Operation: Self-Tanner

Hello Lovelies!

I have a fun Wednesday Hump-day project for you all.... hehe.

This summer I have been on a mission to find the best self-tanner and also the best method of application. I think I have somewhat figured this out, and I will share my experiences! Better for me to be streaky and splotchy than you, no? ;)

Best gradual tanner: Jergen's Natural Glow Foaming Moisturizer, about $8 at Walgreen's.
-- Pros: Gives good color and doesn't streak easily since it's gradual and dries quickly.
-- Cons: Isn't incredibly moisturizing. That's about it!

Best Self-Tanner: Victoria's Secret Sunkissed Bronze Instant Self Tan Lotion with Tint, Victoria's Secret, $12 in stores.
-- Pros: Doesn't have an overwhelming smell, and the tint helps to not miss spots.
-- Cons: Haven't found any, yet..

Best Self-Tanner that delivers the greatest color change: L'Oreal Body Expertise Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gelee, $10.79 at Walgreens.
-- Pros: Dries quickly, makes you a few shades darker in just one application.
-- Cons: Need to be careful with blending since it dries so quickly, has the typical odor.

APPLICATION:

*First of all, most self-tanners claim to develop in 2-4 hours... this is a lie! Be prepared to have it on all day-- don't apply it the same day you want to be tan, be sure to use it the day/night before.

1. Apply a normal moisturizer to dry spots-- ankles, knees, elbows (all the way around), and wrists.
2. Work either from top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top, so you don't lose your place, and also so you can blend the sections together.
3. Work in sections to make sure you really rub and blend the product in.
4. Be sure to WASH YOUR HANDS.... with soap!!!!! Dry thoroughly between fingers and ALSO your wrists. I've found that my wrists absorb self tanner like craaaazy.

To get hands/wrists and feet I use different products than I do for my body.

- For hand and wrists, I use the Jergen's foaming gradual tanner because it's gradual and deposits just enough color for your hands to not look WHITE against your body. I have yet to have it look weird on my knuckles, so yay!
- For my feet, I use L'Oreal's Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Mist -- just hold it about a foot away and spray generously. Since it's a spray, the dry spots on your feet don't absorb it like they would a cream/gel.
*You can also try using the spray on your hands, either has worked for me =)

Also, depending on how sensitive your skin is, you can either use the self-tanner you used for your body on your face, or purchase one made specifically for the face. Just experiment! But on your face, BE SURE to get up to the hairline (so you don't look weird) and be very light-handed near your eyebrows--- they can pick up the color and make you look weird, too. Eek! This hasn't happened to me, but I have heard horror stories.

SELF-TAN CARE:
Just like if you get a spray tan, you have to baby your skin to extend the life of your faux tan.
- Take the heat down a notch. When you shower, don't use hot-hot water... you can still be warm, but the hotter the water, the more the tan fades.
- Pat, don't rub! Out of the shower, don't scrub your skin. Avoid scrubs of ANY kind.
- Hydrate! After you gently pat down out of the shower, apply moisturizer to seal in the tan for a bit longer!

Just keep in mind-- the product essentially dyes the top layer of skin, so the longer you can keep the skin there (aka hydration!) the longer your tan will last.*

Now, what you've been waiting for: Before and after!

Face:
1. Before
2. With Victoria's Secret self-tanner with tint
3. After washing my face later in the day:








































Well, hello shiny forehead! Hahaha!


Before and after body:
I used L'Oreal's Gelee
















































Now go-- be bronzed!!

Any other tips that I missed? Or any other thoughts?

Until Next Time~
Beauty Maven