I am SO glad guest blogger Hayden of Pretty In My Pocket (download it now if you haven’t already, gurls!) covered this topic. If you’re anything like me in recent years, you’re worried about skin cancer and aging, but still need to be bronze when bikini season hits (no one wants to see me pale at the pool–trust). Here are your best options for at-home, safe “sunning!”
Wait, could it be? Is that…? Oh thank God.
Between #PollenFest2k13, the bipolar temperatures of the past two months, and the big, fat, heinously grotesque beast we call taxes, us Southerners have been hesitant to get our hopes up. But I’m here to shout it from the rooftops (and rooftop pools): WARM WEATHER HAS ARRIVED! Which (if you’re human) should mean two things: Day drinking and a serious need to be bronze. So whip up that much needed Mai Tai and listen read up as I go through some of my top picks for self-tanning bliss.
First things first! The biggest must-do for at-home self-tanning is absolutely, 100%, no ifs ands or butts about it, EXFOLIATE before you amp up in skin color. Now this does NOT mean you should jump in the shower and ferociously scrub off the first layer of your skin. Just take a good loufa and moisturizing body wash with exfoliating beads and really lather up every inch of your skin to get the daily dull off.
I love Olay’s Total Effects 7-in-1 Advanced Anti-Aging Body Wash ($9), which exfoliates and replenishes (i.e. makes your skin perfectly primed for a smooth, streak-free tan). Or you could do something with a little more scrubbing power like Bliss’ Lemon + Sage Body Scrub ($36) or Alba Sea Salt Body Scrub ($11).
There are several different types of self tanners, neither of which is remotely better than the other. It’s more about finding which form of application works best for you and your lifestyle.
Gleam Body Radiance
You know those products you discover and wonder, HOW THE HELL DID I EVER LIVE WITHOUT THIS!?
This is one of them (ps, there’s a 25% discount at the bottom).
Gleam Body Radiance is unlike any beauty product I have ever used. It was developed by superstar makeup artist Melanie Mills, who was the makeup department head for Dancing With the Stars (and won an Emmy for it). As in, she’s literally the reason the dancers looks so bronzed and flawless while they’re twirling around in sequin lingerie. And praise the Lawd, she’s bottled her magic potion for us common folk.
This miracle product is the “go-to professional face and body makeup that transforms skin into a perfect velvet canvas, hiding imperfections, and improving overall skin texture.” It can mask veins, skin discolorations, even psoriasis.
But more importantly, it gives you a beautiful bronze glow (instantly!) without some of the nasty stuff that goes into actual self tanners. The primary ingredients are jojoba, aloe, and vitamin E so it moisturizes the skin without irritating it or clogging pores.
Gleam also infuses seaweed extracts for wrinkle filling and skin tightening (hollaaaa!), green and white tea for antioxidants, and the glow is so unique thanks to high-grade crushed pearls (#rich). And get this: It washes off when you want it off, which means you never run the risk of Cheeto hands (or Dorito knees). Also, there’s zero funky smell.
Here’s the deal. You CAN rub Gleam right onto your skin (it’s made for that), but I like to mix it with moisturizer. For my face, I mix a small amount with my Avene cream:
Behold #NoMakeupSelfies before and after a modest amount of Gleam (you could go much darker):
Holy Casper on the left.
For body, I use a higher concentration. The beauty of it (literally) is you can play around with the amount until you perfect your own concoction–start small and add more if you need it. It blends beautifully and if you F it up, just wash it off. I actually poured half of a 1 oz. tube of Gleam into a 5 oz. bottle of body lotion, so now I have my mixture ready to go at all times.
I was introduced to this product by Atlanta’s tan guru, Tiffany, at RAW Bronzing Studio after I saw a photo she posted on Facebook about the “magic of Gleam,” and immediately got in my car and sped over to the salon to see what the hell this was all about (seriously).
Since Tiffers is the expert on all things sunless tanning, she also schooled me on the product before I went home with my tube, put on “California Gurls,” and started rubbing it all myself whilst singing “sun-kissed skin, so hot we’ll melt your popsicle, oh-oh-a-oh-a-oh-a-oh-a-oh.” I digress.
From her: “I personally do Gleam after my moisturizer/sunscreen. I let it dry before adding the Gleam. A little goes a LONG way. Start with a pea size for upper body and if you want it darker, add more. For Gleam to be truly transfer-resistant, use on clean, dry skin (NO lotion, oils, sunscreen, etc).
Let it dry, then get dressed and you should be fine. To make Gleam water-resistant, use it on clean, dry skin, let it dry, then apply a natural, water-based SPRAY sunscreen (like Coola) on top. That will help ‘seal’ it a bit.” (PS, this product is a great compliment to spray tans. I will get my RAW bronze on, then as it starts to fade, I’ll use Gleam to bring myself back to super-sun-kissed status.)
It seems like a lot of info, but it’s truly a simple product to use. I just want to cover all the questions you may have. I have not noticed any rubbing off on my clothes at all, but with wearing white, you just have to be cautious (especially if you’re sweating).
Always make sure the Gleam is dry to the touch before pulling on a white top. And if you do get any on your shirt, bra, or sequin onesie, it will not stain (hallelujah).
When you put it on your face, it may look dark, but know it will blend well and not look as dark as you think. As for shades, I use the bronze gold, but all of the shades are made to work with any skin tone (again, magic).
As for size, a little does go a long way (that’s not what she said), and if you plan on only using Gleam on your face and upper body, the 1 oz. tube ($15) will last you a while.
But I recommend getting the 2 oz. ($30) or 3.5 oz. ($40) bottle because I know you’re going to be obsessed, and what if you ran out before a big date? THE HORROR.
Your date on Gleam:
Your date when you run out of Gleam:
Now that’s scary.
You can shop online (PS, check out the game-changing lip gloss, too), or if you’re in Atlanta, pick up Gleam at RAW. And if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to answer them. Also, this video is not only fun to watch, but gives a lot of info on using the product.
Glow on, gurl.
**Use code BASIC for 25% off your purchase through May 2016**
Tanning Lotions
Estee Lauder’s Bronze Goddess Golden Perfection Self Tanning Milk for Body ($28), L’Oreal’s Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer Self Tanning Lotion ($11). Lotion may be the old-school form of DIY tanning, but it’s stuck around for a reason. If you can master even application, you’re golden (literally).
Tips: Use broad stroaks and spread the product on with uniform swipes in all directions. For more subtle, streak-proof results, blend half tanning lotion and half regular lotion in the palms of your hands before applying to skin (especially helpful in the drier knee and elbow areas, which can absorb more product and turn darker). If you have dry skin, this is also a great way to get buildable color and necessary moisture all at the same time. Skip areas where the sun don’t shine (hello, heels and hoo-ha) and wash your hands immediately after.
Tan Towels
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads for Body ($48 for 8 towels), Tan Towel Self Tan Towelette Full Body Application ($24 for 5 towels). The Dr. Dennis Gross pads are my personal fave and the ultimate in realistic and healthy self tanning. Without harmful parabens and sulfates, they utilize active Vitamin D to give skin believable, natural color.
Tips: Cut the towel in half to get the most out of each application. Use the first half on the bottom part of your body, rubbing in circular motions, and use the second half on chest, arms, and face. Just make sure you rub the towel on every part of your skin and you should stay streak-free. Keep in mind it takes about 3-5 hours for color to fully develop.Tanning Mousse: St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse ($42 and comes with the must-have tan applicator mitt). This is your ticket to looking like a cast member of Dancing with the Stars (seriously, this is what they use). While I’m not promising you’ll appear to have .02% body fat like those freakishly coordinated dancers (b*tches), you can see where the color goes as you apply it, which means less mess-ups. Note: In general, St. Tropez products are badass, so you can’t go wrong when choosing this brand.
Tips: Unlike lotion, there’s no need to rub this mousse in. You literally take the mitt and paint yourself from head to toe. Check out this instructional video for assistance. (Pssstt… Give your body one good coat then feel free to go back and subtly darken the sides of your abs for a little contouring.)
And those are my personal picks for quick and easy summer sun. There are tons of other tanning products which can all be found on the PRIMP app. Use the bar code scan or search for the self-tanner you’re inclined to buy and find ratings, reviews, and more product details. While you’re at it, don’t forget to find yourself a top-notch moisturizer to help your fab fake bake last longer.
Happy bronzing, babes,
Hayden