Lately, I’ve been getting a ton of questions about my self-tanning routine, so I thought I’d share an updated post today. As someone who is dedicated to their self-care routine, I like to set aside a day each week for all things beauty, including self-tanning. The first step is to prep your skin by showering, shaving, and exfoliating to ensure an even application. Personally, I like to use a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt to slough off any dead skin cells. Then, it’s time to apply your self-tanner of choice. If you’re trying out a new product for the first time, I recommend doing a patch test to make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients. My go-to products include self-tanning drops, lotions and mousses from trusted brands, which I will be breaking down below. If you’re looking for a natural, sun-kissed glow without the harmful UV rays, then I’m sure you’ll love these products as much as I do!

Step 1: Exfoliate

Ulta

Charcoal Scrub

It’s no secret that a good tan can do wonders for your confidence and overall look. But achieving a flawless, natural-looking tan requires preparation and care. The first step in any tanning routine is to properly prep your skin. This means showering, shaving and exfoliating to ensure that your skin is free from any obstacles that could affect the outcome of your tan. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth surface for the self-tanner to adhere to, giving you an even and streak-free result. Additionally, using oil-based products should be avoided before and after tanning, as they can interfere with the color and longevity of your tan. 

JCPenney

Face Scrub

I also love this Buttah Skin exfoliator for my face because it’s gently polishes away impurities with natural eco-beads and another key ingredient – Kaolin clay helps to detoxify skin while aloe vera helps to hydrate and soothe skin. 

Amazon

Self-Tanning Kit

Exfoliating gloves are a great way to achieve an even and long-lasting tan. These gloves are made of textured materials, such as loofah or microfiber, that gently remove dead skin cells and impurities from the surface of your skin. This kit has everything I use, including a face tan mitt and back lotion applicator for just $15.

Step 2: Body Tan

Loving Tan

Tanning Mousse

If you’re looking for a self-tanner that delivers a natural-looking bronze with minimal effort, look no further than Loving Tan. This product has been my go-to for years. The mousse applies evenly and dries quickly, without leaving any sticky residue behind. The 2-hour development time means you can achieve a beautiful, streak-free tan in no time. I also love how the tan lasts longer than other self-tanners I’ve tried, without fading unevenly or turning orange over time. 

Vita Liberata

Body Blur

The Vita Liberata Body Blur is another top pick for adding a quick and extra glow to my skin. The formula is packed with skin-loving ingredients like organic aloe vera and shea butter to nourish and hydrate your skin while also evening out any imperfections. The body blur has a buildable coverage, allowing you to customize your level of bronze, and it also dries quickly, so you don’t have to worry about it transferring onto your clothes or bedding. 

JCPenney

St Moriz Mousse

For a more affordable option, this St Moriz tinted mousse delivers a quick tan in 1-3 hours depending on how dark you want it to get. This streak-free formula delivers the perfect golden glow and it’s moisturizing too!

Step 3: Face Tan

Tan Luxe

Face Tanning Drops

To add some color to your face without the harsh effects of the sun, Tan Luxe Face Tanning Drops are incredible. These drops can be mixed into any moisturizer for a customizable, gradual tan. They’re amazing for tanning your face because they give you a natural and healthy-looking glow without clogging pores or causing breakouts. Plus, you can control the intensity of the tan by adding more or fewer drops, depending on your preference.