If you want to sweeten spring with a gentle tan, you can rely on self-tanners. This is how you apply it without stains.
The first warm days are here, which means: dresses and pants are getting shorter again, sandals are replacing closed shoes and you can show your arms. To get used to summer fashion, a little spring tan can’t hurt. It is well known that sunlight can damage the skin and cause it to age. Much better: self-tanner! The days of creams that smell bad or turn the skin orange are long gone. Self-tanners are now available in different consistencies, natural skin nuances and completely without the typical self-tanner smell. But one problem remains: How do you apply the tan from the tube without stains? The best tips for an even, natural tan that gets you in the mood for summer.
Self-tanner: the right preparation
Before applying self-tanner, the skin should be freed from dead, dry skin so that no unsightly spots appear later. So first off in the shower! Rub the entire body with an oil-free scrub, paying particular attention to the knees, elbows, ankles and heels. The scrub should not leave any residue on the skin. Avoid shaving at least 24 hours beforehand.
After the shower, dry thoroughly and apply a little moisturizer to your knees, elbows, ankles, heels, nostrils, and other dry areas.
Find the right self-tanner
Finding the perfect self-tanner is not easy. First you should decide on the consistency: mousse, cream or spray? Mousses are perfect for beginners as they are easy to rub in and you can see an immediate effect. This makes it easier not to miss any part of the body. Sprays, on the other hand, are good for areas of the body that are not easy to reach, such as the back. If you only want to achieve a light tanning effect, you can use the cream and mix it with a normal moisturizing cream.
Then it comes to the color nuance: For a natural look you should use the self-tanner that is a shade darker than your own skin tone. With some self-tanners, you can decide for yourself how intensely they tan: the quicker you shower after application, the lighter the tan.
Apply self-tanner without stains
When applying the self-tanner, it is best to work from your feet up. To avoid stains on your hands, fingers and palms, you should use a special self-tanning glove or an old washcloth that you can put your hand in. Arriving at the chest, it goes along the arms – not omitting the inner surfaces and even the armpits! Stop at the wrists.
Then it’s on to the face: take off the gloves and work with your hands. For more sensitive facial skin, there are usually special self-tanners or even drops that can be mixed with normal moisturizing cream. The same applies here: don’t miss any spot, also apply self-tanner under the eyes, on the eyelids and up to the ears so that there are no unsightly edges. Then wash your hands thoroughly.
Last but not least, the supreme discipline of self-tanning. For hands, do not apply new lotion to the glove, instead massage the slightly damp glove over the hands, bending the fingers to get into the little crease and in between.
Then apply the self-tanner well and let it dry for as long as possible – ideally standing up. Some self-tanners have to be showered off after one to three hours of exposure time, with all others: do not shower or bathe for at least eight hours. For a particularly long-lasting result, moisturize the skin regularly.
