Preparing for the Sun: The Best Self Tanners for Your Winter Getaway

As winter chills take over, many of us dream of escaping to warmer, sunnier destinations. But, let’s face it, arriving at the beach with pale, winter-worn skin can be a bit daunting. The solution? Self-tanners! These products can give your skin a healthy, sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV rays. However, the key to a flawless faux tan lies in proper skin preparation. Here’s how to prepare your skin for self-tanners, followed by a roundup of seven top-rated products to get you beach-ready.

How to Prepare Your Skin for Self Tanners

Exfoliate: A few days before applying your self-tanner, start exfoliating your skin. Use a gentle body scrub to remove dead skin cells, focusing on areas that tend to be drier like elbows, knees, and ankles.
Moisturize: After exfoliating, moisturize your skin well. Hydrated skin ensures an even application of the tanner. Pay special attention to dry areas.
Shave or Wax: If you plan to shave or wax, do it at least 24 hours before applying self-tanner to avoid irritation.
Avoid Deodorants and Perfumes: On the day of application, avoid using deodorants, perfumes, or any products that might create a barrier between your skin and the tanner.
Apply Evenly: Use a tanning mitt or gloves to apply the product evenly. Start from your legs and work your way up to avoid streaks.
Dry Thoroughly: Allow the tanner to dry completely before getting dressed to avoid smudging.
Maintain: Moisturize daily to maintain your tan and ensure even fading.

What are the Best Products for Self- Tanning? Here are some favourites…

Achieving a natural-looking tan without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays is made possible by the wide range of natural looking self tanners available in the market. These products offer a healthy glow and help you achieve a sun-kissed complexion. If you want the best natural self tanner known for their ability to provide a natural-looking tan, then here are a few choices:

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse: This lightweight mousse formula from St. Tropez is a cult favorite. It dries quickly and delivers a streak-free, golden tan that lasts for days. Its tinted color guide ensures an even application, making it easy to achieve a natural-looking tan.
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam: Hailing from Australia, Bondi Sands has gained popularity for its natural and long-lasting tanning products. Their Self Tanning Foam delivers a beautiful bronzed look, dries quickly, and is infused with a pleasant coconut scent. It’s available in various shades to suit different skin tones.
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops: These customizable drops from Isle of Paradise allow you to tailor your tan to your preference. Simply mix a few drops with your favorite moisturizer and apply evenly. The drops are available in different shades, making it easy to achieve a natural-looking tan that suits your skin tone.
Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Gradual Tan Lotion: This gradual tanning lotion from Tan-Luxe is ideal for those who prefer a subtle, buildable tan. It contains skin-loving ingredients like raspberry seed oil and aloe vera to hydrate and nourish the skin while delivering a healthy glow. The lotion gradually builds color over time, ensuring a natural and streak-free tan.
Loving Tan 2 Hour Express Self Tanning Mousse: If you’re looking for a quick-developing tan, Loving Tan’s 2 Hour Express Self Tanning Mousse is a fantastic option. This lightweight mousse formula provides a deep, natural-looking tan in just two hours. It’s easy to apply and delivers a streak-free finish.
Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid: Fake Bake’s Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid is a favorite among self-tanning enthusiasts. Its tinted formula ensures an even application, and it dries quickly without leaving streaks or a strong self-tanner scent. The end result is a beautiful, natural-looking tan.
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer: Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is perfect for those seeking a gradual and subtle tan. This moisturizer gradually builds color with daily use, allowing you to control the intensity of your tan. It also provides hydration, leaving your skin soft and glowing.
Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse: This self-tanning mousse offers a long-lasting tan that can last up to two to three weeks. The formula is hydrating and lightweight, providing a streak-free application and a natural-looking tan that fades evenly over time.
Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel: Clarins’ self-tanning gel is a favorite among those seeking a natural, sun-kissed glow. The gel formula is easy to apply, absorbs quickly, and leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturized. It develops into a natural-looking tan that lasts for several days.
Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum: If you prefer a multitasking product, the Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum is worth considering. This serum combines self-tanning with skincare benefits, as it contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin. It provides a gradual, natural-looking tan that can be used daily as part of your skincare routine.
James Read Sleep Mask Tan: This overnight tanning mask from James Read allows you to wake up with a subtle, glowing tan. The lightweight formula is easy to apply and contains ingredients to nourish and hydrate the skin while you sleep. The color develops overnight, leaving you with a healthy-looking, refreshed complexion.
Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse: Loved by many, Loving Tan’s Deluxe Bronzing Mousse delivers a natural, long-lasting tan. The lightweight formula is easy to apply, dries quickly, and offers a streak-free, flawless finish. It’s available in various shades to suit different skin tones.

Remember to always exfoliate and moisturize before applying self-tanners for the best results. Additionally, it’s essential to patch test new products and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

These additional self-tanners offer a variety of options for achieving a natural-looking tan, allowing you to find the one that suits your preferences and skincare needs.

Here’s a helpful video on Bondi Sands Self Tanners from the awesome @mikaylajmakeupp