How to fake a tan and make it appear natural is not as easy as it may seem, although learning how is healthier than baking in the sun or tanning booths.
Choosing and using the product best suited to your desires and skin tone will result in the best overall result.
Shower, shave and use an exfoliater on any areas where the self tanner will be applied, being sure to apply the exfoliator evenly.
Rough spots such as knees and elbows will need particular care, as will areas that may have been missed while shaving.
Attempting to create a uniform skin surface prior to applying the tanner will result in the most natural finished look.
A formula which has been created to "develop" through daily applications for two or three days is an excellent way to ensure that too much is not applied to the elbows and to help prevent streaking.
Apply in light even coats and allow to dry prior to getting dressed or going to bed to help prevent both staining of material and possible streaking.
Most companies that produce self-tanners offer choices of skin tones, and often a separate formula for the face.
Even if a dark skin tone is the long term goal, choosing one for medium skin if your skin is medium, light for light and dark for dark will give the most realistic effects, especially at first.
If skin turns an orangish color, simply try a different brand, as formulations will vary from company to company.
Many women wear rubber or latex gloves while applying self tanners to their overall body area so as to ensure that none is on the palms of the hands and that the backs of the hands don't have too much tanner applied.
A thin layer of moisturizer applied to the elbows and knees prior to applying one step tanner will help protect them from becoming too dark.
When using layers, it is advisable to check these areas as they may only need fewer applications.
Spray and lotion formulas are available and excellent results can be obtained through both.
Sprays are helpful for targeting hard to reach places.
Regular use of a body puff or exfoliator will help both prior to application and after the tan has developed.
It is not necessary to apply too much pressure as this may remove the tan, however a light even polishing will remove excess product as well as allow the tan to fade gradually without blotching.
Using a moisturizer on the skin between applications will help prolong the life of the tan, keeping it moisturized.
Oddly enough using self tanners often leaves skin feeling dry after a shower or bath, so lotion and creams serve a dual purpose.
Reapplying a gradual self tanner two to three times per week should maintain a nice glow without too much effort.
Different brands and different types of tanners will achieve different results, so if the look isn't the one you had hoped for, try a different brand or trade with a friend who would like to try a new one.
Thanks to self tanning products, women no longer have to choose between the glow of a sun kissed tan or possible skin cancer and aging.
Having healthy beautiful skin that appears tan can easily be accomplished even in the dead of winter through self tanning lotions and sprays.
Looking glamorous and beautiful has never been easier than today!