I’ll be honest. Prior to March of this year, I had no clue about self tanning, other than using moisturizer that added a hint of a glow. So when Younique released the new Beachfront body line, I was more than a little bit excited to try it. Safe and clean products that give my pasty white skin — that’s prone to burning — a perfect sunkissed glow?! Without the sun damage!? Yes, please!
Please note: since the publication of this post, the Younique Beachfront products mentioned below were discontinued. (New limited-edition Beachfront products can be found here). But these tips can work with all sorts of self-tanning products! If you’d like to see the rest of Younique’s makeup and skincare line, go here. It’s all backed by a 90-day Love It Guarantee.
As a self-declared self tanning newbie, I’ve learned a TON about how to apply the products, as well as how to maintain a beautiful tan that looks healthy (and not at all orange!)… just ask my husband. I’m a tad bit obsessed. Here’s a quick step by step guide to using Younique self tanners, Body Lotion and Spray, along with some tips. (Don’t want to commit to a self tan? There’s also a moisturizer, or Body Bronzer, that washes off when you shower).
After you do a quick patch test to make sure the products — with ingredients like vitamin e, coconut oil, and shea butter — are compatible with your skin, follow these steps for your own beautiful glow. (Some links are affiliate links).
1. Prep your skin: exfoliate
This step is absolutely essential. The products work on the outer layer of your skin so you want a clean surface for the product to work with. I’ve personally found that exfoliating the day before I plan to use the tanners works best (or at least 12 hours). To exfoliate, I use ‘Love the Dark’ Black Salt Scrub from Posh on my body; it makes my skin feel heavenly! For my face, I exfoliate with our exfoliating mask 2-3 times a week. (Whatever you decide to use, make sure it’s not oil based, as that repels the tanner. If you do opt for oil, don’t apply the self tanner immediately after cleansing).
Right before I apply it, I do one last thing — especially since I didn’t just get out of the shower as some people do; I wipe down my legs with a towel, just to make sure there’s nothing on them!\
2. Put moisturizer on spots where you don’t want color
I fortunately don’t have this issue, but if you have any dark skin spots, I’ve heard that there’s a way to stop them from darkening along with the rest of your skin when you ‘tan.’ Simply apply a bit of moisturizer on them before applying! Moisturizer too repels the color.
3. Apply to dry, clean skin: large areas first!
Time to apply! I prefer to start with the lotion, as I used that over most of my body. There’s a few ways you can apply: with bare hands (washing your hands off after each area), with latex gloves, or — my personal preference — a tanning mitt.
Start with your ankles and work your way up one area at a time. (I leave my feet, knees, hands, and face — areas that tend to hold more color — for last). I, for example, go from my ankle to my knee, putting a little bit of lotion on and rubbing it in a circular motion. There’s makeup in the lotion so you can see where you’ve been… take your time. The first time I applied, I rushed it, and I ended up missing spots — whoops! I haven’t made that mistake since.
When I’ve worked my whole way up, I use the self-tanning spray, and spray my feet and hands. I then use the mitt and blot both the spray and lotion in. I feel like this makes sure I got the color everywhere, didn’t miss any spots, and helps it look as consistent as possible.
(Note: the lotion is thick, so if you’re ok with a little bit less color, mix the lotion with a moisturizer – a 70/30 ration — and apply that way).
4. Apply to hard to reach places last
Start with your feet, and use the spray. I then use the mitt to blot and blend. Next, I do my hands, then my neck. Last but certainly not least: time for the face! I apply the spray where the sun hits: forehead, cheeks, and chin, and then blend out.
5. Allow to dry
Both the spray and the lotion take about 10 minutes to dry. So don’t put your clothes on quite yet! It’s also important to keep in mind that while you’ll definitely see some immediate color, especially with the lotion, it actually takes about 12 hours to develop.
6. Maintain (and build) the color
Now that you have this beautiful glow, how do you keep it up? Easy peasy – moisturize! How long the color will last depends on how fast your skin naturally exfoliates, but I’ve personally found for myself that I can go 3-4 days until it starts to somewhat fade and it’s time to reapply. But want even darker color? Apply more often! It’s really that easy.
What if you make a mistake?
As a newbie, on my very first application I made a cardinal self-tanning mistake. I didn’t exfoliate properly, and I over-rubbed… and that resulted in a few streaks and uneven color. But have no fear! Luckily my sister-in-law is an expert in self-tanning, and to fix stuff like that just use a bit of lemon and baking soda. It’ll help even out your color!
7. Keep taking care of your skin
In addition to moisturizing your skin, be sure to continue to use sunscreen. You may already have a tan (and you can still tan in the sun on top of it), but sunscreen is still your best bet when protecting yourself from UV rays.
8. Enjoy your new tan!
Seriously. I’m in love with my natural-looking tan now – especially when I have it on both my legs and arms. 😉 As you can see from all my pics (they’re all me by the way), I really do have incredibly white, nearly see-through skin. So finding self tanning products that I can use and the results look natural? I’m happier than I’ve ever been to wear skirts and shorts this Summer!
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