May Beauty Edit | Three Steps to Perfecting Your Sunless Tan

 I’m really missing my airbrushed spray tans, but in the mean time I’ve found a great system that works for me to get a little glow that’s fool proof and easy to do myself. I’m not into a deep bronzing tan that requires careful application so if you’re into something easy and quick, here’s my process!

Step 1: Exfoliation

You’ll want to prep your skin for sunless tanning products and that starts with exfoliating your body from face down to your toes. My loofa is a great way to exfoliate with my body wash, but an all over body exfoliating product is what I need especially around the ankles, elbows and knees to fully exfoliate the skin. I use Necessaire body polish and I also like use Dove exfoliating body polish. For my face, I use Kate Somerville ExfoliKate or Peter Thomas Roth exfoliating peel gel. This ingrown hair oil also helps to exfoliate the pubic area and smooths the skin.

Step 2: Application

Once my skin is dry out of the shower, I apply a gradual sunless tanner to my body. I’ve used Tan Luxe Gradual Tan for years, but lately switched to Lux Unfiltered which I absolutely love–better consistency which makes it a lot easier to apply, smells good and the color is great too. I apply in circular motions starting with my legs and working my way up. Then I use Tan Luxe face oil mixed with moisturizer–2-3 drops and rub into my face, neck and around my ears. You’ll want to make sure you’re dry for just a few minutes before you put clothes back on! And of course, washing your hands especially between fingers and palms.

I typically do this process twice to three times a week at night and when I wake up I have a slight tan and all over glow.

Step 3: Elongate the Tan

Now that I have a bit of a tan, I might apply more of the sunless lotion to my legs and let that develop during the day or apply body lotion all over to keep my skin moisturized which helps with keeping the tan longer. You can use any body lotion, but I especially love Necessaire body serum with hylauronic acid. I also love the bum bum cream–it smells so good and has a subtle shimmer that’s so flattering on my skin. My skin feels so soft after using. And this $8 lotion is one I ALWAYS have at home and it’s a great budget body lotion.

I also think it’s important to have proper SPF to protect your skin! I just bought Supergoop Play balm and SPF 50 lotion. I also recommend Bum Bum SPF oil! And this glow oil! And if you like one with a little bronzer, this SPF 50 spray gives you a bronzing glow and just $10.