Easy Self-Tanners That Work

I’m pasty.

Now, I can get a tan, it just takes a lot of work and over the last several years I’ve struggled with finding the time to get some vitamin D. I have tried every kind of self-tanner you can imagine and am going to share the ones that work best for me! And the product that can take it off 🙂 YASSSS!

Easy Self-Tanners that Work

These are easy self-tanners that have worked for me year-round. I typically apply all my tanners in the evening after I bathe and let them develop overnight, then rinse off in the morning. I get the best result this way.

TAN TOWELS

My favorite tan towels are from Kate Sommerville. These gradually build color, with no streaks whatsoever and the smell is not strong. The only issue I have with these is when I use them on my legs; I sometimes need to layer more color. Since I apply all my self-tanners at night so the next morning I can rinse off in the shower, I usually do another towel on my legs afterward to build little more color. These give you a sun-kissed look; they aren’t dark at all, but simply add another layer of radiance. (NOTE: I do these on my face as well and they work great but I have used Dr. Gross’ face tanners and would recommend you try those first if you are worried about breakouts.)

Concerns: It doesn’t give you a lot of color,so you sometimes have to use more than one towel.

To apply: Sweep towel in circular motions on each body part. Wash hands well after use. Apply moisturizer on trouble areas once dry.

TAN DROPS

Tan drops are the latest craze. I think people are really loving these products because you apply them with your moisturizer. A lot of self-tanners can make you feel dry, so being able to mix your drops with your moisturizer is easy and effective. I have used both the Isle of Paradise and Tan Luxe. Both do the job well but I prefer the Isle of Paradise. Tan Luxe has separate drops for the face and body while Isle of Paradise is full body. Both products are very safe, organic and free of parabens, sulfates, etc. You can choose what shade suits you but once I am out of these drops I am going to buy the darkest shade available and use fewer drops. The more color you want the more drops you use, and that means you end up using a lot more product. One of the biggest reasons I like tan drops is you can control how dark you want your tan!

Concerns: The only thing I don’t like about the drops is how hard it is to get my feet not looking like a zebra. I go very light on this area and moisturize again after.

To Apply: Start with your usual amount of moisturizer lotion or oil in your hand and then drop 1-12 drops into your moisturizer or oil per body part. Right now I use the medium shade of Isle of Paradise and use 4-7 drops per body part. Meaning, I use about a nickel size dab of moisturizer, add my drops, mix with my fingers and then apply in circular motions to one of my arms. Continue this process on every part of your body that you want to have a golden glow. Wash your hands very WELL with soap afterward.

Tan Remover/Eraser

Since I do A LOT of self-tanner because I like color (it makes my makeup look so much better), I sometimes get in a hurry and miss spots or don’t exfoliate as well as I should. And who wants to wait the 5-8 days for your mistakes to disappear? This Glyco Water does the trick!

Concerns: You have to wait at least 2 days after your tan is applied.

To Apply: Saturate problem area and lather. Let sit for at least 5 minutes (bottle says 3 minutes but it goes a long way if it you give it time). Then hop in the bath or shower and scrub using a loofah or washcloth.

Instant Tan Lotion

Sometimes I don’t have the time or patience to take any of the above steps the night before I need that glow. Or I want to wear shorts and need a dash of instant color while my arms and face are still a little tan. Disco Tan can do the trick!! It’s basically a colored, shimmered lotion that gives you the color you need for the day or outfit. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT because it gives you color instantly. No waiting 4-6 hours!

Concerns: I have not tried this on my face and wouldn’t recommend it. I use for arms and legs mostly.

To Apply: Make sure area is clean and dry. Apply in a circular motion. Let dry. If you want more color, add another layer after the first one is dry.

TANNING WATER

I bought this a few weeks ago and have not tried it but from what I understand it’s a lot like tan drops except you don’t have to mix Tanning Water with moisturizer. This product does need to be applied with a mitt. I will keep you guys posted on this one!

Self-Tanner Tips

1. For any type of tanning application ALWAYS make sure your skin is exfoliated, clean and dry.
2. Wait at least 10-20 minutes after a shower to apply each tanning product
3. Wash your hands after application so you don’t have dark palms or fingers.
4. Lightly sweep a cotton pad around wrists and feet to even out any missed spots in crevices or from washing hands.

If you’re a first-time self-tanner I hope this gives you the courage to try it out! Life gets busy, events come up and we want to look and feel our best. They say if you can’t tone it, TAN IT.

Just do you,

Dru