Ultimate Guide For the Perfect Self-Tan

Achieve a gorgeous summer colour from head to toe

The key to self tanning and a perfect bronze glow with self-tanner is careful application, which can be rather tricky, judging by the many streaky, blotchy and orange women walking around (myself included at times).

Time and Preparation.

Self tanning requires time but then so does lying in the sun. Allow yourself at least half an hour although an hour would be better just to make sure you are not rushed. Gather all the tools and accessories you will need so you have them at hand as you go to use them. Make sure you are in a dry environment, as perspiration will make your self-tanners streak. Don’t apply your self-tan in a steamy bathroom or in the middle of a hot/humid day as your skin has to be totally dry so you get the best results.

Exfoliate and Moisturise

Take a quick, cool shower and exfoliate your skin, either with a good quality exfoliant, loofah sponge or a pumice brush. Don’t over-scrub, but do pay extra attention to the dryer areas of your skin such as: your knees, ankles, feet, elbows, and neck. This will help achieve a more uniform, even appearance since self-tanners grab on to dry surface skin cells.

After completely drying off, apply a thin layer of lightweight, non-oily moisturiser especially over the above mentioned drier spots on the skin. This will aid the self-tanner glide on without clinging to those dry patches. Allow for this to completely soak into the skin, around 10-15 minutes.

D&M Gentle Facial Scrub
Endota Spa mimosa + ginseng body polish,

Application

Apply self-tanner to one section of your body at a time. Use a small amount of product and be more concerned about even application than rubbing it all the way in. Be aware that different areas will tan more easily than others. This is really best determined by experiment but as a general rule the face and legs seem to be the easiest to tan so be careful here around your hands, nose, lips, eyes, ears, and hairline.

Avoid areas of your body where you do not want to have colour such as armpits, heels, ears and hair line. You can use a cotton bud, makeup sponge, or synthetic makeup brush to help blend a thin, even amount smoothly over those areas. To keep light hair from tanning, apply a layer of conditioner or Vaseline over the hairline.

You can also use a makeup sponge to apply self-tanner to the back of your hands, tops of your feet, temples, and hairline. This way you have a lot more control over how much product you use and where it goes.
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Tantasia by jane iredale $54.00
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse $43.95
Ti Cosmetics The Bronzer Self Tan for face and body $24.95
ModelCo Tan Mousse $35.00
Invisible Zinc Jet Set Tan $38.00
Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse $45.00

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Aftercare

Wait at least 10 minutes before getting dressed as self-tanners can stain your clothes or use a TANFAN to avoid waiting around naked needlessly and be ready to go in an instant.
Do not exercise, shower, bathe or swim for at least three to four hours.
The colour will darken over a 24 hour period, giving you a nice golden glow!

Mistakes

It is easy to make mistakes with self-tanning but don’t despair. For any streaky, blotchy areas use TAN-OFF and this will completely eliminate those issues. I found it works brilliantly on ankles and heels.
One of the main problem areas are the palms of the hands. The best way I found to deal with this is to have on hand a slightly soapy washcloth with which I wipe my hands on regularly during application, then dry them before moving onto the next area.
For the cuticles use a cotton bud dipped in oil-free eye-makeup remover or nail polish remover and carefully wipe around the nails and cuticle area and between your fingers.

Maintenance

Generally self-tan will start fading in about three to four days as the surface layers of skin shed. Exfoliate the skin so it maintains an even appearance and moisturise regularly as this will actually prolong the tan. Reapply the self-tan as you see fit or maintain it by using a gradual tanning moisturiser or bronzer such as ModelCo Wash-Off Instant Bronze Mouse For The Body or Ti Cosmetics The Bronzer Instant Tan

I hope you found these tips on self-tanning helpful.
Happy safe tanning!

Ella Baché Great Sunkiss

Ella Baché’s Great Sunkiss 200ml, $42.00

A moisture-rich body lotion that gives instant radiance and a progressive light golden, sunless tan. This fast absorbing, silky lotion is enriched with Shea Butter, Lanolin, Jojoba and Aloe Vera extracts to protect against moisture loss leaving skin soft, smooth and supple. Colour builds gradually with each application. An ideal daily top-up colour for self tans!
Great for all skin types of all ages, particularly those who wanting a light natural looking self tan and instant radiance! Ideal for customers who are newcomers to self-tanning!

Key Ingredients and Benefits:
Shea Butter – Restores skin softness and improves dry and dehydrated skins
Lanolin – protects against moisture loss, preventing dehydration
Green Tea – powerful antioxidant protects the skin against free radicals
Aloe Vera – a natural antiinflammatory & healing ingredient, also provides hydrating and moisturising properties to improve dry skins
DHA (low level 2%) – reacts with the amino acids in the horny layer to deliver a natural golden tan

Ella Baché products are available at all Ella Baché salons and David Jones stores nationally. For stockists call 1800 789 234 or visit our location finder at www.ellabache.com.au

Anna – Age:29, Skin Type: Normal Skin

What were your first impressions of the Body Lotion when you used it?
Handy pump pack, and a really generous size.  Would do a few applications.

How did you find the application and wearability of the Body Lotion?
Application was smooth, the lotion sunk in quite quickly.  However, I developed a very slight reaction to the product which wore off in a couple of hours – a red pinprick-type rash.  It also tingled a bit, which made me nervous.  There was a slightly noticeable tan developed overnight, and upon a re-application, the colour deepened slightly.  Very natural and even; and not orange.

How did you find the texture and smell of the Body Lotion?
The texture was very light and creamy.  It left a slight film on the skin, which sunk in over a couple of hours.  The lotion was almost odourless on application, but the “fake tan smell” developed noticeably over a few hours.

Did you notice any benefits from using this Body Lotion as opposed to others you have used in the past?
No – I tend not to use tanning products as I am very pale, and I hate the smell of the active ingredient.  This lotion was no exception.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Body Lotion for yourself in the future?
No.  I don’t think I would buy it – I just don’t like fake tan products.  The lotion base was quite nice, and the gradual tan effect was very non-scary, but the smell put me right off.

Out of five, what star rating would you give this Body Lotion based on your experience with it?
4 Stars – If you are after a gradual-tan style product and don’t mind the smell that they all seem to have – you would quite like this.  I think it’s a good product of its type, I just didn’t think I would buy it.

Natio Spa with Organics Coconut and Vanilla Creamy Shower Cleanser

Natio Spa with Organics Coconut and Vanilla Creamy Shower Cleanser, 210ml $10.95

Luxurious face and body wash that leaves skin soft, clean, moisturised and subtly scented.  The rich, creamy cleanser is ideal to refresh and revive the senses.  For all skin types.
With certified organic Coconut and Vanilla.

Quyen – Age:32, Skin Type: Dry Skin

What were your first impressions of the Shower Cleanser when you used it?
The consistency of this creamy cleanser is moderate and would not be very runny when squeezed onto the body cleansing puff.  The instant that the tube is opened, you can definitely smell a mixture of the coconut and vanilla cream.

How did you find the application and use of the Shower Cleanser?
The cleanser is not soapy and hence will not cause any foam when lathered on the body.  It definitely cleans the skin and leaving it feeling very soft and supple.  I don’t believe that the subtle scent will last throughout the day.
You can instantly smell the coconut vanilla when the tube is opened and it applies very softly on the skin.  It doesn’t leave the skin feeling oily and yet it keeps the skin smooth throughout the day.

Did you notice any benefits from using this Shower Cleanser as opposed to others you have used in the past?
It’s affects are very similar to many other shower cleansers on the market.  If you want a cleanser that lathers well, then this is not the product for you.
As I prefer a shower cleanser to lather, I wouldn’t purchase this product again however it does meet its goal as a shower cleanser.

Out of five, what star rating would you give this Shower Cleanser based on your experience with it?
As a shower cleanser, this product can easily be rated as 4.5 since it cleans the skin and leave it being moisturised throughout the day.

AVON PRO 3-in-1 Lip Wand

AVON PRO 3-in-1 Lip Wand $26.99

Perfectly coordinated lip liner, creamy lipstick and shiny gloss in one. Lips look fuller and feel luscious and moisturised. Full lip service. Perfect lip sync. Pre-coordinated shades for easy & beautiful lips!
First define with lip liner. Then add luscious color with lipstick. Finish with glossy shine with lip gloss.
Lip Liner, .01 oz. net wt.
Lipstick, .047 oz. net wt.
Lip Gloss, .09 oz. net wt.

Kym – Age:38, Skin Type: Normal Combination

What was your first impression of the Product?
Very neat and tidy, 3 in 1, just a little longer than most average lip glosses, great for throwing in your handbag.

What was your experience using the product?
At first I found it tricky to undo to get to each individual applicator, but that was only the initial use, after the first use it was easy to know how to get to each applicator.  I found each applicator worked well and its great to have all 3 items in one wand. I was slightly disappointed with the small amount of gloss in the wand, I do think that will definitely run out prior to the lip stick and the lip liner.

What benefit does this product have compared to others you have used in the past?
Definitely biggest benefit is that it is 3 in 1, most handy when travelling or just to keep in your hand bag or small evening bag, instead of having to take lip liner, lipstick and lip pencil, it’s all 3 in 1.

Would you recommend this product to others? Why?
Yes I would recommend it, for the “handy” factor, no sorting through make up bags looking for matching lip stick and liner etc.  And it is very reasonably priced when you consider you are getting 3 items altogether!

What Star Rating will you give this product based on your experience with it? (Out of 5)
4 stars

Natalia – Age:26, Skin Type: Normal/Combination

What was your first impression of the Product?
Love the colour.

What was your experience using the product?
I loved it, even though I don’t normally use lip liner with this item I use the whole 3-in-1. The colour looked quite bright but was actually pretty neutral (solar rose).

What benefit does this product have compared to others you have used in the past?
The 3-in-1 is good because you don’t need to carry so many items in your hand bag! Where as with other items you need the lip liner which is long in itself then the lipstick which us chunky & on top of that your lip gloss!

Would you recommend this product to others? Why?
Definitely! You can just throw this in your bag & if you need some lippy or extra gloss it’s all in the one you don’t need to fiddle around trying to find what you need!!

What Star Rating will you give this product based on your experience with it? (Out of 5)
5 out of 5 Stars