Tanning at Home

The weather is finally starting to warm up and the other day I got gutsy and wore shorts into the garden (considering I live in the middle of no where I don't know how I've just called myself gutsy, but anyway!). My lovely fiance decided to tell me my legs look like white jellybeans - transparent. Hmmm.

I've got annoyingly pale skin that can handle the sun but just doesn't tan. Especially my legs. I could sit in the sun for weeks, months even and all I'll go is pink, not brown. Agh! But anyway, because of my white jellybean coloured skin I've become quite a fake tan addict. Not always can I get to a salon for a tan, and majority of the time I don't want to pay $30 just to feel a little less transparent, so I more often than not tan at home. Over the years I have had some shockers. Orange? Check. Streaky? Check. Blotchy? Check. Orange hands? Check. Practice makes perfect though and I've now got quite a good fake tan routine that I perform at home and thought I would share!

Before tanning it is important to prep your skin. Exfoliate. I really can't stress enough how important this is! It not only helps your tan to last longer but it gives a better, even result and also helps the tan to wear off more evenly. I always ensure to prep dry ares by using a coconut oil on my eyebrows, hairline, knees, ankles and elbows (and anywhere else that may be a bit dry). I also always apply tan with a mitt. This avoids orange palms and also helps to get an even application. I use circular motions and concentrate on one part of my body at a time.

I use different products depending on the look I'm going for or how much time I have. Below are each of the different products I use.

Wash Off
Wash off tans are great when you've either forgotten to tan or it's a last minute outing. I also find they are good for revitalising an old tan, or adding more colour to an existing one. The majority of wash off tans are water resistant, and just require a little soap to remove.

Le Tan Wash Off Bronze (RRP $15.99 at Priceline) is on the darker side, so for me it is best suited for adding more colour to an existing tan. Bondi Sands Instant Tan (RRP $17.95 at Bondi Sands) is a really natural, beautifully bronze spray. Perfect for not looking orange. I always get compliments when I wear this one and I also find it is the most transfer resistant. Lastly I use St Tropez Instant Glow Body Lotion (RRP $19.95) which is the easiest to use of the lot. Slap it on and go! It is a deep tan though and has a little shimmer so it is perfect for night time.

Gradual tan
Gradual tans are definately my favourite way to tan. These give a very subtle hint of colour which is very natural - especially on my pale skin. It is also easily buildable and you can build up to your desired level of colour over a couple of days if you want to.

St Tropez Everyday Body Moisturiser in Light-Medium (RRP $33.99 at Priceline) gives a good hint of colour but is also very moisturising. I do have to put two coats on at one time to achieve a good colour so when I'm not in the mood for that I use Dove Summer Glow (RRP $7.49 at Priceline) This is by far the most natural looking tan I own. I adore it and this is the one I use the most. I found the light-medium didn't give me any colour at all so I go for the darker one.

Lotions/Gels
I have used countless fake tans and these are the ones that have given me the most natural, even looking tans.

 

Sukin Sunless Bronzing Gel (RRP $17.99 at Sukin) can get messy as it is a bit runny and can lead to streakiness if it's not applied evenly. I get around this by using my trusty mitt and concentrating on one area at a time. It also does need a couple of coats and takes a while to dry but the colour it delivers is worth all the work! St Tropez Bronzing Lotion (RRP $39.99 at Priceline) is also gorgeous. It is also tinted so easy to see where you've applied and I've seriously never had a streaky tan with this baby. Luuuuurrrve it!

Spray on
It does take a bit of getting used to using spray ons but they do give a great result. For me, spray ons are good for small areas and hard to reach places such as my back. I don't necessarily use these sprays all over my body, and I'll often apply a lotion on the drier parts and stick with this for my chest, back and stomach.

The ModelCo Tan Airbrush In A Can (RRP $30.99 at Priceline) gives a natural looking colour as well as a nice even spray. I despise ModelCo makeup but they do fake tans really well. It is a very fine spray and lasts a good while. My other go to spray on is Le Tan in Le Can Fast Tan Bronze (RRP $15.49 at Priceline) (excuse the mini in the picture, I'm waiting on the mailman to deliver my full size).

Face Tan
I am pretty embarrassed to admit this but there was a time where I used my body tans on my face .CRINGE. This resulted in break outs to the MAX. I have learnt my lesson thought and stick with tans that are made specifically for your face.

St Tropez Gradual Tan with Anti-Ageing (RRP $39.99 at Priceline) is by far the best tan for my face. This does not make me break out at all and gives a good glow. Others I have used, but are being phased out now are St Tropez Gradual Tan for face (RRP $39.99 at Priceline) and ModelCo Face Tan (RRP $19.99 at Priceline) Both are great products, but just don't mix it with the first ;)

It really is amazing how much better you can feel with a little bit of colour! What are your tips for tanning at home? Any products I should try?