Mastering the Sunless Tan: Everything You Need to Know for a Natural-looking Glow

You glow girl! On a date last summer a guy asked me, "how do you get your mojo back after feeling down?"... such an interesting question that I still think about even though my answer was simple and instant: a good workout and a golden tan.

A good self tanner will have you glowing like the goddess you are while looking leaner and more toned. Some tanners have moisturizing benefits mixed in and do a great job at minimizing the appearance of stretch marks (aka tiger stripes) and cellulite (can't spell it without "U-LIT").

My favorite self tanning product currently is 'Coco + Eve's Ultra Dark Foam Tan'. It leaves my skin hydrated and happy without an orange tone. I am tempted to try 'Bondi Sands' and 'Loving Tan's 2 Hour Express' however I've done a lot of research and 'Coco + Eve' is definitely a favorite based on pricing, availability, and results. Sometimes there's no need to change what's already working ya' know?

I am interested in a little cocktail with a base tan of my 'Coco + Eve' mixed with a different product later in the week for darker results but I could also not be complicated and just add another layer of the 'Coco + Eve' 24 hours after my first application. I like the idea of the 2 hour express for my hands and wrists where the tan fades much quicker than the rest of my body as an avid hand washer so that's my temptation for trying the 'Loving Tan'. I'll do an update if I ever follow through with that experiment.

Self Tanning Application:

To get the ideal tanning results there's a specific order of steps to follow!

Step #1 - Shower, Exfoliate + Shave

Get in the shower and wash your body with a healthy body wash like Native! Exfoliate with a body scrub (vegan approved✔️) and an exfoliation mitt. I also recommend a dry scrub brush for exfoliation, unclogging pores, lymph drainage and increasing blood flow (this is about more than a good tan). You want to exfoliate before you shave because it can irritate your skin if you shave first.

Step #2 - Hair Removal

You want your legs and all areas hairless for a smooth application. This can be done in the shower by shaving as mentioned in step #1 or you can use Nair's hair removal cream for sensitive skin after you exfoliate but then you'll have to get back in the shower to rinse it off. My shaving routine has been working for me lately. I use a male razor for a more defined yet sensitive blade and I use a Ph balanced approved cleanser + shaving gel followed by a soothing serum right after the shower.

Step #3 - Moisturize Joints + Hands

Make sure to use your favorite moisturizer (mine is Jergen's Firming Lotion because it has collagen and elastin as an added benefit) on your hands (especially the knuckles), knees, feet/heels, and elbows. I put a little hyaluronic acid on my face as well to keep it wet and hydrated for smoother application.

Step #4 - Apply Tanning Lotion

Put on examination gloves (this isn't necessary but it's what I do to avoid the dreaded 'cheeto hands'). Apply your tanning product like the 'Coco + Eve's Ultra Dark Foam Tan' from your feet up, using the foam mitt. I prefer to use the mitt on my face as well and buff with the thumb but the tanner I linked has a mitt and a brush (meant to buff out your face and joints) so you can choose what you prefer. I also use a back applicator for my shoulders and back as it's harder to reach. I take my mitt and put it over the stick then I take a rubber band and loop it so it stays - you don't have to do this, I just like the way the mitt distributes (I will attach an image tomorrow when I tan!).

After I complete my body and face, I take my gloves off and apply more moisturizer to my hands. Then I apply the tanner to my hands and wrists and fingers.

Step #5 - Wipe Sensitive Spots

I take a make up remover wipe and wipe the same spots that I applied the lotion before application - the knuckles and hands, wrists, elbows, knees and ankles / feet. I wash the bottom of my hands with lukewarm water and soap and scrub with my nail brush to make sure I don't have tanner leftover on the bottom of my hands or nails.

Step #6 - Dry Wearing Loose Clothing

Wear loose clothes that you don't care about while the tan dries and develops. I wear an oversized t-shirt and baggy old sweatpants and socks. I sleep on a black blanket on tanning nights because ya' girl has a white comforter (~why~). You can also use a self tanning sleeping sack which I will be getting! Your tanner will tell you how long to wait before taking a shower and rinsing the base off. You want to wait long enough to see results - I sleep overnight in mine because I like it deeply developed.

Step #7 - FEEl YOURSELF!

Voilà! The golden goddess in you has been awakened. Enjoy your tan for 5-7 days usually depending on how well you maintain the tan! I know it sounds like a lot but I promise it's not -once you do it a few times it becomes automatic and so worth the self confidence boost!

Glowing skin is always in!

**go do a foam tan. 🤪

Self Tanning Tips:

Tip #1 - Shower in Lukewarm Water

I recommend showering in lukewarm to colder water temperatures to keep the tan from fading faster.

Tip #2 - Apply From the Feet and Work Your Way Up

You don't want your chest or tummy to get messed up while you tan your legs so it's important to start from the bottom and work your way up. Start at your feet, then calves, thighs, booty, belly, lower back, upper back and shoulders / traps, neck, arms, chest, face, hands / wrist in that order!

Tip #3 - Use a Blow Dryer

Use a blow dryer on the coolest setting and blow dry your tan into your skin. This will grant a faster drying time and less chance of getting on your sheets, clothes and furniture before it absorbs.

Tip #4 - Stay Moisturized + Hydrated

For your tan to last, your skin needs to be hydrated and moisturized so drink your water and apply your lotion every morning and evening!

Tip #5 - Sleep with the Base for Darker Shade

For a darker shade, sleep in your tanner without washing off the base so it has more time to develop. I will literally leave mine on for 8+ hours. You can use a self tan sleep sac to protect your sheets from any transfer of the product while it dries and absorbs.

Tip #6 - Use Bronzing Face Drops or Mist

Use nightly bronzing face drops or mist to maintain a nice golden glow on your face after many daily washes.