“Hey siri, set an alarm for self tanning every Thursday at 8pm.”
We’ve been around the block when it comes to getting a bronzed glow without the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, and we’d like to think we have it down to a science. Here’s a rundown of our self tanning routine, including our fav products.
night #1
A nice, relaxing, lukewarm shower. Throw in an aromatic shower steamer, take 15 minutes to wash off the day, shave, and exfoliate. For shaving, we prefer a 5-blade razor like Harry’s or Dollar Shave Club (yes, we swear by men’s razors…they’re just better). Next, exfoliate. We love our ZO skin health exfoliating polish to sluff off any dry, dull, dead skin that can make a sunless tan look blotchy. It’s medical grade, so the ingredients are dreamy, and it leaves our skin feeling buttery soft. If you have a favorite gentle exfoliator, that works too!
As soon as you get out of the shower, it’s time to hydrate your skin. We love Aveeno daily moisturizing lotion. The oat extract is so soothing, there are no harsh scents, and it doesn’t feel sticky or tacky while it dries. The best hydrator is one you’ll use–if you have a tried and true, we say go for it!
Last but not least, put on your favorite silk pajamas, crawl into bed, and get excited for tomorrow night’s self care. Night two is all about the glow!
night #2
It’s the same as night one, but different. We hope you’ll still take the time to treat yourself to a calming cleansing shower after a long day, but this time skip the razor and the exfoliant. Use a gentle washcloth with your cleanser to finish prepping and priming your skin. If there’s still some residue from last week’s tanner, gently wash it away. It likes to collect on your ankles, knees, and elbows! Towel dry, do your facial skin care routine, and you’re ready for your tanning product.
We HIGHLY recommend Lux Unfiltered No. 32 hydrating tanning lotion. We seriously cannot say enough good about this product. Use your hands (no mitt) to apply an even layer all over your body starting with your legs. Rub into your skin using a circular motion, and try to use less on your feet, knees, and elbows. We usually avoid these areas initially, then go over them lightly with whatever is left on our hands. Wash your hands after you’re done applying, then go back over the tops of your hands with a small amount of no. 32 on a beauty blender! Wait 5-10 minutes until it dries, put those comfy jams back on, and wake up in the morning feeling like you, but with a gorgeous glow! We’re all better people with a tan, right?
Maintaining your tan:
– Use daily or as often as needed to top off your color & glow
– Your color will gradually fade with water exposure
– Do a ‘light shave’ to preserve your color
– Keep body hydrated for a lasting & fresh-looking color
– To help remove your tan, exfoliate 1-2x weekly
Enjoy your glow, babes!
xx santāl skin