We all know by now that scorching ourselves in the spring sun or a tanning bed isn’t the safest way to get that healthy glow. But what’s a pasty girl to do? Let’s check out some faux tan solutions that are much sexier than sun damage.
There are a few different ways to get golden skin, but no matter what approach you take, it’s important to prepare your skin for its darker shade with two simple steps.
Step 1: Exfoliate your body a few days before you tan. Sloughing away the dead skin now will ensure that your tan is on fresh new skin and that the tan won’t slough away with old skin. You can use an exfoliating body scrub or even just some coarse sugar mixed with a little body wash in the shower.
Step 2: Moisturize! You want to make sure your skin is evenly moisturized, since drier skin will take on more color – it’s thirsty and it absorbs whatever you put on it. To avoid blotchiness, apply a moisturizer straight out of the shower for a few days before you self tan, taking special care to get your elbows, knees and other typically dry areas.
Once you’re buffed and moisturized, you have a few options. We’ll take a look at them starting with the ones that are least hands on, but most expensive.
Mobile Spray Tan
There are services across the country where an airbrush tan technician will come to your home to spray tan you in complete privacy. Someone will show up, set up a little pop-up stall to stand in (to contain the spray) and then spray you with a hand-held airbrush until you’ve got a nice toasty color. This is a good bet for people who want a professional tan without the hassle of going to a salon. The real benefit here is that there’s no need to put your clothes on and scoot out the door. Since you’re already at your house, you can lounge around in the buff while your tan dries. Mobile spray tanning is available in metropolitan areas nationwide, and while the cost varies a little, you can expect to spend between $35 and $60 for this service. Your tan can last up to two weeks.
Salon Spray Tan
Mystic Tan is probably the most well-known version of a salon spray tan. The application process is similar to an at home spray, but instead of a person spraying you, you step into an automated booth. After stepping in, you’ll press a button and a few seconds later, several spray nozzles will turn on and spray you head to toe. A brief break to turn around and they’ll spray your back again. You’ll take a second to dry, towel off any excess and be on your way. No showering for 4 hours while your tan develops! This type of tan should last seven to 14 days.
Tanning Gels
Now we’ve moved into at-home products, which are trickier to apply than having someone do it for you (obviously), but are more cost effective since you get several applications in a bottle and can keep it up at home. Self tanning gels like Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel get high marks for easy applications. They spread across your skin smoother than a lotion and require less rubbing, helping you to get even color. All self-tanners have a distinct smell, but some are much better than others and Clarins does a good job disguising the scent of the smelly stuff necessary to get a great glow. L'Oreal Sublime Broze Self-Tanning Gelee also gets high marks for the color it imparts and its ease of use. Other brands that make tanning gels include Bobbi Brown, Shiseido, and Fake Bake.
Spray Tanner
This product uses the same concept as an airbrush tan you would get in a salon with the convenience of doing it at home. Simply spray a light mist of the tanning solution over yourself to get the desired glow. This is a faster way to apply your tan, and a major benefit is that you don't run the risk of turning your hands orange from rubbing the product in. L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Perfect Airbrush Mist does a good job replicating the look you would get in a salon. A few other brands make tanning spray, including Neutrogena and Clinique.
Tanning Lotion
Tanning lotion is the most ubiquitous at home tanning product. These run the gamut from being a $5 drugstore special to upwards of $30, but a high price doesn’t guarantee a great product. Because you’re applying these lotions on yourself, there’s a lot of room for human error. Streaks, over-pigmentation (i.e. turning orange!) and missed spots are all a possibility when you’re applying at home. If you're trying an at-home lotion, here are a few that get the highest reviews: Alba Botanica Sunless Tanning, Xen Tan and Hawaiian Tropic. The wisest choice may be to try a gradual tanning lotion that imparts color slowly, like Jergens Natural Glow lotion. This way, if you miss a spot one day, it’s not gong to show instantly and chances are you’ll get it the next time you apply.
So, how are you staying bronzed this summer? We’d love to hear products you love to use or your favorite tips and tricks to getting a good tan and making it last. And remember, no matter what type of tan you go for, keep your skin moisturized to keep that glow going!
3 Responses to “Get Tan-tastic Without The Risk”
The weather is quickly warming up and with it comes my need to tan my legs. These are great suggestions. Most anything is better than staying in the sun--but of course I don't want nasty chemicals either. Thanks for the tips!
Great tips! I have tried a spray tan once and I really liked the results! It's definitely a great way to get bikini ready. I agree-- you don't necessarily need to spend a lot of money on fancy tanning products.