How to Use Self-Tanner for a Summer Glow

Among thoughts of vacation, sandals, bikinis, and margaritas on the beach, you may have the sudden realization that your beach body needs a bit of buffing and polishing—quite literally. The thing is, after spending months in dry air and being covered up under sweaters and boots, your skin may be looking a little less than sun-kissed right about now. But instead of taking up laying out before your beach trip, it’s all about using self-tanner to fake a golden glow that you’ll want to show off all summer long. Here, find your self-tanner match and learn how to use self-tanner for a (faux) summer glow!

SELF-TANNING OPTION #1: SELF-TANNING LOTION

If you’ve ever used self-tanner before, there's a good chance that it was a lotion, as that's one of the most popular types out there. The L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk Medium is formulated with vitamin E, giving you a gradual and even bronzed glow. The lotion softens and nourishes your skin while providing you with a streak-free tan.

How to apply it:

Use three times a week as a body lotion for best results, following the steps below.

Step #1: Cleanse and exfoliate skin.

Step #2: Apply an oil-free moisturizer to any dry areas.

Step #3: Apply the self-tanning lotion evenly all over body.

Step #4: Use sparingly around ankles, knees, and elbows.

Step #5: Wash hands thoroughly after use.

Step #6: Let skin dry completely before putting on makeup or clothes.

SELF-TANNING OPTION #2: SELF-TANNING MOUSSE

While lotion may be a classic form of self-tanner, mousse self-tanner formulas happen to be taking the fake tan world by storm. The L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ Self-Tanning Water Mousse, which has an invisible feel and a hydrating formula, instantly gives skin a natural-looking tan with an even finish.

How to apply it:

Applying a self-tanning mousse is easy! Simply follow the steps below. For a longer-lasting tan, apply three times over 12-24 hours.

Step #1: Cleanse and exfoliate skin.

Step #2: Apply an oil-free moisturizer to any dry areas.

Step #3: Shake well and pump into your hand.

Step #4: Smooth evenly over your body.

Step #5: Wash your palms.

Step #6: Allow four to eight hours for your tan to develop.

Step #7: Let skin dry completely before putting on clothes.

SELF-TANNING OPTION #3: SELF-TANNING GEL

Lotion or mousse not your thing? Try a self-tanning gel instead! The L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ Self-Tanning Gelee has a refreshing, skin-smoothing formula with AHAs and vitamin E for a perfect, streak-free tan. The non-tinted, lightweight formula applies easily and dries quickly.

How to apply it:

Use daily until you reach your desired level of tan, then once or twice a week to maintain results.

Step #1: Cleanse and exfoliate skin.

Step #2: Apply an oil-free moisturizer to any dry areas.

Step #3: Apply evenly all over body.

Step #4: Use sparingly around ankles, knees, and elbows.

Step #5: Wash hands thoroughly after use.

Step #6: Let skin dry completely before putting on makeup or clothes.

SELF-TANNING OPTION #4: SELF-TANNING TOWELETTES

If you’re planning a summer getaway, stash some self-tanning towelettes in your suitcase to use while you’re away. The L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ Self-Tanning Towelettes for Body are convenient single-use wipes that are perfect for sunless tanning at home and on the go. The self-tanning formula applies easily and dries quickly.

How to apply it:

Use daily until you achieve your desired level of tan, then once or twice a week to maintain results.

Step #1: Cleanse and exfoliate skin.

Step #2: Smooth towelette all over body, unfolding as needed.

Step #3: Use sparingly around ankles, knees, and elbows.

Step #4: Wash hands thoroughly after use.

Step #5: Let skin dry before putting on clothes.

SELF-TANNING OPTION #5: SELF-TANNING SERUM

We’re not done yet! A self-tanning serum is yet another option you have when it comes to faking a tan. The L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ Self-Tanning Serum has a quick-dry, streak-free formula. Not to mention, one of the best things about it is that it can be used on your face and body—no need for two separate products.

How to apply it:

Use daily for three consecutive days for a tan that lasts for up to two weeks.

Step #1: Cleanse and exfoliate skin.

Step #2: Apply an oil-free moisturizer to any dry areas.

Step #3: Pump serum directly into palms.

Step #4: Apply evenly all over your face body.

Step #5: Use sparingly around ankles, knees, and elbows.

Step #6: Wash hands thoroughly after use.

Step #7: Let skin dry completely before putting on makeup or clothes.

SELF-TANNING OPTION #6: SELF-TANNING MIST

Want to achieve a professional-looking tan from the comfort of your own home? The L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ ProPerfect Salon Airbrushed Mist gives you salon-inspired airbrush tanning results at home. The 360-wide angle jet applicator provides continuous coverage for a natural-looking tan—and the super-fine mist applies evenly and dries quickly with no need to rub in.

How to apply it:

Use daily until you reach your desired level of tan, then once or twice a week to maintain results.

Step #1: Cleanse and exfoliate skin.

Step #2: Apply an oil-free moisturizer to any dry areas.

Step #3: Spray the mist slowly and continuously at arm’s length without rubbing in. The formula will dry quickly.

Step #4: Use sparingly around ankles, knees, and elbows.

Step #5: Let skin dry completely before putting on clothes.

WHY YOU NEED TO PREP YOUR SKIN FOR SELF-TANNER APPLICATION

Have you ever had a self-tanner mishap? We’ve all been there—you apply your self-tanner of choice, only for your tan to end up looking streaky or uneven. That’s why it’s super-important to follow the instructions no matter what self-tanner method you choose to use. While you now know how to prep your skin for each of the L’Oréal Paris self-tanning options we outlined above, we’re delving into each prep step a little further right here. Consider this your self-tanner application checklist!

1. Exfoliate. Dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin, leading to dryness. And that buildup can cause your self-tanner to go on patchy. Not exactly what you want, right? Exfoliate beforehand to help slough away the dead skin cell buildup. Use a gentle body scrub while you’re in the shower to do so.

2. Moisturize. After showering, apply an oil-free body lotion to damp skin to help lock in hydration before you move on to self-tanner application. Make sure to pay specific attention to areas that tend to get dry—like your knees, ankles, and elbows—since they may absorb more color and obviously you'll want your tan to look even all over!

3. Follow the directions. Depending on the type of self-tanner you use, you may be instructed to apply it using circular motions to help create an even-looking glow. If you’re using a lotion, gel, or serum, you may want to invest in a self-tanning mitt so that your hands don’t get stained during the application process. And remember: A little bit of self-tanner goes a long way. Don’t worry if you don’t see color immediately—oftentimes, depending on what self-tanner you use, your bronzed tint will develop after a specified period of time. Be patient!

4. Play the waiting game. First things first, wash your hands to avoid them becoming darker than the rest of your body. Then, it’s time to wait it out! Let your skin dry completely before getting dressed since you don’t want to cause streaks to happen. When you do get dressed, reach for loose, dark clothes to help avoid staining.

There you have it! Congratulations—you’re now a self-tanner pro. Whether you decide to use a lotion, gel, serum, towelette, or mist, one thing’s for certain: A self-tanner can help you create a pretty faux glow that’s perfect for summer. We hope you enjoy showing off your sun-kissed skin this season!

Next up: Complement your tan with one of these 3 Bronze Makeup Looks That Are Perfect for Summer.