Q-TINE BEAUTY: SELF-TANNING AT HOME
In my recent blog post, Q-Tine Beauty Tips to Help Boost Your Spirit, I mentioned how I’m a huge believer in a little tan gives a boost of confidence. In this week’s blog, I’m going to share how to self-tan at home during the quarantine.
Now I know what you’re thinking…. how can I recreate a professional spray tan? Well, I’m going to let you in on a little secret… don’t stress yourself out over the perfect quarantine tan! If you miss a spot, or blend unevenly it’s okay… no one else is going to see it right now! Instead focus on this little bit of self-care and enjoy the glow.
PREPPING FOR APPLICATION
SELECT A SELF TANNER
I personally use St. Tropez 3 Hour Tan. This product is a lightweight mousse formula that allows you to choose the depth of your tan, ranging from a light glow to a deeper bronze (based on your skin tone).
EXFOLIATE AND SHAVE
Be sure to exfoliate and shave the night before. Dead skin and hair will cause the tanning solution to adhere to the flaky skin and/or hair and reduce the effectiveness, resulting in uneven color.
After exfoliating and shaving, don’t forget to hydrate your skin by applying moisturizer.
APPLYING SELF TANNER
APPLY SELF TANNER
The next day, apply your self tanner to clean skin.
Since we’re housebound, you don’t necessarily have to worry about applying it everywhere! Full disclosure: I skipped my back during my recent self-tanning application. Haha.
As you apply the self tanner to your arms, chest, stomach, legs, etc. focus on one section at a time, applying and blending evenly. Be careful with areas like your elbows and knees, which absorb tanner more quickly, resulting in streaking and/or dark patches.
Tip: Using an applicator mitt (sold separately) is a great way to apply the product without staining the palms of your hands.
WAIT FOR TAN TO DEVELOP
Wait the recommended time for your tan to develop before showering or exercising. Water or sweat can cause streaking before the product has had a chance to properly develop.
St. Tropez recommends leaving their product on for:
One hour for a light glow.
Two hours for a medium glow.
Three hours for a darker glow.
After you’ve waited the allotted time, then rinse off the product.
Tip: Don’t forget to apply daily moisturizer and oil-free SPF to make your tan last longer plus protect your skin if you’ll be heading to the backyard for some fresh air.
Fun Tip: Apply Self-Tanner on the Face
Apply your self tanner as you would bronzer (with a makeup brush), along the perimeter of your face, forehead perimeter, the hollow of your cheek bones, and underneath/along your jawline (blend down your neck). This gives you a really natural little glow to the face, while naturally contouring as well.
