We are finally answering one of our top questions: what self tanners we love and how to use them! We swear by self tanners to get the best natural glow, but of course, there can be so many questions about which ones to use, which don’t smell, if they are healthy for you to use, when you should apply it, and the list goes on and on!
Are self tanners healthy for you to use?
There are mixed opinions on this, but from what we have read, a lot of them have an ingredient called DHA. Some say they can make you age more rapidly and also damage your DNA. If you do have sensitive skin, it can also irritate you.
For us personally, we have become very careful about what we put on our skin!
What Ingredients should you look out for?
Some ingredients we look out for are DHA, especially DHA that isn’t natural.
How can you make self tanning less damaging?
We would suggest always applying sunscreen, even though you have good color because of the self tanner.
We also recommend using one with better ingredients, and that are more natural!
Which self tanners are the best?
As we mentioned above, we recommend really looking at the ingredients that are in your sunless tanner, just like what you would put on your face or in your body! Some things we look for are natural and organic ingredients and dyes.
For your face
- Get Into The Limelight: We use this one THE most! This one is so amazing and really gets you dark. We actually shared this one on Instagram, and got so many questions about it! This one is sulfate-Free, Paraben-Free, Vegan (No nuts or oils), Ecocert Approved DHA, Cruelty-Free, and Dermatologist Tested. We use this one on face and body! use code DOUBLEDOSE
- St. Tropez Bronzing Water Face Mist: this is a great option if you want something easy because all you have to do is gently mist on your face! This one is infused with mandarin water and 100% naturally derived DHA, and has a yummy tropical smell! It is also not drying.
- Tan-Luxe The Face Self-Tan Drops: these are super easy to use because all you have to do is add them to your favorite moisturizers and apply on your face for a good glow! We love that you can combine these with any of your favorite products you use regularly! They also come in a body version!
- Eco Tan Organic Face Tan Water: This one is made with all natural and organic ingredients, and has anti-aging and anti-acne properties! Also has vitamin C in it. It also does not stain your sheets!
For your body
- Get Into The Limelight: We use this one THE most! This one is so amazing and really gets you dark. We actually shared this one on Instagram, and got so many questions about it! This one is sulfate-Free, Paraben-Free, Vegan (No nuts or oils), Ecocert Approved DHA, Cruelty-Free, and Dermatologist Tested. We use this one on face and body!
- NKD SKN Gradual Glow Daily Tan Moisturizer: this one has great reviews and is free of parabens, alcohols, and fragrances. You can also use it on your face!
- Alba Botanica Sunless Tanner Lotion: this one is also free of parabens, and is crueltly free. It is also great for sensitive skin, and can be used on the face.
- Eco Tan Invisible Tan Organic Face Body Tanning Lotion: we have tried this one and like it a lot! It doesn’t contain synthetic dyes or bronzers, and is made with only organic and natural ingredients. However, this one does contain DHA.
- Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self- Tanning Oil: this one has great reviews and is vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, GMO-free, synthetic-fragrance-free, and formaldehyde-free. It also has the “clean” seal from Sephora!
Applying self tanner
Applying it can be so tricky! Nobody wants a streaky mess. Here are our tips for applying self tanner:
- Exfoliate first: Use either an exfoliating towel or anything you prefer to use to exfoliate remove excess dead skin cells. Be sure to focus on your keens, elbows, and ankles.
- Apply to areas of your body: We like to use a mitten to apply the self tanner to our body to prevent staining your palms. Follow the directions on the bottle, and apply the liquid or mousse on your skin in a circular motion. Start with your feet and work your way up all the way your legs. Repeat with your torso, arms, etc. When doing your back, have someone help you or attach the mitten to long stick like a back scratcher to reach your back! Do not forget to tan your hands and feet!
- Wash your hands thoroughly: Be sure to wash your hands with soap very well!
- Allow it time to dry. Wait at least 10 minutes before getting dressed. We don’t sweat easily, but if you do, we suggest wearing loose clothing. Also, we don’t recommend working out at least until you have rinsed off.
How long before an event should you self tan?
We suggest doing it at least a few days ahead. You want to be able to test the product out, and also be able to get a few applications in to get a good color!
How should you apply it on your hands and feet?
When applying to your hands, make a claw with your hands so you can get it in all your knuckle crevices! When doing your feet, be sure to get all into your ankle bones and all those areas that you may miss with the mitten.
How do you apply it to your face?
We use these little mittens to apply the tanners onto your face! Makes it so much easier.
How often should you apply it?
We suggest applying it a few days in a row until you achieve the color you want. Then, maintain every week or two times a week!
How long should you wait before rinsing off?
We usually apply it after showering and then don’t rinse off until the next day, BUT, we don’t sweat a lot so we don’t have issues with it rubbing off. If you do, we suggest wearing looser clothes and rinsing off before you go to bed.
Self Tanning VS. Spray Tanning
We love a good spray tan. You can get super dark in just minutes, but it can be a lot of work on your end. If you have a big event, or are heading on a trip, we suggest going for a spray tan so you don’t have to worry about it. Of course, those can be pricey!
Should I get A Spray Tan Before Heading On A Beach Trip?
We have definitely gotten them before a trip. Just know that if you’re getting in the ocean or wearing sunscreen, it will come off more. Of course, you will start building a natural tan and then can exfoliate the spray tan off as it rubs off, which is what we did!
For those of you all wanting the details on this summer look, we paired this leopard kimono (see similar here since this one sold out!) with our favorite white jeans (wearing size 25 short). These peep toe booties from Sole Society are SO good. We got them in a size 6.5 and they also come in a few other colors.
We love that you can start wearing them now and into fall, plus they show off that summer pedicure;) This white bag is SO fun, and we have gotten so many compliments on them. It also comes in black!
We love that Sole Society has such great affordable shoes, bags, and accessories. We wear everything they have from their great booties and sandals to the great bags (some vegan!) and sunglasses.
{ Leopard Kimono Similar Here | White Perforated Satchel | Peep Toe Booties | White Jeans | White Tank | White Earrings |Curling Iron | Nail Color | Toe Polish| Rainbow Necklace | Name Necklace | Coin Necklace | BRACELETS: David Yurman Cable Bracelets here, here, and here and Cartier Love Bracelet | RINGS: David Yurman Ring here and here | WATCH: Apple Watch and Glitter Watch Band}
In partnership with Sole Society.
