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How to Self Tan: 10 Tips

how to self tan
Kate Moss for St.Tropez photo courtesy of www.businessinsider.com

 

Though I love the tanned look to show off summer whites or pastels, I’ve been reluctant to use self tanners. How to choose the right one? Can I use it on my face? How to prepare my skin for them? How to know when you’ve put on enough and many more questions. And then there’s my biggest fear of having the dreadful orange look.  So when I had a chance to meet with Sophie Evans, a guru in self tanning for 19 years, I jumped at the opportunity. Evans, who works for St.Tropez Tan (they sell their classic mousse every two minutes around the world) was here for Miami Swim Week. Here are the questions I asked and her answers:

1.How do you best prepare your skin to use a self tanning product?

The skin is the canvas and the tan is the paint therefore, the better condition the skin is in, the better the tan will look and last. Exfoliation is key because you want to tan fresh skin cells so that the tan develops beautifully and even with long staying power. You must also make sure all waxing is completed 24 hours prior to self-tanning. If the skin has been freshly waxed, the hair follicles will be slightly opened and the self tanner may develop into an uneven, pitted look. Always wait 24 hours after waxing for any self-tan application.

2.What should you look for to get a quality self tanning product?

If ever in doubt do a patch test. Paler skins are more troublesome when it comes to choosing the right self-tan as we do not want to turn someone orange. Most dark skins turn out great and bronze. It is not difficult at all choosing the right shade for a darker skin tone.

3.How often do you need to reapply the product or go to a tanning salon?

A self-tan should only be applied about once a week. Note that skin sheds every 5 to 10 days.

how to self tan
MIAMI BEACH, FL – JULY 15: A model walks the runway at the Frankie’s Bikinis 2017 Collection at SwimMiami – Runway at W South Beach on July 15, 2016 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Frankie’s Bikinis)

4.Can you use it on your face or are there different products for the body and face?

For the face, generally you should use either a light formulation, customize the tan with moisturizer (dilute), or use a self tanner made specifically for the face that is lighter with added skin care benefits such as St. Tropez Face Self Tanners. The PH balance on the face is higher than that of the body. The higher the PH balance of the skin the darker the color can become, so generally if not customized, the face can come out darker. Everybody is different but this is a general rule. I always use my body self-tanner on the face but apply it over the top of my facial moisturizer, while some blend both together.

 

5.How do you know when you’ve put on enough?

The biggest mistakes women make are using too little product and over rubbing. When a person is scared of a self-tan, they use a very small amount of product and try to tan a large area. Always use enough product so that it glides effortlessly and smoothly over the skin. Tan Applicator Mitts are great, simply load up with self-tan and use a flat hand with light sweeping strokes. Buff away any excess product with your Mitt. You can never use too much self tan as the skin can only absorb a certain amount of tanning agent but lack of self-tan normally will result into a dreaded streak.

6.How does sunblock interact with a tanning product?

There is no interaction between the two products but most self tanners do not contain SPF, therefore you need to still apply sunscreen when laying out as a spray tan will not protect your skin and you can still get sunburned!

how to self tan
MIAMI BEACH, FL – JULY 15: A model walks the runway at the Frankie’s Bikinis 2017 Collection at SwimMiami – Runway at W South Beach on July 15, 2016 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Frankie’s Bikinis)

7.When do you know it’s time to reapply? Should you wait until the first application is gone?

After a week or if your tan fades quickly. To maintain your tan longer, I recommend using a gradual self tanner like St. Tropez’s Gradual Tan Everyday Tinted Body Lotion to boost and maintain color. The product also blurs imperfections and illuminates for seriously flawless skin.

8.Are there different colors and if so, how do you know when a color is right for you?

Self-tanners generally come in three types – Classic = 1 week on the beach. Dark = 2 weeks on the beach. Gradual = A weekend on the beach. So no matter the color of your skin, whether dark or pale, ask yourself how you want to look. A good self-tan adjusts to suit your skin and your skin pigmentation, so it’s all about the self tan color you wish to achieve

9.After the application should one use oil? What kind?

Oils can be really problematic and fade your tan fast. Oils make the top layer of the epidermis swell/plump up.Your skin does this to allow all the hydration and goodness  of the oil  into your skin. Great for hydration, but can be really bad for self-tans as your color can then be rubbed off. We want you to moisturize as it will maintain your self- tan, but oil based moisturizers are best avoided.

10. When to apply self tanner if there’s a special event where you want to look fabulous?

Apply it the day before.

 

About Sophie Evans, St.Tropez Skin Finishing Expert:

Sophie Evans is one of the world’s leading skin finishing experts, providing bespoke tans for A-list celebrities, top fashion models and leading editors across the globe.  An aesthetician, beauty therapist and qualified trainer by trade; Sophie’s work has been seen on models walking the catwalks in London and Paris at shows from Chanel to Zac Posen and Erdem, and most recently at Miami Swim. She also tans celebrities, with an impressive client list that includes Kate Moss, Elle MacPherson, Victoria Beckham, Colin Firth, Hugh & Deborra Lee Jackman, Rashida Jones, Zoe Deschanel, Dianna Agron, Kirsten Dunst, Anna Gunn and Adrienne Bailon and provides custom services to beauty editors at top beauty/fashion publications including Allure, Lucky, Vogue, W, Glamour, Self, Elle, Marie Claire and many more.  Sophie serves as a go-to expert for premieres and red carpet events nationwide such as the Oscars® and The Emmys®, and can be seen on top national TV shows including “LIVE with Kelly and Michael.”

Karen Escalera

Karen Escalera

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