Self Tanning Routine + How To Get A Natural Looking Tan

Living in San Diego, I am always wearing shorts or tank tops. With that much skin exposed, I always want to look super tan and bronzed. I love being in the sunshine and getting a “real” tan, but too much of this (20-something years of playing on the beach year round) has left me with more freckles then I’d prefer. If I’m protecting my skin from the sun then applying self tanner weekly is the only way to achieve this look. I’ve tried almost every product and application method and have finally found a routine that works best for me! Here are all the details on how I go from looking like a piece of paper to a bronzed goddess…

What I Use

After trying almost every product on the market, I’ve found the three below are the best! They all create a natural tan color and I never end up looking orange (except if I go too hard on those IG filters ;)) Plus, it has never rubbed off on my clothes. If I apply once a week, each bottle lasts me about two months.

How I Apply

I apply self tanner once per week and always in the evenings. This works best for me because you have to let it sit on your skin without showering for as long as possible. I find that putting it on at night, sleeping in it, then rinsing off in the morning is easiest.

First, I start by removing all leftover tan and exfoliating really good in the shower. If you need to, shave now before you apply to help the product go on smoother and help prevent fading later.

I use a mitt to apply the self tanner. For the mousse, I put the product directly onto the mitt instead of my skin. For the dry oil, I like to spray it directly on my skin instead as its hard to see how much product has soaked into the mitt. Rub in circular motions and focus on larger areas (arms, legs, chest) first. Occasionally I have my husband help me with my back and hard to reach areas. Once I’ve got everything smoothed out and covered, I use the leftover product on the mitt and lightly swipe over my hands, wrists and feet.

Occasionally I will put the tanning product on my face. If I do this, it is always my last step with the mitt already damp with product (don’t add more). I will lightly swipe it around the outer rim of my face concentrating most of it on my forehead to create a subtle contour.

Lastly, I try to wait until I am mostly dry before putting any clothes on (about 10 minutes).

Making My Tan Last

After I shower, I always pat dry with a towel to prevent rubbing the tanner off then apply a moisturizing lotion. By continuing to moisturize daily, it will help preserve your tan for as long as possible!