we can’t recommend double cleansing enough, a foolproof technique for keeping skin healthy, free from residue. The latter consists of using an oil-based make-up remover and then complementing its effects with a cleansing gel, milk or even an emulsion in a second step.

But that is not all: exfoliation it is also one of the gestures that will allow you to achieve a perfectly homogeneous tan, without streaks. By freeing the skin from the elements that clog its pores, its texture becomes smoother, which allows the self-tanner to adhere better. “It really makes a difference in terms of final color uniformity”explains Jules Von Hep, director of the Tan-Luxe company, a Byrdie.

Before applying the tanning product of your choice, also think correctly preventively moisturize the epidermis in the days preceding its use. The target. the goal? Maintain a smooth grain, to obtain greater homogenization and a less orangey part.

Choosing the right self-tanning formula

There are several types of self-tanners on the market: cream, drops (to add to one of the products in your routine) or even oil (this is called different dosage forms, in jargon).

This plurality of formulas is there to allow you to choose the format that best suits your skin and that will be able to sneak into your routine without having to change your daily gestures.

Do you like simplicity and have rather normal skin? Try the moisturizer! Easy to use, it is absorbed very easily by the epidermis, which allows for relatively quick results. Furthermore, its moisturizing properties make it an excellent 2 in 1.

Do you have oily skin? Try self-tanning drops that you can add to your moisturizer daily. This way, you continue to control your problem while tanning.

Do you have dry skin? think oil. The latter maintains hydration in the tissues and allows, at the same time, to get the tan of your dreams. A good deal.

And if you’re wondering what to absolutely avoid, Jules Von Hep is very clear on the subject:

“It is important to choose a self-tanning product that does not contain alcohol or parabens as these tend to dry out the skin causing a rapid degradation of the tan and therefore cracking, flaking, not chic looking. »

Learn how to apply self-tanner correctly

Applying your self-tanner isn’t terribly complicated. Just take into account the three elements of your morphology that can give you away: neck, hairline and ears.

These areas are where the product will tend to streak or settle too much, resulting in darker marks. But then, how?

Well, take the dose of self-tanner you need, warm it in the palm of your hands and start applying it with the center of the face stretch outward in circular motions.

Go very conscientiously over the ears, neck (even behind the nape) and think of stretching the fabric towards the root of the hair by insisting well on this difficult area. If you feel that too much product is gathering there, don’t hesitate to blend it in a bit with a disposable handkerchief.

It’s the same for the eye area: to avoid the balaclava effect, consider applying self-tanner to this area, but if you notice there’s a little on your lashes and brows, don’t forget to remove the excess with a cotton swab.

Go easy on the doses of self-tanner

Though progressive, self-tanner is a product to be used sparingly at the risk of ending up with Donald Trump’s complexion. And trust me, you don’t want Donald Trump’s complexion!

Because all skins are different and then react individually to the self-tanner, start by using the formula of your choice once or twice a week, respecting the dosages indicated on the package. Generally, these equate to 4-5 drops of self-tanner or a small amount of cream, but check the brand recommendations on the packaging anyway.

Remember one thing: it is a product that acts gradually. If you don’t get a golden glow within 5 minutes of applying it, that’s completely normal! The self-tanner will work gently but surely on your skin throughout the day.

If the day after its application you feel the need to reapply it: go! But don’t overdo it: better to build your “tan” little by little than to turn orange like an overripe tangerine.

Oh, by the way, don’t forget to wash your hands as soon as you’ve finished using the self-tanner, it would be a shame if the space between your fingers gave you away… And even if it did, you guess! Self-tanner is underrated anyway. Here it is said!

The best self-tanners on the market

An image credit: Armin Rimoldi coming from Pexels.