We all love a good golden tan (especially this time of year) but without the side of skin cancer, thank you very much. While I spent most of my childhood summers in the pool getting really brown (thank you California sun for the extra shoulder freckles) these days I prefer to get a golden glow from a bottle. So today I thought I would share a few tips I’ve picked up over the last couple years for getting a perfect tan as well as my favorite self-tanner and a recipe for my favorite pre-tan body scrub.
First off, a good, even tan starts with a good thorough exfoliating session beforehand. This means you need a great body scrub, and a good exfoliating sponge. I like to make my own body scrub using baking soda, coconut oil and essential oils.
To make, mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part coconut oil (melt the coconut oil in the microwave for a few seconds first), and a few drops of essential oil (you can use lavender, lemon, tea tree, etc. See more about my favorite oils here.) Just mix it up and then rub the paste in a circular motion on your body using the sponge as well, really scrubbing to remove all the dead skin.
Second, you want to apply lotion to your knees, elbows, ankles, feet and the palms of your hands. This acts as a bit of a tanner block because those areas absorb the tanner more, they have a tendency to go much darker, this keeps that from happening.
Third, pick the right tanner. There are lots of good options out there, and I think it’s really important to pick a high quality self-tanner. This Express one from St. Tropez is my favorite because it’s a mousse so it goes on really nice and even, gets a nice deep tan, and you only have to leave it on for 3 hours. It also smells better than most self-tanners I’ve tried, which I really like.
Fourth, I use a mitt. It’s easier to apply it evenly with a mitt, and you are less likely to end up with self tanner all over the palms of your hand. I use this mitt, it’s only $6.50 and makes such a difference on how my tan goes on.
There you go! Easy peasy!
My tans usually last about a week to a week and a half depending on how well I exfoliate!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!
