Self Tanning Routine -

Self Tanning Routine

Those who know me well know I love talking about all things skincare. My love for skincare started back in college. Throughout college I was using a self tanner at home for special occasions here and there. Eventually I got into a routine, and now self tanning has become a pretty regular thing for me. Through the years I have tried tons of self tanning products from wipes and lotions to mouses. These days I have a full proof self tanning routine that I would recommend to anybody looking to self tan no matter your experience level.

You may be wondering why self tanning? And my simple answer to that is protecting my skin is is my number one skincare priority. I wear sunscreen daily, but still want a healthy slow sometimes, so self tanning it is.

Let’s Talk Sunscreen

I’m going to keep this short and sweet. Wearing sunscreen is the number one thing you should be doing to protect your skin from premature aging. By wearing sunscreen you are protecting your skin from the harmful rays we are exposed to everyday. These rays effect our skin even when we walk a block outsides or sit by a window.

I have used my fair share of lotions and sunscreens and have finally found one that I love. I use the Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen. This formula is a game changer. It is a water-gel like consistency that melts right into your skin, and it does not leave behind residue or white-cast. PLUS not only is this a sunscreen but it also works to protect your skin against free radicals(like pollutants that age your skin over time).

How to use:

Apply directly to your face and neck as the last step in your skincare routine. It lays beautifully on your skin alone or under makeup!

Self Tanning

My Go To Products

The most asked question I have received about self tanning, is how to turn out streak free and NOT orange. Basically you guys are looking for the same thing as me: a tan that looks so natural people think you have been spending your fair share of time outdoors(MINUS the sun damage). SO the solution to a natural looking tan starts with the products you use. Below are the self tanning products I swear by, and exactly what I use each one for.

1. Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops in Dark I use these self tanning drops, that you simply mix with your normal moisturizer to tan my face and neck. These drops are a win because they are beyond easy to use, and have not caused any breakouts for my sensitive skin!

2. St. Moriz Fast Tanning Mousse This mousse is what I use to self tan the rest of my body. I love that you can easily adjust how dark you get by gauging how long you leave the mousse on. Plus it is under $15 and a bottle usually lasts me 3-6 months!

My Self Tanning Routine Step By Step

Step 1:

12-24 hours before you plan to self tan exfoliate and shave. I use my Clarisonic on my face, you can also wash your face and lightly exfoliate with a clean washcloth by going in circular motions.

Step 2:

Shower and apply lotion ALL over your face and body, really focusing on your elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists. It is important to apply lotion to ensure your skin is prepped and ready for the self tanner. If you do not apply lotion before you are much more likely to end up with a patchy tan!

Step 3:

Face: mix Isle of Paradise Tanning Drops with your facial moisturizer(I use 4 drops). 4 drops works perfect for me in the winter,but in the summer I might use 6 or 8! Apply all over your face and neck. Make sure to apply around the edge of your face and hairline.

Body: Using a mit(like this one) pump 1-2 pumps of the St Moriz Fast Tanning Mousse directly onto the mit. Apply by quickly rubbing the mousse in circular motions. I use 1-2 pumps in each area of my body(arms, each leg, stomach, and back). I love that this mousse has a very visible color gauge so you know exactly where you have applied it.

Step 4:

Waiting time. When it comes to the Isle of Paradise drops you don’t need to worry about leaving them on for a certain amount of time. Just let them do their thing, and they will wash off the next time you wash your face either morning or night. For the St. Moriz you want to shower it off after a few hours(I usually do 4 hours in the winter, or overnight in the summer when I REALLY want to glow).

Step 5:

Continue to apply lotion daily to your face and body as usual. In general this tan lasts me around 5 days!