Photography Yulia Gorbachenko
There is no better feeling than having a healthy tan and sun-kissed glow. Even those with an olive complexion feel the effects of being inside for too long. If you aren’t lucky enough to have a balcony or garden to catch some vitamin D whilst #StayingAtHome then it might be time to start turning to the world of fake tan.
PREP
Hero product: The Body Shop Exfoliating Bath Gloves
First things first, exfoliating is essential – think of fake tan like painting a table, which you need to sand down to ensure it’s as smooth as possible before applying any color.
Soak in a hot bath or shower to soften your skin, then using a pair of scrubbing gloves with a dollop of creamy body wash, massage over your entire body in brisk circular motions. Rinse with a blast of cold water to help close your pores before drying off.
When it comes to your face, do any dermaplaning (hair removal) or strong acids a day or two before tanning – we recommend running a flannel or muslin cloth under warm water to gently cleanse and buff off all dull and dead skin.
Tip: Exfoliating the evening before gives your skin a chance to heal and regenerate overnight, which will make your tan last longer.
SMOOTH
Hero product: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Next, layer on any serums in your skincare routine and apply a body lotion to areas prone to dryness – think knees, elbows, ankles, and underarms.
Lotions formulated with rich oils tend to leave a greasy film/residue on your skin, which may interfere with the tan’s adherence, so go for a more lightweight option.
THE BODY
Hero product: Madame La La Tan Self Tan Mousse
Applying the actual color is the real fake-it or break-it moment in every at-home tanning routine. We’ve found using a velvet-finished mitt coupled with a mousse (quick to dry and easy to apply) to be the most effortless route to getting a flawless finish.
Shake the bottle well, add a few pumps to a mitt and start at your calves working your way up and blending out in swift circular movements – if you begin in your mid-section, bending over can cause the color to crease on your stomach.
Use any leftover product on the mitt to gently rub over the feet and the back of your hands.
THE FACE
Hero product: Sisley Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care
Tanning your face is a completely different ballgame to the body, so we advise using two different formulas – body fake bakes tend to be darker and can sit in your pores or give brows and hairlines a tangerine tint.
Tanning drops that can be mixed in with your usual serum or cream will give the most subtle hint of color, or try a self-tan with added skincare benefits, such as Sisley’s new Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care – this multitasking fluid comes packed with plant-based active ingredients that work to deeply moisturize while delivering a healthy sun-kissed glow.
Tip: Be careful around your hairline and eyebrows. If your hair is fair, stay on the safe side and avoid staining by running a damp cotton bud through brows to fully remove excess product.
FIX
Hero product: Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser
Even seasoned fake tanning pros make mishaps – perhaps your skin is more dry than usual or you’ve been too heavy-handed around your ankles. Enter Bondi Sand’s game-changing Self Tan Eraser. In just five minutes the formula will remove telltale patchiness and stubborn streaks to leave you looking believably faux bronzed.
Photography Yulia Gorbachenko | Style Sandy Armeni | Makeup: Christine Cherbonnier @ The Wall Group using Kjaer Weis and ASEA Skincare | Hair Sadek Lardjane | Model Natalie Ogg @ The Society Management New York | Botanical Artist Lutfi Janania
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