Tips for a Fake Tan

Tracey Mallett

A fake tan is not only safer  than  the sun’s dangerous UV rays (which lead to deadly skin cancer, so don’t even think about laying out in the sun or on a tanning bed), but it gives you great color in no time flat and your legs will look hot. Plus, it hides cellulite pretty well. I swear I felt like I won the lottery the day I discovered that.

You  can either give yourself a faux glow at home (see tips below) or go to a spa or salon that has a spray tan booth, where a pro spritzes your whole body with self-tanner.

It’s truly amazing what an instant tan does for your confidence. It’s safe, easy, and you’ll love the compliments you get. It’s a great way to get bathing-suit-ready for vacation, and covers up any jiggly stuff like cellulite. You have to love that!!

T I P S F R O M T H E P R O S : P E R F E C T Y O U R F A U X G L O W !

Get a flawless, natural looking fake tan with these tips from Anne Marie Cilmi, director of training at Bliss Spa.

“One of the biggest mistakes people make is using too much tanner,” says Cilmi. “It’s like seasoning chili. You can always add more, but you can’t take out the spice once it’s in.”

• Exfoliate skin in the shower with a body scrub or loofah. This preps the skin by getting rid of dry flakes so that the self-tanner goes on evenly, looks more natural, and lasts longer. (Avoid oil based scrubs because their residue prevents the tanner from absorbing.)

• Moisturize only your ankles, heels, kneecaps, and elbows; these areas tend to soak up more self-tanner than the rest of the body and look too dark. The moisturizer prevents excess absorption.

• Wear snug, disposable gloves (available at most drug stores) to avoid orange palms and wrists—a big fake-tan faux pas.

• After putting tanner in your hands, rub palms together so that the tanner spreads evenly.

• Apply tanner using long, full strokes. When the product begins to penetrate, blend it in circular motions.

• Start with your lower body and move up. First, apply tanner to the area between your ankles and knees, and then rub whatever tanner is left on your hands onto your feet, ankles, and knees. These areas have thick skin so they don’t need as much tanner to look dark. Next, apply tanner to your thighs and then your stomach. Keep working up the body.

• Wait eight hours after application to apply moisturizer, to shower, or to exercise.