Technique, tips, tools: become a master in the art of self-tanning
28.6.2021
Get a two-week summer vacation tan in just under six hours. All you need: a good self-tanner and a few tricks.
Since I mastered the art of self-tanning, harmful sunbathing is a thing of the past. Before that, I endured many incidents and faux pas. Spots, stripes and an orange disaster. But I’m wiser now. Keep reading for my top tips for a mishap-free tan from the bottle.
There are a variety of self-tanners. Creams, waters, oils and even in cloth form. Most of them look like ordinary body care products and their effects show slowly. They gradually tan your skin, bit by bit after each application.
However, the quickest and clearest before-and-after effect is achieved with highly concentrated self-tanning mousse products. The concept is simple: you apply the colour directly to your skin, let it soak in, and then shower off the excess. Sounds simple, but this type of tan won’t forgive any mistakes. The right technique is extra important.
Peeling and shaving
Smooth skin, smooth result. To ensure that the colour is worked into the skin evenly, remove dry skin and hair stubble with a peeling and a razor. Otherwise, the tanning colour collects there and leads to stains.
Apply cream to dry areas
Dry and wrinkled areas of the body such as elbows, knees, knuckles, wrists and ankles absorb more of the self-tanner than the rest of your body. They crave moisture. Again, stains are the result. Reach for a fast-absorbing body lotion and apply the cream thoroughly to these areas in advance. My favourite for this purpose is the «Body Intensive 7 Days Lotion» by Garnier.
Approach
Tan from the can appear intimidating because it’s immediately visible. Take your time and move ahead carefully. There are several ways to do so.
Mousse tanners come in various shades, so you can find the desired degree of tan for your skin tone. For example: Light, Medium or Dark. Or in the case of the St. Tropez brand: Classic, Dark and Extra Dark. Start your journey with a light self-tanner. Or try the express version. Experience has shown that it creates a softer tan and suitable for the impatient. I’ve had the best experiences with the brands St. Tropez, Loving Tan and Bondi Sands.
Self-tanning
CHF51.50 CHF257.50/1l
St. Tropez Self Tan Extra Dark Bronzing Mousse
Self tanning foam, 200 ml
Influence the intensity of your tan through the exposure time. In the instructions, the manufacturer usually specifies a range of exposure times: a shorter one for a light tan and a longer one for a strong tan. Long exposure is usually around six hours. Start with the minimum exposure time. Or test the tanner on an inconspicuous area on your arm in advance. This way, estimating the before and after effect is easier and you can rule out the possibility of an orange faux pas.
Or start like I did, on the legs only. My legs are always lighter than the rest of my body. So I’ve been cautiously trying out my self-tanning skills there. If the attempt had gone wrong, my long pants would cover any orange messes. As soon as I had developed a feeling for the product, I dared to use it on my upper body and later even on my face.
Tools and technology
You can’t apply mousse tanner with your bare hands. You need a special glove applicator. It not only protects your hands from heavy discolouration, but also allows for an even application. Put the tanner directly on your glove. Start with half a fist full and work it into the skin in circular motions until you no longer see any light spots or dark streaks. And don’t be alarmed, it looks very intense at first.
If no one can help you apply it, it’s worth investing in a back applicator. This one looks a bit like a bath brush with a long handle. The difference: the head is a sponge, not bristles. Thanks to the tool and a little practice, reaching any spot on your back is possible. Super important: wash your applicator after each use. Otherwise you risk ending up with a streaky result next time.
Tricky spots
Finger, wrists and ankle joints are tricky spots as too much product collects on them very quickly. Work these areas with what is left of the tanner on the applicator. This way, you create a smooth transition from the legs to the feet and from the arms to the hands. It also helps if you form your hand into a claw, spread your fingers and then run your glove over it. This way you avoid white wrinkles on the knuckles. Don’t forget the sides of the fingers either.
More tips
To protect your floor, it’s best to spread out an old bath towel, so splashes and drops don’t land on the hardwood floor. When shaking the bottle – and you will need to shake it every now and then – be sure to put on the protective cap. Otherwise, you’ll give furniture and walls freckles.
Let the self-tanner dry well on your skin after application. Depending on your tanner, this may mean 30 minutes of dancing around naked in your apartment. Then, for the remaining time (depending on the product, this can be up to five and a half hours at maximum exposure time), wear black, loose-fitting clothing that protects your furniture from staining. I prefer to put on an oversized shirt, which I only use for this purpose. Contact with water is taboo during exposure. Indeed, moisture immediately leads to stains. If you still want to wash your hands, wet wipes are a good alternative. Use them to carefully clean your palms. It may sound tempting, but avoid leaving self-tanner on overnight if possible. Unless you want to give your bed sheet a new pattern. You sweat at night, which affects the result.
If something does go wrong and your tan doesn’t end up looking the way you wanted it even after the redemptive shower, there’s always the so-called «Self Tan Remover». A remedy that dissolves the colour.
One last tip to ensure that your efforts aren’t in vain and that your tan lasts as long as possible: apply cream after every shower and only reach for peeling when you want to refresh the tan!
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Beauty
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