You know I never leave home without my faux glow… yes, I might still be reparing my skin from working at a tanning bed in college [ohhhh yes I did] but even now I love a good bronzed, sun-kissed tan. If you’re ready to ditch the pale for a little bit darker of a shade, this post is for you!
We all know a fabulous tan can boost confidence and make you feel like a bronzed goddess = maybe just me, but it’s true! When it comes to achieving that perfect tan without damaging your skin… it’s no secret I go gaga for all things Loving Tan. Not only does it give you the best faux glow, but it’s made with premium, organic, and naturally-derived ingredients and it works its magic in 2 hours OR overnight, depending on your personal preference. I will say, however, that there is nothing I love more than a spray tan from my gal Wendy at Sprayed Nash = local friends, if you ever need the best in bronzing, she is THE absolute best… plus her mobile spray tan makes it easy and convenient, too… BUT I know lots of my readers aren’t quite close enough, so that’s why I’m here to chat all the ways you can earn that faux glow at home.
So let’s get down to business: breaking down the full beginning to end process so you can bookmark this whenever you need to give yourself a good glow! Stick with the professional for my best tips and tricks, I’ve got you covered:
First things first, the day by day schedule. I usually do my self tan routine on Sundays and then touch up again on Thursday night so it’ll be fresh just in time for weekend festivities. Obviously this schedule can be modified to suit your own preferences or what you have going on throughout the week = I do like to apply the night before a photoshoot or big event just so it’s fresh + fab. Staying consistent in your tan routine helps it last longer and extend the life of your faux glow for sure!
Now, moving onto more specifics in terms of what products I use when I self tan.
Loving Tan 2-Hour Express Tan Mousse [Shade Ultra Dark] | It’s their best selling product for a reason… it’s THAT good. Not only does it give you instant color which makes it easy to apply and see if you have any missing spots, but the olive color gives zero orange undertones and dries in under a minute. The mousse is super lightweight unlike other oils/lotions and I love that your tan is 100% developed in just 2 hours. I usually like to apply at night before bed and then rinse off the next morning, that way I can ensure it’s worked its magic and my tan is ready to go!
Now, how do I apply the mousse?? Look no further than the Deluxe Applicator Mitt. It’s made of a soft + silky velour that makes it easy to rub on [do in a circular motion for the best results]. It also creates a barrier for your hands so they don’t get stained from the product. Just make sure you give it a good rinse with soap and water in between tans so it stays clean and ready for the next application. Another must-have for me?? The Easy to Reach Back Applicator. As crazy it sounds, it’s a game changer, especially when you’re alone and don’t have anyone to help you apply your self tan! It helps you get to those hard-to-reach areas in no time and has a foam applicator for even coverage as well. The best $25 tool to make sure your entire body has the greatest glow ever.
Moving onto the delicate space that is your face. I sometimes skip applying the mousse to my face so a lot of times I will use this St. Tropez Purity Face Mist. I love that I can use this every few nights AFTER I apply my serums + moisturizers and it works overnight to give your skin subtle, sun-kissed color. It also includes hyaluronic acid so it’s even better for your skin to keep it hydrated. The perfect spritz and glow!
Finally, let’s talk tan maintenance. The biggest recommendation I can offer is to remind you to MOISTURIZE every single day after you tan. Hydrated skin helps your tan last longer AND for the faux glow to fade consistently over your body… my go-to is the Tan Luxe Butter. It helps to give you a radiant, gradual glow + smells fabulous. It develops in 4-6 hours so it acts as a great everyday lotion as well.
Next in line, let’s talk about a few other finds from the tanning department that I use and swear by:
Tree Hut Shave Oil and Exfoliating Scrub | [favorite scent is Coco Colada] Yep I was influenced by my tweens on these two products and I am not upset about it!! I gave them a go when Carson left hers in my shower and had to give them a try for myself. Starting with the shave oil, it helps your razor glide down your legs and give you a super close shave, perfect for you begin your tanning routine. Once I finish shaving, I then use the exfoliating glove + scrub to get rid of the old tan on the body so that you have a clean palette to start with!
Loving Tan Deluxe Tan Remover | Sometimes I forget to use this, but when I do rub this ON before getting in the shower to remove any unwanted tan, it comes off MUCH easier. It primes your skin, but also helps to gently erase color as well… just apply 10-15 minutes before you get into the shower and then rinse away!
Megababe Body Dust | Pro tip! This is an essential I never tan without… yep, body dust or any type of talc free powder is great for setting your sunkissed glow and eliminates unnecessary sweat after you apply. It absorbs sweat and I like to apply behind my knees, on my elbows, under my bust, etc. Just apply with any larger makeup brush and wait for it to dry!
Loving Tan Skin Polishing Glove | Two different sides to work its magic, this exfoliating glove is a gamechanger when you’re ready to remove self tan from your skin. Takes away dead skin from the top layer AND preps your legs/arms/etc for the new faux glow. I use the pink side for more sensitive/smaller areas and the black side for legs. Use code NATASHA online at Loving Tan to get a FREE glove when you buy any mousse!
Finally, let’s answer a few FAQs that are consistently sent my way regarding everything self-tan and achieving the perfect at-home faux glow…
ONE | How long does it last?
My go-to, the Loving Tan 2 hour Express Mousse lasts for 4-5 days on my skin! It all depends on your daily activity and body wash. Finding an alcohol free soap and lotion is key and like I mentioned above, make sure to moisturize every single day to lengthen the life of your bronzed skin!
TWO | What’s the best after care?
Just as I said before, be sure to use magic dust/talc-free powder to absorb sweat and make sure you keep your skin moisturized and hydrated [yes, that includes drinking all the water]! You can also re-apply 3-4 days after for a second coat to maintain your tan.
THREE | When should I shower?
Depending on your product, you can go the express route and shower AFTER 2 hours or you can apply at night and then shower in the AM… but don’t wait over 10 hours because you can actually overdevelop a tan as well.
FOUR | How do I prevent streaks?
Practice makes perfect… again, fully exfoliating your skin before application helps smooth out any dry areas or flakey skin that might cause product build up. Your application tools are also a major help here: the mitt is great because it rubs the mousse on evenly and I use circular motions to apply so you don’t streak.
FIVE | Will I turn orange?
Not at all!! The Loving Tan formula has an olive undertone to help prevent that typical orange hue that others out there can leave [i.e. Jergens, St. Tropez and others I’ve tried previously].
SIX | Does it come off on your clothes/sheets?
The short answer is yes. The product can transfer onto your bedding, which is why I sleep in long sleeve pajamas that are oversized so I don’t get it on my sheets. I have had it leave color on my bedding before, but it comes out easily in the washing machine!
I know, LOTS of info… but my hope is that you can bookmark this one for easy reference and revisit when needed!!! Now go get your glow on 😉
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