It's that season, summer, and with that comes the promise of sunshine, (fingers crossed), which means showing off some skin. Editor Trudi Brewer shares the trends the tips on how to get a believable, sunless faux glow with no nasty odour.
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Invest in new self-tan each season
This season natural and organic self-tan rules, in a range of new textures, and delivery methods. From rapid release lotions and oils to a non-transfer mist, this season’s the new self-tan is not sticky, it’s quick-drying, but more importantly, it has no nasty odour - at last. Ditch last years old tan, and invest in a fresh bottle of the new-generation self-tans that promise to offer the most believable bronze glow.
St. Tropez Gradual Tan Watermelon Infusion Miracle Body Lotion, $39.
For those nervous DIY self-tanners, this lightweight lotion gradually builds up to a natural-looking sun-kissed glow thanks to the quick-drying, streak-free formula. But what we love most is the fresh watermelon scent it leaves on the skin - it's brilliant. There is also a Bronzing Mousse in the range, and both hit stores November 7.
How to tan your face
Your tan should be seamless, and that includes your face. To get a natural result, apply tanner to clean skin, well-moisturised skin. Use a sponge or foundation brush and spread a small amount of self-tan around your face in circular motions. A good tip is to apply where the sun naturally hits: nose, chin, cheeks and forehead, make sure you blend the self-tan just as you would with foundation, into the hairline and down over the jaw and onto the neck - it's that easy.
St. Tropez Bronzing Water Purity Face Mist, $38.
This genius face mist will change the way you tan your face forever. Use alone, or as a setting spray over makeup, the ultra-fine mist delivers a natural-looking sunless glow in just one spritz. The formula contains 100 per cent natural tanning agents, as well as antioxidant hibiscus extract, and the tropical scent is courtesy of fresh green mandarin water. It hits stores November 7 - you must try it.
Prep your skin for a seamless result
Remove deodorant, body lotion, and makeup, but not with oil-based cleansers as these can act as a barrier to the self-tan, and it will develop evenly. Shave or wax 24 hours before applying self-tan, and exfoliate using a dry body brush. This prep ensures your skin will have an even surface for an even result. Most importantly, this prep ensures your tan will fade evenly, in the same way, a natural tan would.
Tan Organic Self Tan Oil, $49.
Organic beauty fans listen up - you will love this 100 per cent natural tanning oil. Made from sugar beet extract, it delivers a buildable (much like a gradual tan) looking bronze with days. To use, apply a few times a week after the shower, there is no risk of colour transferring onto clothes or sheets. Also, it smells fresh, thanks to the addition of orange peel oil in the formulation.
Shop around for a formula that suits your skin
To find your tan personality, consider your lifestyle and ability when it comes to DIY self-tanning. If you're a nervous tanner, try gradual tanner, which is a moisturiser with just a little tan in the formula, and you can build up the colour slowly, each day. For a more confident self-tanner go for a spray, and for a pro, gels, lotions and mousse are ideal.
Bondi Sands Aero Self Tanning Foam in Light/Medium, $30.
Light as a fluffy chocolate mousse, this tan is fast-drying and has a delicious coconut scent. Infused with vitamin E and jojoba. It hydrates and nourishes the skin which helps to prolong your sunkissed colour for days.
Always tan with a mitt
Nothing gives a seamless-looking tan like using a mitt. Not only does it prevent your palms from going brown it makes DIY tanning so easy. Work on one section of the body at a time, applying the tanner in light, long vertical strokes to ensure an even result. Finally, apply tan sparingly to the feet, ankles, knees, elbows, neck, and the tops of the hands, with the residue left on the mitt.
St. Tropez Tan-Luxe Applicator Mitt, $15.
Nothing creates an even tan like this soft, spongey easy-to-use tanning mitt. It helps you to achieve a streak-free, even result, and you will use less tan to get your faux glow. Wash after each application and dry over the top of the self-tan bottle.
Editor Trudi Brewer shares top tanning tips and the latest self-tan products on TV3’s The Cafe with host Melanie Holmer.
