Tan Talk - Self Tanning Tips ☀️

Welcome to my Tan Talk. ☀️ After nearly 8 years of self tanning, I have tried every brand and formula you can imagine. I’ve learned a lot through trial and error; the good, the bad, and the orange. 🧡 Here are my top tan tips so you can look sun-kissed too!

1. 12-24 hours BEFORE tanning, shower, shave and exfoliate using a body scrub and mitt.  Doing these things too close to tanning can give the “chicken skin” look once tanner is applied.  If you already have tanner on your body, you’ll want to use one of the remover products shown (linked) as well.

2. Lotion the dry areas of your body where you don’t want excess tanner to build up. Your palms, elbows, knees, wrists, ankles, and heels are spots that tend to collect tanner and look discolored.  You can use any lotion you have on hand for this, a little goes a long way!

3. Using a mitt, apply in circular motions a tanner that is suited to your undertone.  I’ve listed out the “science” behind finding your undertone below.

   • If your skin has a pink undertone or tends to get red in the sun, use a green- based tanner. Here are a few I stand by:

     • Bronze Cactus Caramel Craze (Code HOLLY for discount)

     • Bondi Sans

     • St. Moritz

       If your skin has a yellow or neutral undertone and tans easily, you’ll want a brown/violet-based tanner. Here are my personal favorites:

       • Loving Tan

       • Bronze Cactus Dutch Chocolate (Code HOLLY for discount)

       • Norvel

4. Use a fluffy brush to apply the tanner to your face, a back applicator for your back, and whatever excess tanner is on your mitt for your hands and feet. 

5. Once your tan has processed according to the instructions on the bottle, take a quick rinse in the shower with lukewarm/cooler temp water. Pat dry, don’t rub!

6. Moisturizing is the key to keeping your tan looking good for 7-10 days.  I use the pattern of regular moisturizer one day, and then a gradual tanning lotion the next day. Another option for your face is to use tanning drops mixed with your daily moisturizer. 

   I’ve also made a video about my tanning process if you prefer to hear my tips that way, check that out on TikTok here!

I hope these tips help and keep you glowing! As always, feel free to reach out with any questions and tag me in those tans!☀️

XOXO,