Yikes! Tanning beds vs sunless tanner
As you may or may not know I’m an avid sunless tanner. I spent about six years in tanning beds when I was a little bit younger and had a few moles removed and a doctor scare the tan out of me…literally! Is this you too? I stopped going and opted for the sunless look. It took me several tries and brands to discover some of my favorites (and non orange) brands. It also took awhile to figure out the darker shades and all the application tips to get the perfect color. So, I want to share 4 sunless tanner tips for the perfect sunless tan I’ve learned over the years with you!
Tip 1: Applicator Mitt
This thing is EVERYTHING! Who wants messy/stained hands? Not a good look! Sunless tanner mitts are great for even application/coverage. I wear gloves under mine to avoid any that may seep through. I use the Fake Bake mitt because it’s extremely durable and hasn’t worn over tons of uses! I’ve tried other mitts (St Tropez) but they’ve torn after a few uses right around the seams and are much thinner. You can use a mitt for your full body but I use mine everywhere except my face and chest (we’ll get to those tips next). When you’re done just hand wash it with dish soap and let it air dry.
Tip 2: Kabuki Brush
Ever considered using a kabuki brush to apply tanner? This is a super helpful tip when it comes to applying to the chest or face area. I don’t always apply straight tanner to my face (another mix tip we’ll get to next) but I do use the kabuki brush to apply to my chest. You can use a mitt but I’ve found that coverage wasn’t as great. I couldn’t get the color to appear as dark as the rest of my body. I apply a few pumps of my favorite brands directly on my chest/collar bone area and work it in with the brush in circular motions. This takes a little longer to dry than when using the mitt so make sure you let the tanner dry before putting clothes on. I apply tanner right before bed and let it set overnight to rinse off in the morning.
Tip 3: Tanner/Tinted Moisturizer
Tanner straight to the face too harsh? Unsure of how an overnight color will turn out the next day? Mix a dab of a tinted moisturizer (I use e.l.f. or Vita Liberata) with a few squirts of Fake Bake Flawless darker while wearing gloves and apply to your face and neck when you’re ready to wear it for the day/night. It provides a softer look and your pores won’t have that harsh clogged look as if you were using a tanner alone. It’s also much better for your skin and won’t cause patchiness in color.
Tip 4: Lotion
Remember – sunless tanner will cling to the extra dry areas on your body like elbows/ankles. Apply a small amount of lotion to these areas/any other dry areas before you apply tanner and you won’t have any super dark/dirty looking spots on your skin! Once you’ve established the tan you desire after rinsing make sure to apply lotion all over your body to extend the length of your tan. Moisturized skin will hold a tan longer and prevent dry patches of tanner on your skin. I use Jergen’s gradual glow lotion in between to really add/hang on to a pop of color.
What about you?
What do you think? Name some of your favorite tips? How about some of your favorite sunless tanners? I’m always looking for a good tanner! Share them with me in the comments or on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter! Follow Boss Gal while you’re at it. Don’t forget to subscribe to receive all the best right to your email!
