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Back in the 1980’s and 90’s when I was rocking a bikini, having a deep, dark tan was hot stuff! Now there are just too many known dangers associated with outdoor tanning and it is no longer trendy to be self destructive by “laying out” unprotected. But many of us still want to have that sun kissed glow when showing a little more skin.

There is no question that the science of sunless tanning products is outstanding. You can certainly trust these products to be mess free, streak free and natural looking. You can build a brown based tan gradually and safely indoors that will give you the healthy glow you are looking for and you never have to sear yourself in the sun or in a tanning bed! Here are some tips and tricks for a successful fake tan.

Everything you ever wanted to know about sunless indoor tanning from jenny at dapperhouse
Tips for Choosing Your Self Tanning Product 
  •  You are going to have to have patience with the process. Do NOT go for a dark tan right away. Instead choose a tanning product that is light enough for your skin color and tone. If you have olive skin and a darker complexion than most people then go for the gold! If you are fair skinned, pick a product for light skin and gradual tanning so that you can loo as natural as possible.
  • Tanning Mousse is a popular choice for an initial application. The fact that is is light, foamy and more liquid than lotion makes a streak free application easier. Lotions are good for maintaining future applications after your tan has been built up to the level you like.


Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse, Light, 6 Fluid Ounce

 
Tips for Preparing Your Skin 
 
This is truly the most important step in sunless tanning. To get an initial color that is deep, streak free and natural you will want to take whatever amount of time and effort it takes to prepare your skin! Here are the tips you need to follow. . .
  •  exfoliate with a body scrub or body brush to remove dry or dead skin.
  • Exfoliate every area where you will be applying sunless tanner within an hour or two before applying the sunless tanner
  • Do not use oil based scrubs that will clog pores and block the sunless tanner
  • Do not use a soap that is overly drying or will prevent flaking skin.
  • Shave all areas where you will be applying the tanner at least 12 – 24 hours prior to applying the self tanner to avoid irritation and streaking.
  • Do not apply heavy lotion, oils or perfumes to your skin prior to application
TIP: You can apply a thin, water based moisturizer after exfoliating and before applying sunless tanner, especially if you have dry skin. This can reduce streaks by helping your hydrated skin soak in the sunless tanner more evenly.
Everything that you ever wanted to know about indoor sunless tanning from jenny at dapperhouse
Tips for Applying Your Self Tan
 
  • For best results use a tanning mitt. If you don’t have one then I suggest that you wear gloves over hands when applying self tanner. You can buy thin, medical  type gloves at any pharmacy store and they are worth avoiding the horror of having dark orange hands.
  • Don’t freak out about looking really dark right away. Many self tanners contain a pigment to insure that you are applying it evenly. It will fade after a bit.
  • Don’t rub the tanner in one area too long or it will build up.
  • If you can’t read your back or other areas, ask a friend to help!
  • You will always have to give special caution and application to your Hands Feet, Elbows, Knees and any Dry Patches on your skin. These areas get much darker than the rest of your body! Apply the self tanner to all other areas first and then use sparingly on the mentioned areas.  Applying an extra bit of hydrating body lotion to these areas directly before tanning can help too.

 

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
 

  • Creases and wrinkles in the skin can an unevenly too, so apply lightly to such areas, like inside of elbows, area around armpits, etc.
  • Mix a light face moisturizer with your self tanner when applying to face and neck to make it more subtle and less streaky!
  • You need to allow time for the product to work and set in. Put on some loose, dark clothing for up to 4 – 6 hours while the tan sets. Better yet, do it a few hours before you will be going to bed.
  •  Don not wear light colors or work out after your initial application or you will sweat it off and cause stains.
TIP: Have a late night self tanning party with your friends! Have some drinks and snacks while helping each other get the tanner on evenly. Then, wear comfy clothes, watch movies and enjoy your time together while the gorgeous color sets in!

 
Maintaining Your Tan
 
  • Use a moisturizer every day that has a light, gradual self tanner in it to use in-between applications.
  • Use a moisturizing shave gel or cream to avoid streaking your tan when shaving.
  • After showering pat rather than rub your skin dry then apply moisturizer.
  • If you feel that your tan is fading too fast you can apply it every few days.


Tan Physics True Color Sunless Tanner 8 fl oz

 
 


Fake Bake Flawless, 6-Ounce

 Have you ever had a spray on tan done?
 You can get the whole kit to airbrush yourself at home.


Maxi-Mist Lite Sunless Spray Tanning KIT Tent Machine Airbrush Tan Maximist BRWN