The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and we are all PASTY WHITE thanks to the frigid winter! Whomp Whomp! I'm sure everyone can agree that having a tan just makes you feel better. How to achieve a tan when it is just a little too cold for the pool or beach? Choice A - Drop 50 bucks (at least) at a tanning salon (we all now the dangers yet they are oh-so tempting...) Choice B - Self Tanner.
I have chosen Choice B and here is why I think you should too. (Ill spare you the skin cancer rant.)
SELF TANNER HAS COME A LONG WAY, EVEN SINCE LAST SUMMER!
Ive been trying a lot of new products this Spring and am totally impressed. Smothering yourself in a lotion and praying that you aren't orange in a few hours is risky business! After a few trial and errors, I have found my go to products for this Spring and am SO excited to share them with you!
THE DAY BEFORE USING SELF TANNER.
# 1: EXFOLIATE. Do not skip this step or you are liable to look splotchy!!!! Also do any shaving the day before. Just use your favorite body wash with a loofah and scrub scrub scrub!
# 2: MOISTURIZE: Use a good thick moisturizer and concentrate around elbows and knees after you exfoliate. I like to use Palmers Shea Butter.
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| My MUST HAVES! |
For my body I use Jergens Natural Glow (Medium) I wash my hands VERY well after.
For my face, neck and hard to reach places on my back I use Neutrogena micro-mist in Shade 3 (deep) .I spray this while standing in the shower as it will leave a film on the floor resulting in the bottoms of your feet turning orange. (not cute) Its also a good idea to hit up the tops of your hands with it.
If I want to wear a dress or something that reveals my legs and I don't have time to wait around for the tan to set in, I use Sally Hansen Airbrush legs in Tan Glow. This stuff is SO amazing. I spray a line down the front and down the back of each leg, and then I rub it in thoroughly with my hands.
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| I used Neutrogena the day before this photo. |
Jergens Natural Glow - Pro - Because it is a gradual tanner, its less likely to streak. It smells wayyyyy better than it has in the past. I don't know what they did to the formula, but I SWEAR it is so much better.Con- You have to plan ahead. Lets say you want to be tanned for the weekend, you'll want to start this regimen at least 4 days before.
Neutrogena Micro-mist- Pro- Develops rather quickly. Super easy to use. You can spray the backs of your hands and not have to worry about orange palms.
Con- The smell isn't great, and you literally have to hold your breath while spraying your face.
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| Left leg - Before Sally Hansen. Right Leg - After (you can see the shimmer) |
Con- Super sparkly. This might not even be a Con to some however I found it to be a little much for the daytime. I was even asked if I used glitter lotion? haha But if that's the only con, Ill take it!
I usually apply self tanner in the evening and let it really set in over night. The next morning I use a moisturizing body wash and again my Palmers Shea Butter lotion. I wont do another deep exfoliation until I'm ready to start the process over.
Enjoy :)
-Rachel xo
