Self-Tanning Routine + Tanning Q&A
Self-tanning is one of the main questions that I get over on Instagram. What products do you use? How do you apply? What color should you get? How do you remove it? So many - I figured I would do a blog post and answer all of the questions that you all may have about it. I asked all of you to send in your questions so the list below are from all of you! Let's go!
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SELF-TANNING QUESTIONS
Q: WHICH SELF-TANNER DO YOU USE?
I have been using Loving Tan for over a year now & I use Isle of Paradise on my face.
Q: HOW DO YOU APPLY?
I apply with the mitt I linked above. It's a LovingTan mitt I bought. Use circular motions and only focus on one limb at a time. I always concentrate on my upper leg, lower leg, apply to the other leg, stomach, chest, upper arm and neck, lower arm & hand and then repeat on the other arm and then face!
Q: HOW TO APPLY SELF-TANNER ON YOUR BACK WHEN YOU'RE ALONE?
Usually I have Lane apply it to my back, and when he's not home, I don't worry about it. LOL to be honest - they have a back applicator product that I linked above, but I have never personally used it to I cannot say if it works good or not.
Q: DO YOU SHOWER OR DO ANYTHING DIFFERENT AFTER YOU TAN?
I keep lotion on every single day to keep the tan hydrated, because if not it will dry out your skin.
Q: WHICH ONE DO YOU FEEL WORKS BEST FOR BEACH/POOL WITHOUT FADING?
Isle of Paradise! Loving Tan fades a lot in the water while Isle of Paradise doesn't give as much as a dramatic fade. Every self-tanner is going to fade somewhat in the water especially if you are in salt-water or chlorine!
Q: FAVORITE GRADUAL TANNER?
The Isle of Paradise body butter works really good. It's actually darker than any of the other gradual tanners I've used.
Q: TIPS FOR HARD SPOTS (HANDS, ANKLES, FINGERS, ELBOWS)?
Moisturize prior to applying! Also, don't use a lot of product. Take excess product and lightly apply around those areas.
Q: HOW TO NOT HAVE ORANGE HANDS?
Wash them immediately after! :P
Q: DO YOU RECOMMEND ANY THAT DON'T SMELL BAD?
Isle of Paradise is the best smelling self-tanner I've used.
Q: DO YOU TAKE OFF A PREVIOUS TAN BEFORE DOING MORE?
Not always - sometimes I'll go a week and reapply once, then start the process of taking it all off and then apply to fresh skin!
Q: HOW OFTEN DO YOU REAPPLY BEFORE STARTING FRESH?
One time! MAYBE twice. I try not to build it up too much because it'll become harder to take off!
Q: WHAT DO YOU USE TO PROLONG THE TAN?
The Isle of Paradise body butter or Hempz lotion.
Q: HOW OFTEN DO YOU REPLACE YOUR MITTS?
Probably not as much as I should. LOL! Ummm... I usually buy a new one every 1-2 months.
Q: I'M MEXICAN, BUT I WANT A GLOW - ANY RECOMMENDATIONS?
Yes - this product. It's not a self-tanner though. It is body makeup so it will transfer and will come off in the water. :) but it gives you a badass glow!
Q: HOW LONG DO YOU WAIT AFTER YOU EXFOLIATE & MOISTURIZE BEFORE YOU TAN?
As little as 30 minutes!
Q: WHAT BRANDS HAVE YOU TRIED IN THE PAST AND WHY DO YOU LIKE THE ONES YOU USE NOW?
I haven't used many! I've used St. Tropez and I do like it, but Loving Tan has a more natural, olive look where as St. Tropez didn't look as natural to me.
Q: WHAT DO YOU DO TO PREP YOUR SKIN?
Shave! Exfoliate!
Q: HOW TO AVOID THOSE LITTLE BLACK DOTS ON YOUR SHINS AFTER APPLYING TANNER?
Maybe need a better razor? That's all I can think of! I use this razor and it's amazing.
Q: DO THEY STAIN YOUR CLOTHES?
The first couple hours they can while the bronzer is still there, but once you shower - it shouldn't transfer, unless you're like uncontrollably sweating.
Q: DO YOU APPLY IT ON YOUR FACE?
Yes - before I used the IoP face drops, I just put Loving Tan on my face and have never broken out from it.
Q: BEST TANNER FOR ULTRA PALE SKIN?
Maybe try the Isle of Paradise first in shade light or medium. It will give a nice natural look.
Q: HOW DO YOU REMOVE SELF-TANNER?
I use these gloves & this exfoliator.
Q: CAN I TAN AFTER SELF-TANNING?
Yes - but just remember self-tanner is not a layer of protection from the sun. You still need to use sunscreen.
Q: FAVORITE SELF-TANNER FOR DARKEST SHADE WITH ONLY ONE COAT?
LovingTan DARK 2 Hour Express
Q: WHAT'S THE BEST AFFORDABLE GO-TO MOISTURIZER FOR EXTENDING THE LIFE OF THE TAN?
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Q: HOW TO PREVENT RUBBING OFF ON CLOTHES/SHEETS?
After I apply at night, I usually sleep in long pajama pants and top so nothing transfers.
Q: DOES SELF-TANNER FOR THE FACE MAKE YOU BREAK OUT OR IRRITATE YOUR SKIN?
I can't speak for all - but none of these have made me break out!
Q: DO YOU GET PATCHY SPOTS THAT ARE HARD TO GET OFF?
I have before and it's a result of super dry skin! /:
Q: HOW LONG DO YOU WAIT UNTIL YOU SHOWER?
I usually wait a full day - 24 hours!
Q: ANY DRUGSTORE BRANDS YOU RECOMMEND?
Jergens is probably the best, but I haven't used it enough to 100% recommend it.
Q: HOW DO YOU MATCH YOUR FOUNDATION? I ALWAYS HAVE A TAN BODY AND WHITE FACE.
Tan yourself and then go to Ulta & Sephora and have them match you. That's what I did many years ago!