Self Tanner Tips & Tricks You Need to Know about Self Tanning

It’s no secret that I value a good glow and how I achieve it and maintain it year around is one of the most frequently asked questions in my inbox. Today I’m dishing about all of my self tanner tips and how and when I apply each product.

SELF TANNER TIPS & TRICKS YOU NEED TO KNOW!

Self Tanner Tips for Mystic Tan

My go-to source for immediate gratification is definitely the self tanner spray, Mystic Tan. I’ve been mystic tanning for 5+ years now and I will say that it continues to get better, look more natural and feel like more of an easy process. When I started 5 years ago, it was quite a process…5-10 minutes in the booth, uneven sprays and the risk of looking orange and streaky. With their updated spray booths (I use the automated Kyss booth), it’s an easy two step process, the spray is fine and even and it dries SUPER quickly and doesn’t leave you feeling like a stinky mess. The best part is that it’s become WAY more affordable! I have a monthly package at Palm Beach tan and it’s $49/month for unlimited sprays. I typically go 3-4 times a month, making it between $12-15/session.

I always Mystic in the evening, normally after the girls are down I’ll take a quick shower, shave my legs and exfoliate the rest of my body really well. I put on my “Mystic Clothes” as I refer to them (aka loose pants and an oversized long sleeve tee) and head out to get to the salon around 8. Once there, I make sure to apply “Barrier Cream” to my hands and feet and I double up on the shower caps over my hair. I also always use the foot covers that they provide, but instead of putting them on, I just stand on top of them so that the bottoms of my feet aren’t overly pigmented. I typically hold my breath during sprays (there are only tw0 that last about 30 seconds each) and am done within 2 minutes. When I get out I take baby wipes and wipe my hands, feet and under arms really well. If I feel like the spray is good and dry, I’m ready to go. Truly, the whole process is about 8 minutes. When I get home, I’ll just head to bed to let the tan develop overnight. I feel like this is the best way to get a true, deep tan that will actually last. I sleep in long pants and a long sleeve shirt and haven’t had problems with the spray transferring to my sheets.

(disclaimer: since originally writing this post, I use Mystic Tan about 50% less and feel like I’ve mastered the at home tan. I’m considering switching to an as-needed tanning package for special occasions.)

Ok, so Mystic has typically been my go-to (especially during the Winter), but now that the weather is warmer and I’ll have more of a natural glow, I can maintain things at home a lot easier. Here are the products that you can easily apply at home to give you the best Summer glow!

Tips for Preparing Your Skin for Self Tanner

Applying self tanner really starts with preparing your skin, ensuring that it will go on evenly and actually last! I accidentally found this exfoliator mitt (I thought that I was buying a regular foam mitt, so you can imagine my surprise) and it’s a TOTAL game changer. I keep mine on a hook in the shower and make sure to use it at least once a week , specifically before I head to mystic or apply the foam self tanner listed below. It gives you an exfoliation better than any traditional scrub and since it stays on your hand you can really focus on problem areas like knees, elbows and ankles. I overpaid for this one and will be ordering THIS value pack next time.

Exfoliator Mitt | Add an Exfoliator Mitt to your Amazon Cart HERE

Now that your skin is completely exfoliated and smooth (and DRY), you’re ready to apply your self tanner. I recently discovered this foam from ULTA and am completely obsessed. I’m not sure that I’ve ever liked a self tanner as much as this one!

Applying Self Tanner Tips:

A lot of my previous mistakes with self tanner revolved around trying to apply self tanner lotion with my hands. This just never worked for me because I always felt like it came out streaky and I could never achieve a natural blend with my hands. What changed my self tanner game was when I began to use this application mitt coupled with a self tanning foam. I’ve tried THEM ALL and have landed on two favorites that I think give the best color, best blend and best value!

Self Tanning Application Mitt (BOGO 50% off)

I typically change out my mitts once per month. Keeping them fresh will give you a better application and will also reduce germs from the dead skin cells that they collect. Smart move to take advantage of the BOGO 50% off and get 2-4 of them to have on hand. 

My first self tanning foam favorite (say that 10x fast!) is this foam by Ulta. It’s so good that it’s been completely sold out company wide all Summer…which is why this post is so delayed. What I love about it is that it gives immediate color and then your tan continues to build as time progresses. So if you’re in a pinch and need some color right away, this foam delivers and you’ll end the day even darker than when you started. It’s easy to apply, not likely to streak and the color is beautiful and washes off evenly. It’s more of a tropical looking tan…more mocha and less red undertones…which is great for my skin. There’s no horrendous smell and it’s very easy to apply and continue on with your day. The coconut water also adds great moisture to the skin. This is such a WINNER! I was so thrilled to see it come back in stock that I took full advantage of the BOGO deal and bought 4 bottles for around $50 and took advantage of free shipping. I will warn you, I’ve stalked all of my local stores for this and none of them have it, so your best bet is to order online. Best part of the whole thing is definitely the price at $12.99! One bottle typically lasts me 5-6 weeks when applying 2-3x a week.

Instant Tanning Mousse (BOGO 50% OFF!)

When I couldn’t find my beloved Ulta foam, I tried this St. Moritz tanning mousse in the mean time and was definitely impressed for the price. I would say this one has the same qualities that I like about the Ulta one…affordable, easy to apply, goes on evenly and doesn’t smell bad. The only con (not really a con for me but maybe for some skin tones), is that this one is definitely darker in the end, but doesn’t give as much immediate color. I’ve found that applying before bed and giving it through the night to develop is how to get the best results with the St. Moritz. There are two colors to choose from, so maybe next time I’m better off with Medium. Otherwise, there’s really no other downsides to it…for the $12.99 price I think that you’ll be very impressed!

St. Moritz Tanning Foam  BOGO 50% 

Add the St. Moritz Medium Tanning Foam to your Amazon cart HERE (2/$14.99)

Tips for Giving Your Face a Healthy Glow:

Tanning your body is only one step to the equation, but my personal opinion is that giving your face a nice glow is the best way to look awake and healthy. If you’re not using a bronzer, now’s the time to hop on the wagon—it makes a world of difference! I have two options for you (designer + drugstore value) and you can decide what’s best for you!

I’ve been using this loose mineral bronzer for YEARS now and it really is just the color that works best for me. I love the way that it wears throughout the day and feel like it gives me a healthy glow without too much fuss. I must not be the only one who likes it because the 300+ reviews on . Ulta.com are nearly perfect. Disclaimer: I don’t use or love any of the other Bare Minerals Mineral Makeup (not bad products, just not enough coverage for me), but this product is not in that category. It simply serves as a bronzer in my makeup bag. I called it “designer” but really it’s only $22 and should last you 6-9 months! I apply it with THIS ANGLED BRUSH (which also gets perfect reviews and is a GREAT tool to have in your bag)!

To Apply Bronzer: I use the “3” method, essentially drawing a 3 starting at my temple, then underneath my cheekbones and then along my lower jawline.

Swipe the brush underneath your cheekbones (using the bronzer to create a shadow underneath your cheekbones, thus defining them)

Add some color along the hairline of your forehead, avoid adding bronzer anywhere near the center of your forehead

Finish along your lower jawlines and I always add a bit on either side of my throat.

Bronzing Mineral Powder

Application Brush 

Shop the Mineral Powder on Amazon Here:

This brush is the Sephora version from when I shot these photos months ago. I’ve since gotten the IT version and love it!

Next up, for some Drugstore options! For whatever reason when we were in Seaside a few weeks ago, I’d forgotten my aforementioned bronzer and had to run up to Publix for an alternative. The ONLY makeup that they carried was Maybelline and the only bronzer was this one that came in a palette. I thought that I’d give it a whirl and was actually REALLY impressed with the entire palette. For $12.99 you get a bronzer, a subtle blush and a highlighter….all of which look natural and beautiful when applied. If you are just starting out in contouring, I think that this is a great palette to start with! Bronzer is applied underneath your cheekbones to create a shadow and define them, blush is lightly applied on the apples of your cheeks and the highlighter is applied on the TOP of your cheekbones. 

Another Drugstore fav that goes hand in hand with bronzer to create a great glow is this NYX Highlighter Stick! It gives a great natural and dewey glow on the tops of your cheekbones, giving you a radiant look.

 Add the Maybelline Palette to your Amazon cart HERE

NYX Highlighter Stick (I use Chardonnay Shimmer)

Add the NYX Highlighter Stick to your Amazon cart HERE

I hope that you guys enjoyed this post all about self tanner! It’s definitely something that you can do yourself at home and really makes a world of difference in the way of looking alive and healthy (even if you are a tired mama like me). It takes minimal effort and the boost in self confidence it gives me definitely makes up for the additional steps in my routine! Let me know if you guys try any of these, I hope it was helpful!

xo-M