Growing up in Florida, I spent the majority of my years baking in the sun chasing that golden glow. Now that I’m in my 30s, I am all for that golden glow.. as long as it comes from a bottle. Over my lifetime (and if you’re reading this, probably your lifetime, too) as scientific studies and medical advancements have evolved, the fear of skin cancer became all too real. Furthermore, having some knowledge in aesthetics has further seasoned my beliefs that the risk just isn’t worth the reward: if I want a healthy glow, I’ll find it in a product!

• What type of tanner are you looking to use?
• What does the application process look like?
• What is the level of tan you are trying to achieve?
• Is the tan for an event? If so, when does the tan need to be at its “peak”?
• What products are available to help prepare for the tanning application?
• How long will you need to complete the process?
• What clothing are you planning on wearing afterward?

Seems like a lot of thought that goes into this, right? Through my own process of trial and error over the last 7 years, these points have become a pretty standard means of thinking. 

First things first: Planning

Like any process, you must plan! Are you looking to tan for a special event? How long will the tanning process take? Do you have the time it takes to set aside to shower, exfoliate, apply the tanner and dry prior to putting on clothing and getting ready for the day?

Many like to apply their tanner at night and sleep in it to rinse it off and get their fresh glow during the next day. I am in this boat if I have the time. However, many days I do not, so it just goes on first thing in the morning after my shower and exfoliation process. 

Something important about the preparation process: If I know I’ll be applying tanner directly after my shower, I try to skip shaving (having made it a point to shave the night or a few hours before). Why? The tanner tends to congregate in the freshly-shaved hair follicles and create tiny little speckles instead of a smooth appearance. 

Exfoliant-wise: I use an exfoliating sponge – no fancy products with micro-beads mainly due to the fact that it always feels like they leave a layer of film on me that needs to be scrubbed off after the fact. Just plain Dove soap and a good exfoliating sponge – that’s it!

Just like you would plan to get your hair or nails done, planning out your tanning routine helps to maintain a consistent, even glow! I like to take 1 or 2 days each week to plan out a time to apply my tanner (once every 3-4 days is ideal) to ensure I keep a steady glow.

Time to tan!

Now that you are freshly showered and exfoliated, it’s time to apply the tanning product. The product I’ve been using for the last year is St. Moriz 60 minute Fast Tan in the form of a mousse. I used to be a die-hard St. Tropez fan, but St. Moriz gives me the same results for less than half the price! I prefer the way this 60 minute Fast Tan formula dries and the color it dries in – it seems to have more red and brown undertones as opposed to the Dark Tan which has more yellow and green undertones.

You can find my specific tanning mitt here.

You can find the St. Moriz 60 Minute Fast Tan here.

Application:

I put on my tanning mitt and begin on my face using very light amounts and spreading them as evenly as possible. It can be easy to look splotchy with how quickly the product can dry, so be sure to work in smaller areas and spread and blend the tanner out as much as possible!

I move to my arms, chest and torso, legs and do my hands and feet last. Be extra careful on your hands and feet! They (along with your knees and elbows) tend to be particularly dry and can absorb more of the tanning product than you may anticipate. Be extra careful about tracking tanner through the house, especially after tanning your feet! I recommend tanning in the tub or shower if you are not yet comfortable with the process.

This method of application usually takes about 10-15 minutes for me and another 10 minutes to fully dry. With this specific formula, the longer you leave the tanner on, the darker it gets. Sometimes in a pinch I apply it in the morning and wear it throughout the day and rinse it off at night. This is fine! If you find yourself strapped for time and just need to apply and go, be aware of wearing certain clothes (whites or light colors) and make sure you dress appropriately for the heat. The sooner and more you sweat, the more easily running and splotchy your tan can look!

After:

Once my tan is applied I usually let it air dry for a few minutes and then change into loose, dark clothing. This way, if any excess tanner gets on my clothing it doesn’t stain. The more loose the clothing is, the better so the tan doesn’t smudge initially. Also, protect yourself from water splashing! Whether that’s doing the dishes, getting caught in the rain etc., water splashing on your newly applied tan can and will make it uneven and runny!

Once the tan is left on for the desired amount of time to achieve your optimum results, you are safe to rinse it off (not scrub!). This will rinse off the developer but keep that beautiful golden glow ever-present. Of course, read the directions with the product to ensure you achieve optimum results and take advantage of your new glow when it counts!

To maintain your tan, be sure to moisturize! 

Again, to find the tanning products I use:

You can find my specific tanning mitt here.

You can find the St. Moriz 60 Minute Fast Tan here.

Happy Tanning!