A few years ago I would have never ventured into the world of self-tanning. I was born with a naturally caramel-ish tan skin, why would I even need one? It wasn't until recently, after putting on my first spring dress for the season that I realized wait … my legs are WAY lighter than the rest of me. Months of covering them up in leggings and jeans would do that. So I figured maybe it was time to finally give self-tanners a shot!
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For most of us olive or brown-skinned Latinas, tanning never really seemed like an issue. We figure our skin doesn't burn so we have less chance of getting skin cancer. Wrong! Skin cancer doesn't discriminate, regardless of your skin tone. So if you want to get a healthy bronze or just want a much more even color, self-tanning is the way to go. Before you get started here are a few things you need to know!
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Shave your legs
I highly suggest shaving your legs the day before you self-tan. It actually helps exfoliate your skin and removes any dead skin cells that can cause streaks.
Exfoliate for real
With that said, make sure you actually exfoliate the day before using a body scrub and soft cotton wash cloth. I really love Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Scrub ($50). It leaves skin soft, smooth and polished. It also smells delicious!
Moisturize
Make sure you moisturize the rough spots on your body like your knees and elbows. This will help prevent any color buildup or streaking. Any would do, but I like Ludriderm Daily Moisture ($8). It absorbs in a matter of seconds.
Skip the sprays
Self-tanning for the first time? Skip the spray tans, which could be a lot harder to apply. I recommend a tanning gel or a mousse formula, like St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousee ($44).
Test a patch
Try testing out a patch on your upper thigh (which tends to be lighter than the rest of your body) to see if you're getting the color you want. You can experiement on your stomach too. If it looks more brown or bronze, you're good. If it turns orange, you might want to get yourself another self-tanner.
Use a mitt
Most self-tanners come complete with a mitt, which makes for better and more even application. But you can always buy them separate too. Try Tarte Brazilliance Mitt Duo ($12).
Use a lot of product
Don't be frugal on the self-tanner unless you want to find yourself with streaks and patches afterwards. Remember, applying more won't intensify your color. How deep your tan is solely depends on what color formula you bought, whether it's light, medium or dark.
Give yourself a few minutes
Stand straight and maybe even park yourself in front of a fan (slowly rotating) for a good five to ten minutes. That's about how long is takes for the color to set and dry.
