This is the BEST self tanner on the market and I’m going to share my step-by-step routine that can be completed the same day you need to get your tan on. The products and routine are a game changer, so get ready.
We recently took a family vacation to Florida. This trip was the first time I tried this full self tanning routine and I swear to you that I had over 10 compliments that trip on my tan. One women said to me: “those look like Barbie legs.” Here’s to a self tanning routine that yields “Barbie legs.”
THE BEST SELF TANNER PRODUCTS
I’ve tried almost every self tanner on the market. Previously, THIS was my favorite budget-friendly option and THIS was my favorite splurge. Then, I tried the one I am about to share, and I truly can throw every other self tanner away.
I’m going to list out the products. Then, I’ll explain them more as we go through each step below.
- THIS self tanner (I use the 2 hr express, dark)
- THIS self tanning mit
- THIS exfoliator
- THIS body butter
- THIS for a tan enhancer/blemish eraser
2 REASONS THIS IS THE BEST SELF TANNER
1. COLOR – hands down, this is the best color I’ve ever achieved with a self tanner. It’s a tan/brown instead of a tan/orange. Also, you can see it pretty easily as you apply it, which I find helpful for blending purposes.
I would have never picked the dark shade because I’m fair-medium when I’m not tan but I love this color
2. 2 HOUR EXPRESS – more times than not, I have a party or event and I realize I should have used self tanner the morning of. Well, this allows you to achieve a tan in a few hour, so time is never an issue.
BEST SELF TANNER ROUTINE
The prep, application and extending routine I use is what brings the magic to this product, so I’m going to go step-by-step in sharing my self tanning routine.
1. EXFOLIATE
You may have heard you’re supposed to exfoliate the day prior to self tanning; I don’t believe that and I’ve done it the same day for years. I also like to shave the day of an event, which is exfoliating to the skin.
2-3x per week do you usual exfoliating. This one in particular is a new favorite of mine because I have very sensitive skin. On my legs and on the backs of my arms I have little bumps, which can easily become irritated. This specific exfoliator has helped reduce those bumps.
Here’s the trick… the day of the event, mix a little bit of this exfoliator with your shaving cream and then shave. This gives the ultimate silky, smooth skin.
The reason I suggest this particular exfoliator is because it contains jojoba oil (pronouced ho-ho-ba). This oil has anti-inflammatory properties which reduces redness caused by drying, eases eczema and rosacea and keep the skin calm. Just wanted to share why I think it’s the best. You’ll feel the moisturizing oil as you apply.
2. APPLY A TINY BIT OF LOTION TO ANKLES + FEET
This is a tip I’ve learned over the years for an even tan. Apply a bit of the lotion to dry areas like your hands, wrists, elbows, knee, ankles, and feet prior to using the self tanner to prevent product build up.
3. APPLY SELF TANNER WITH A MIT
Apply 1-2 pumps of the self tanner mousse to the applicator mit. Rub it onto your body in circular motions, blending as you go. Work in small areas. I find that this self tanner doesn’t spread like lotion would, so expect to work in onto your skin pretty quickly and in small sections.
Also, every self tanner I’ve ever used has some sort of scent. This one has a hint but it’s not a bad smell. The product yields such a great results that I would use it even if it has a bad scent but you don’t have to worry about it with this product.
4. LET IT SET + THEN RINSE
Let the self tanner do it’s thing. If you’re doing this the same day of your event or party, I would wait a few hours for the tan to develop or as long as you can. Shower but do not scrub your body. Pat dry.
WHAT I LIKE TO DO: I shower in the evening, exfoliate, shave, prep my skin, self tan, wait a few minutes to get dressed, sleep, shower in the AM. I think that gives the best of the best results.
5. NIGHTLY BODY BUTTER
The day after you apply your self tanner, begin using a moisturizer each evening to extend the quality of your tan. I think that this one of the keys to the “barbie legs” haha.
I use THIS body butter because it contains 3 body butters: shea butter, cocoa butter and cupuacu butter. It’s the ultimate hydrator. I do this before bed because then when I wake up, my skin looks hydrated without looking like I just slathered lotion on.
6. PRE-EVENT TAN ENHANCER
THIS product is unbelievable. Think of it like body make up. You apply it like lotion and it tans and blurs imperfections, bumps, redness, body breakout, etc. If you already have a tan going on, it’s like VA VA VOOM. There is just a touch of shimmer too.
I would not recommend this step if you plan on getting in water, will be getting sweaty or rubbing up against things (be careful with light colored seats, cushions, etc.). I’ve never had issues with it rubbing off but it’s make up so there’s the potential for that.
It’s a product that can be used by itself too!
TO CONCLUDE
- a trick to super smooth skin that will eat up the self tanner is the exfoliating shave
- this self tanner gives a gorgeous, natural-looking tan
- this at night will give your body major hydration
- you can add a va va voom enhancer with this
- you’re beautiful
Leave a comment