Sunless Tanning

Avoiding the sun is the new black! Gather round because today we are discussing all things sunless tanning.

If I could go back to my younger self and tell her anything it would be, wear your sunscreen. As a kid my mom was always on me about wearing sunscreen and covering my arms at the pool. I would fight her and avoid her at all costs, so I didn’t have to reapply. I hated stopping to dry off and put more sunscreen on and I would always end up burned and miserable. As a teen and into my college years it was the same. All day at the pool or beach and not one drop of sunscreen. Also, added exposure from the tanning bed. UGH.

When I turned 40, I decided I wanted a little Midlife tune-up on my face and went in for a series of laser treatments. I also decided to have my shoulders done to take off all of the years of sunspots that had multiplied over the years. I had no idea how big of a difference it would make but also how painful the procedure would be. It really made me think back and realize how stupid I had been running around for years in the sun with no protection and using tanning beds.

Now I avoid being in the sun with no protection at all costs. I am wearing a hat, covering my skin, under the umbrella, loading on the sunscreen and protecting my skin kind of hot girl summer.

Sunless Tanning 101

I may be avoiding the sun but I am not avoiding being tan so what are my options? Over the last few years, I have tried all of the products that are on the market. I am going to give you the scoop on all of them plus how I prep for my tan, care for skin after my tan and all of my favorite products.

Sunless Tanning Prep

When you hear people tell their sunless tanning horror stories, I always have questions. Like what was your prep and how did you take care of your tan? What products were you using before and after your sunless tanning appointment? To me the most important step of sunless tanning is the prep.

Exfoliation

Whether you are doing tanning at home or going into a salon for a spray tan your prep should be the same. You need to get your skin exfoliated and moisturized and then give yourself a day before you apply tanner. Believe me this step helps in giving you an even and well applied tan. This is also going to help your tan last longer.

My routine is to exfoliate, shave, exfoliate for a second time, shave a second time, bathe with soap.

Moisturizer

Moisture is the key to getting an even tan and also to making your tan last. Important note that you do not want to apply moisturizer the day you are applying sunless tanner or getting a spray tan. Leave that day for your skin to be dry so the tan will apply directly to your skin. Apply moisturizer after you rinse your tan off and every morning and evening after that. This is going to greatly extend the life of your tan. P.S. You also need to be drinking so much water. Keep your skin hydrated from the inside and the outside. I promise that this makes a huge difference.

This is my prep schedule:

Day 1: Exfoliate, shave, shower, lotion.

Day 2: Shower no lotion.

Day3: Sunless tan day.

Day 4: Rinse with water and lotion.

Day 5: Shower with soap and lotion.

Sunless Tanning at Home Products

{This post contains affiliate links. This means if your purchase from one of the links provided, I make a small amount of commission at no additional cost to you.}

Tanologist – my current favorite. It is reasonably priced, and you can find it at Target or Walgreens. Note: I love the foam, but the spray is not great. I have ordered the wrong one before and I was not impressed. I find that my tan looks it’s best for about 3 to 5 days, so I usually reapply every other day to every two days.

St. Tropez– 10/10. This product is great especially if you are looking for a long-lasting tan you can achieve at home. The price point is higher but the results last longer.

Isle of Paradise – I prefer using these drops for my face. I add one to two drops in my moisturizer and apply at night.

Loving Tan – I give these an 8/10. They apply easily but I didn’t feel like they lasted as long as St. Tropez. If I am going to spend $40 on a self-tanner, I am going with the St. Tropez.

Jergens and L’oreal Sublime Bronze – I am not even linking these. I don’t find that they last very long, and they are very greasy when applying. I have also tried the face drops and don’t recommend those either.

Who I recommend for Spray Tanning

These are my personal favorites locally and the places I would recommend.

Planet Beach Mandeville – I have had a membership with Planet Beach Mandeville for about a year. My monthly membership is $99 and includes 4 mystic tans per month. I love the ease of being able to pop in and get atan. When I maintain my tan well they last a full 7 days.

Endless Summer Tans – Megan has been my go-to spray tan artist for years. I love that her tans don’t smell, are color matched to your skin tone and you leave with a gorgeous glow. Endless Summer Spray tans last 10 to 12 days when well maintained. If I have a special event or want a little extra glow for vacation, I am going to Megan.

Kismet – I used Kismet for a spray tan for the first-time last summer. I love that their tans are guaranteed to never leave you orange. Each session your spray tan artist will assess the undertones in your skin and match you with the perfect color. Their solution is all natural and odorless and won’t leave you feeling sticky. Kismet tans will typically last 10 to 12 days when well maintained.

My Last Few Tips

After your sunless tan you have to use mild products. For body wash I love using Method brand products. They are mild and don’t dry out my skin. They also do not contain sulfates or any oils that will strip your tan off.

Moisturizing is key. Using lotion and drinking water will help to extend the life of your tan.

XO,

Tiffany