Anyone can apply self-tanner without streaks! Michaella Bolder, tanning and skincare expert from St. Tropez, reveals how. Here are her best tips and tricks:
Are there textures that are best suited for mature skin to counteract potential dryness?
The skin's integrity must be healthy and strong to absorb DHA. Therefore, for mature skin, I always recommend St. Tropez Gradual Tan Daily Firming Lotion, which provides an elegant and chic natural glow while delivering ample hydration to maintain the skin's moisture levels for a healthy finish. Mature skin will notice that tanning takes on more red pigment due to years of sun exposure, and a gradual tan allows you to achieve a truly beautiful and subtle everyday glow.
How can you prevent the feeling of dry and itchy skin when using artificial tanning products?
The treatment for dryness and itching can vary from person to person. Natural cell turnover occurs daily, and people tend to notice dryness more when tanning, as the cells become pigmented. This often becomes more visible on the 3rd or 4th day and is prone to irritation. Therefore, at this point, start exfoliating dead skin cells with the St. Tropez Tan Remover Mitt or a mechanical scrub. Then, lather up your skin and massage in a shea butter moisturizer to leave it feeling fresh and nourished, and allow you to apply more tan if desired.
If you suffer from eczema or psoriasis, apply a petroleum-based balm before applying tanning lotion to thin the tan in that area. If you have broken skin, do not apply tanning lotion to that area.
How can I prevent my skin from drying out due to tanning?
It is important to moisturize your skin daily by using a rich shea butter moisturizer and exfoliating your skin every four days in the shower to keep your tan even and your skin well nourished.
The tan on my face fades faster than the tan on my body - what can I do to make everything look even?
Facial tans fade faster than body tans because many of us have a daily skincare routine that includes various steps such as deep cleansing, exfoliation, active ingredients, or hydration, which means skin cell turnover is accelerated. To maintain your tan, mix 2-4 drops of St. Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops into your serum or moisturizer and apply every day or every other day. Spritz on St. Tropez Purity Mist as needed to refresh your tan.
How can I prevent my tan on my hands and feet from looking patchy?
Preparation is key! Make sure you exfoliate and moisturize these areas before tanning. Focus on your hands and feet last, gently gliding the remaining tanning lotion on the mitt over your hands and feet before dabbing the areas with a clean mitt.
Is there a way to prevent bed linen from becoming discolored by tanning, or do you simply have to accept it?
Bed linens often become discolored due to excess tanning agents, base color on the skin, or perspiration during the night, which transfers the tan. If you're short on time, try St. Tropez Express Mousse, which develops in just 1 to 3 hours depending on the desired tan depth, giving you plenty of time to shower before bed. Another tip is to wear long pajamas to protect your bed linens.
How can I ensure that my color fades evenly?
Caring for your tan is important to ensure an even fade. Moisturize your skin immediately after showering to keep it hydrated and promote a smooth tan. Every two to three days, use St. Tropez Tan Enhancing Body Polish to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, as these can cause tan to cling to dead skin and result in a patchy tan.
How can I prevent spots from forming under my breasts?
Try using baby powder or talcum powder under your breasts. Stains tend to form where skin rubs against skin, such as under the breasts or behind the knees. The powder helps absorb the body's natural perspiration and prevent stains.
How can I speed up the drying time of my tan?
The type of tanning product you choose will affect the drying time. For example, a mousse dries faster than a lotion or gel because it has a higher alcohol content, so mousse or spray tans are a good choice for a quick-drying tan. Another tip is to use a hairdryer on a cool setting (not heat, as this will make you sweat). Hold the hairdryer about 30 cm away from your body and let the cool air flow gently over your skin to speed up the drying time. Also, try to wear as little clothing as possible after applying the tan so that it can set.
Can I use any body tanning product on my face, or should I use a product specifically designed for the face?
Facial tanning products are specifically designed for the face, as they contain skin-nourishing ingredients and give the face a natural golden finish, whereas most body tanning products produce a more intense tan.
If I want to go super dark, can I just apply layer after layer until I reach the desired shade, or will that look terrible?
It's best to choose a tan with the desired depth. A darker result is best achieved with an extra-dark solution, but one way to achieve a richer, darker shade is to apply two coats on two consecutive days.
What is the best skincare routine before and after tanning?
Before applying tanning lotion, I recommend exfoliating your skin with an exfoliating glove and using an oil-free shower gel. Now is also the right time to remove unwanted hair from your legs or underarms (if you have open pores, I recommend doing this the day before). Turn the shower to cool before getting out to cool your skin and close your pores.
After showering, apply an aloe vera-based moisturizing cream to your hands, wrists and elbows, and also apply cream to the inside of your arms, knees, feet and ankles.
Aftercare involves keeping your skin moisturized and nourished every day. Massage a rich moisturizer into your body once or twice daily to keep your skin supple and hydrated. On the third or fourth day, exfoliate your body with a body brush to remove dead skin cells that could lead to peeling, and reapply moisturizer every time you shower. Avoid baths and direct oiling, as this will soften the skin and cause your tan to fade.
I've never tanned before. Where should I start?
Start by prepping your skin in the shower before applying your fresh layer of tan. Exfoliate to remove dead or dull skin cells and wash with an oil-free shower gel. After drying off, apply an oil-free moisturizer to any dry areas, especially your hands, feet, elbows, and knees. A gradual tanning product like St. Tropez Gradual Tan Firming Daily Lotion is a great option to get used to applying tan and achieve your desired glow, depending on how often you use the product.
Tips on preparation, application, care and removal for beginners who want to play it safe?
I always recommend starting with a self-tanning product that provides a light glow, so you can find out which tan shade best suits your skin. Gradual tans or products with a guide color are ideal for those who are hesitant to tan, as they offer an instant glow and allow you to see where the product has been applied.
Always apply self-tanning products, including Gradual Tan, with a clean tanning mitt and start with long, sweeping movements on your upper body or thighs (these have a larger surface area and allow you to spread the product more easily).
The key to tanning care is keeping your skin moisturized and nourished. Applying a rich moisturizer daily after showering is essential for maintaining a healthy-looking tan. Exfoliating your skin with a scrub every 3-4 days in the shower is a great way to keep a faded tan even.
Best formula for beginners?
If you're a beginner, it's best to look for a product with a guide color so you can see where to apply the tan. I love St. Tropez Classic Mousse or the Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse – both are great options.
How does one proceed when selecting a color shade?
I always suggest that my clients think about their own skin tone and what color they want. From there, they can decide which product will give them the desired glow and whether they prefer a base color or not. Don't be tempted to choose a shade that's too dark for your skin tone, so that your tan looks natural and complements your complexion.
How often should you tan if you want to have a tan all year round?
If you are a fan of gradual tanning, then it is good to tan 3-5 times per week to maintain your tan.
Other self-tanners can be applied once a week to achieve the ideal, sun-kissed glow, and you can refresh your tan with the Gradual Tans as needed. Remember to exfoliate every 3 to 4 days to keep your tan even and healthy, and then apply a rich moisturizer.
What should be considered, whether you're a tanning novice or a tanning pro?
- First and foremost, exfoliate and moisturize any dry patches! That's non-negotiable for me. The healthier your skin, the better the tanning result, period!
- Use a clean tanning glove for each application to prevent the growth of bacteria on the glove and to ensure a smooth and even application to the skin.
- Massage an oil-free moisturizer into your skin to avoid dark spots on dry areas.
How do I apply self-tanner, how do I get the perfect result?
24 hours before tanning: Exfoliate and shave. This reduces dead skin cells on the surface for a beautiful, smooth, and even tan. Shower and apply a rich moisturizer afterward to hydrate your skin.
On the day of tanning: Shower before tanning and gently pat your skin dry. After drying, apply an aloe vera-based moisturizer all over your body to hydrate your skin before tanning. Always choose an aloe vera-based cream, as these don't contain filters that prevent the tan from being absorbed into the skin. Apply an extra dose of moisturizer to any dry areas, such as your hands, elbows, knees, ankles, wrists, and the undersides of your arms.
Application: Shake the bottle and apply the tan with a fresh tanning mitt using long, firm strokes for an even, flawless, sun-kissed effect. If you're using a self-tanner that needs to be showered off, wait three to eight days before rinsing it off. Pat your skin dry before applying a rich moisturizer based on aloe vera or shea butter to hydrate it. Avoid using direct oils for three to four days after tanning, as these can cause the tan to fade more quickly.
Starting four days after tanning: Exfoliate your entire body, either with a mitt or a mechanical scrub, to ensure the tan fades evenly. Afterwards, you can apply a moisturizer or a gradual tan product.
An article by Janette Nyary
