10 Mistakes to Avoid While Using A Self Tanner

Getting a sun-kissed appearance has always been a dream for women but that means a lot of work. You need to spend hours out in the sun to get that golden hue for your skin. And of course, there is a risk that you may get sunburn. If done repeatedly for prolonged periods, it can even cause premature aging. What if there is a magic that gets you that perfect hue without all the hard work? Yes, the answer is a self-tanner that happens to be one of the favorite skincare products of the modern fashionista. Safe and easy, these products come in various forms such as lotions, masks, sprays, foams, and oils. Moreover, they are easy to use and give you the perfect finish provided that you apply them the right way. But a majority of women have experienced streaky or orange skin color once or more while using a skin tanner, which makes them say no to the product. Let’s help you understand the mistakes you might be making while using skin tanners:

1. Not exfoliating before you start: Even though using a self-tanning product is much easier than sun-baking your skin, there is still some prep work that you need to do. Start by exfoliating your skin in the shower because if you don’t, you will end up getting a patchy or uneven coverage. Try dry brushing before stepping into the shower or use a gentle body scrub to do the job. Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells and gives you a base to create a flawless tanned look for your skin. Make sure that you give extra attention to the areas that can get rough, such as the elbows and knees.
2. Not moisturizing your skin before application: Like exfoliation, moisturizing your skin is another essential pre-application step for self-tanning. A light coating of good-quality moisturizer gives your skin an even finish so that you get the best results. This is particularly important for the women who have dry skin. For those having normal to oily skin, you can skip the whole-body application and cover only rough areas such as the elbows, knees, ankles and around the lips and nostrils.
3. Shaving after applying the tanner: Another self-tanner application mistake that women make is shaving after applying the product. Yes, shaving will help you get rid of the stubble but the faux tan will go as well. The same goes for tweezing, waxing, getting a manicure and even coloring your hair. The best way to go is to get all your beauty workup done before applying the self-tanner.
4. Applying the tanner as soon as stepping out of the shower: If you are applying the product as soon as you step out of the shower, you are doing it all wrong. Dry yourself properly with a towel and give another 10-15 minutes to your skin before starting the application so that you get the best results.
5. Restricting the application to only the parts that show: You may be tempted to skip the application on the body parts that do not show but that may be the biggest error you may be making. Women even think that coverage is not required for hands and feet but you may end up looking two-toned even after using the best self tanners. On the other hand, even application all over your body can give you a uniform bronzed color and even make you appear slimmer. Don’t forget your back and take help from your partner of a friend to get the coverage for your back too.
6. Not applying enough of the product: Skimping on the tanning product means that you will get a streaked or blotchy appearance. If the product glides effortlessly on your skin, it indicates that you have applied an adequate quantity. Use the lotion form if you are daunted by the idea of applying too much. Start from the feet and move upwards to avoid the formation of creases and streaks.
7. Applying too much of it: While the application of an inadequate quantity will not get you the best results, applying too much is also causes a flawed look. This holds too for the facial area as it can give you a heavy and unnatural appearance. Using a dime-size amount will do the job for your face, with a good coverage for the cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead. Ensure that the application looks completely natural.
8. Not using a tanning mitt: You may be doing everything right but what if your hands look darker than the rest of the body at the end of the job. They definitely will if you rub the tanner all over the body with your hands. If you are not investing in a tanning mitt, this is another big mistake you are making.
9. Picking up the wrong formula: There are several types of tanning products available in the market. They are custom-made for certain skin types and age groups. Make sure that you do some research to find out which one works the best for you according to your age and skin type so that you get the best results. Consider factors like allergies to a chemical while selecting the best product for you.
10. You don’t give it enough time to dry and set: Not giving the self-tanner enough time to dry and set could be the worst mistake you are making because it will waste all the effort. Moreover, dressing up over semi-dry product can stain your clothes and spoil them for good. Give it at least 15-30 minutes to dry up completely before you start dressing up. Follow the directions and avoid sweating and showering for a few hours after the application.

Avoiding these common mistakes can help you get the best results with self-tanner application. Make sure that you do things right and you can make heads turn as you step out with that perfect sun-kissed glow in any season.