We all know that sunbathing is an absolute no these days and besides with the cooler climate, December is not really a time for sunbathing BUT here’s the dilemma- golden skin is a great way to boost your confidence and make you look and feel glamorous. Thankfully, there is a wider selection of tanning products and tools than ever before to ensure you can become the bronzed goddess of your dreams. So, which of today’s types of tans is perfect for you? From mousses to lotions to spray tans, it can be an overwhelming process. Thankfully, tanning expert Elvie who is based at our Jumeirah branch has some advice.
Preparation really is so important when it comes to tanning and an area of beauty care that really gets overlooked. Without it, you can end up with streaks and uneven colour fade. Put in the effort before your tan and you’ll reap the rewards during your self-tan’s lifecycle.
FAKE TAN TIP 1: EXFOLIATE BEFORE FAKE TAN
This will remove dead skin cells and create a smooth and uniform surface on the skin for the tan to be applied to, which will in turn result in an even golden colour, but stay clear of exfoliators that contain oils, as these will only act as a film on the skin and while wonderful for locking in moisture, aren’t ideal for tanning.
FAKE TAN TIP 2: DO HAIR REMOVAL 24 HOURS BEFORE TANNING
This is done to ensure the skin has calmed and any cuts have healed
FAKE TAN TIP 3: AVOID MOISTURISER WHEN YOU’RE SELF TANNING
On the day of your tan application, whether at-home or in a salon, don’t moisturise your body or wear deodorant or perfume and don’t use a facial oil on the morning of tanning.
FAKE TAN TIP 4: WHEN TO SHOWER BEFORE FAKE TAN
If you’re tanning at home and shower just before your tan application, blast your skin with cold water before you get out. It will also shrink all of your pores and therefore reduce the chance of them getting blocked.
FAKE TAN TIP 5: MOISTURISE WITH ALOE VERA
Moisturise your hands, elbows, knees and feet as well as your nails with an aloe vera based moisturiser as this will stop them from absorbing tan and changing colour.
FAKE TAN TIP 6: INVEST IN A SPECIALIST BRAND
Choose a brand that specialises in tanning, then you’re sure to get better results than from a brand that has one or two products in its skincare line that contain self-tan.
FAKE TAN TIP 7: CHOOSE YOUR TAN TYPE CAREFULLY
It’s also about personal preference vs format of tan rather than shade sometimes. A lotion or tanning oil is the most hydrating to the skin, a mousse is the quickest to dry and in my opinion the easiest to apply, and a spray is the closest thing you’ll get to a spray tan.
FAKE TAN TIP 8: USE A MITT
Always apply using an applicator mitt: pump your product onto the mitt and apply to the skin using sweeping motions, rather than circular motions to evenly distribute the product. Start at the ankles and work your way up.
FAKE TAN TIP 9: APPROACH YOUR FACE DIFFERENTLY TO YOUR BODY
When it comes to your face, mix the self-tan with a small amount of moisturiser to just soften the formula and minimise the chance of breakouts.
FAKE TAN TIP 10: CONTOUR IF YOU CAN
Add additional tan to the area you want shaded – so underneath the collarbones, underneath the bicep indent, the outer torso and in between the thighs. For an extra special glow, try highlighting your tan with an illuminator on areas such as shoulders, cheekbones and shin bones to create a sheen and definition