My Favourite Self Tan & Tanning Routine

I'm a big fan of self tan. Usually I would tan if I had an event to go to, or if I was going out BUT recently I've been constantly tanning my whole body because the weather here has been absolutely shocking so there's no way I can get a natural tan. 

Prepare and exfoliate your skin 

Exfoliating is key to the perfect fake tan, it removes dead skin cells to create a blank canvas for your tan to be applied to. Make sure to moisturise after exfoliating too as this will banish any dry patches that the tan could cling to.

If you’re going to wax/shave before your tan: leave it 48 hours after waxing and 24 hours after shaving to make sure there’s no skin irritation when you apply your fake tan.

How to Apply Fake Tan

Take it a step at a time, figure out your fake tan plan before getting to work. I recommend starting at the top and working your way down, making sure nowhere is missed. (don't forget to tan your feet. there is nothing worse than seeing a beautifully tanned body and pale feet!!!)

Grab a mitt and apply your chosen fake tan to the mitt, work in fluid motions and glide the mitt over your skin until you have even coverage. Take it slow and make sure you haven’t missed anywhere, you can always ask for help with those tricky areas like your back.

Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after tanning, but don’t forget to tan them too!

Leave your tan to dry completely before getting dressed or getting into bed to avoid any smudges or patches. If you’re looking for a lighter tan, shower around 4-5 hours after application but if you’re looking for a darker tan, shower 8-12 hours after application. I usually tan at night so that way I can sleep in my tan and shower in the morning. If you feel that you want to go darker, simply repeat the fake tan process. Never apply fake tan directly to your feet and hands, always work the tan from your arms and legs to make sure you have an even, light colour. Use a little moisturiser to blend in dry areas and make sure to wipe away any colour on your palms and wrists, nobody wants orange palms! (trust me)

My Faves

St.Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse 

Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan

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Current Skincare Routine

I’m constantly changing my skincare routine, but I’ve recently discovered some new drugstore gems as well as some old time faves. Read on to learn about my current skincare routine:

Step 1: I’ve been using Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser for years because it removes makeup and also cleanses your skin in one step. If you close your eyes and use it on your lashes, it removes any non-waterproof mascara with ease, so I never have to use a separate eye makeup remover. After cleansing I would usually use an exfoliator but certainly not everyday. The exfoliator I use is the Murad exfoliating cleanser.

Step 2: Your next step should be a toner, especially if you have oily skin. I don’t use a toner every night, but one facialist told me that toner is necessary because it takes the pH of the skin back to normal. Apparently the pH of tap water is bad for your skin, and you need a toner afterward. This lady was also probably trying to sell me some toner. Regardless, when I use a toner, I use the Murad clarifying toner.

Step 3: Moisturiser - SPF moisturisers are a bigger deal than you think. You may be starting to think about your sun cream since the sun has been out, but ultraviolet rays can be damaging on even the cloudiest of days, so moisturisers with SPF are a year-round beauty bag essential. The moisturiser I am currently using is Origins 'A Perfect World'

Step 4: Apply eye serum. For the past year or so I’ve been using All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage from Clinique. I rolled on just a little not expecting much since my bags are pretty noticeable. Then I noticed my bags were GONE! This eye serum really does reduce any puffiness.

Step 5: I then apply a face oil. The one I have recently been using is the Clarins Face Treatment Oil Blue Orchid for dehydrated skin. I apply the oil last as it locks everything in, whereas if you applied this before it would stop any moisturiser or cream from being absorbed.

Step 6: And finally I apply my favourite lip balm which is the Bia Beauty Lime Pie Lip Balm. Its super moisurising and smells amazing. (Will have a full review on the Bia Beauty range soon!)

Would you like to see a Makeup Routine?

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