| FAQ False Tan |
"Please can you give me some advice about applying a false tan without it looking streaky?"
"I love to have a healthy tanned looking skin but I have bought several products which all seem to look too false. I have had a professional treatment and I know it can look fantastic but I can't afford to keep it up."
There are three main considerations; firstly choosing the right product that suits your skin, secondly preparing your skin well and thirdly applying it correctly.
Choose the right product Choose the type of false tan that suits your skin best. No matter how expensive or advanced the product you use, you will only get a good result by applying it to your skin properly. A Lotion is the original formulation for a self -tan product and it usually takes longer to dry than other types of self-tan. The benefit of this is that it allows you more time to blend the product into the skin. Gels and Mousse formulas are more watery in consistency and as a result the life of the tan can be less than those of lotions. However, their consistency allows them to glide onto the skin and be absorbed faster producing a quicker and even tan. If the skin is too dry these formulations sometimes look patchy on application (see tips below) Sprays are great for easy application and do offer quick results. The main advantage of a spray is in the fine application, which minimises streaking and cuts out the need to use hands. They also dry a lot quicker than gels and lotions because they are lighter. Drying time is an important consideration because many self - tanners require the avoidance of any contact with clothing until the product has dried. Self-Tan Wipes are the latest tanning product. Bronzing wipes are great for adding some colour to the face, neck and decolleté. These hand wipes come in a sealed package and are quick-and-easy to apply, making streaks a thing of the past. Research reveals that 49% of women only use self-tan on their face, neck and chest therefore wipes are a handy way of treating skin, to a natural-looking tan precisely in the areas that need it most. The choice is a personal one and is dependant on which formulation suits you and your skin the best. As well as the variety of products on offer, it's also worthwhile investigating the added benefits available. Some self-tans contain shimmer and sparkle making them perfect for adding a bit extra to the finished look, whilst skin-friendly ingredients such as Vitamin E help to soften and nourish the skin.
Prepare the skin The perfect looking self-tan is as much about preparation as it is application. It is vital to prime the skin first to ensure you have a smooth base on which to work. Thoroughly cleanse, wax and exfoliate your skin. Ideally waxing should be carried out at least 24 hours before you plan to apply self-tan to ensure that any reaction has disappeared. Next step is to exfoliate from top to toe using a flannel, a loofah, or a body scrub. Many scrubs double up as shower gels and include other ingredients to improve the look and texture of the skin, this will help your self-tan to look even better. If you do this immediately before applying the self-tan let your body dry and ensure that your skin cools down first otherwise your self-tan will go patchy. Moisturise the skin so that the dry areas will not absorb and hold the colour quickly. Apart from dry areas apply sparingly, as too much moisturiser will create a barrier between your skin and the self-tan formula.
Apply the tan Place a protective covering on the floor to avoid mess and protect from spillage. For a natural coverage apply a small amount of the self-tan at a time and build up the colour with a second application a few days later. Too much, product can give a rather exaggerated colour and may appear blotchy. If covering the whole body, start applying self-tan from the ankles upwards Tips
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