Beauty

[NickNack]

I need to find a good self tanner. I don't know how to apply it properly. My ankles, knees and elbows always look fake like I've used the self tanner. What is the secret to applying it properly? Thanks, Carol

[Good4u]

HERE is the secret to applying self-tanner…faultlessly.

- Make sure you do a sugar scrub to remove dead skin cells which sticks to self-tanners.

- Then mix a body moisturizer w/the self-tanner. I use Jergen's Natural Glow & Protect w/my self-tanner.

It will turn out beautifully!

Enjoy!

[NickNack]

Thanks Good4U. So if you want to use the self tanner daily until you get a nice tan, you need to use the sugar scrub daily, too? Which self tanner do you use?

[VaBelle35]

I use a Salux cloth in the shower first.

I apply it with a natural bristle paint brush (2 1/5 "") from Walmart (they are about $2 each) to spread it evenly. Then I rub it in my my hands (I use rubber gloves).

I do a small section at a time.

[Allegedly]

How do you manage to self-tan your back and other areas that are not as visible? That is what always stops me from self-tanning. I do not want to wear a certain shirt or dress and have an obvious pale back and tanned front!

[Pook]

While I like some other self tanners, the best for me is tan towels. They also exfoliate and while I often use an exfoliating scrub, I don't have to with the tan towels. I always use more than one towel to get the best tan and go over each area 2 x to make sure I covered everything. You can put a moisturizer on your knees, ankles and feet so those areas are not darker and don't heavily apply to your feet and toes and fingers. I also always rub those areas with a clean paper towel right after applying to lessen the tanning in those areas and run a damp paper towel around where the foot meets the bottom of the foot for a natural tan look.

I don't think there is one self tanner that everyone likes and what works for some - well not so much for others. Many swear by Jergens Natural Glo or Loreal's Sublime tan mouse but for me both give an orangy bronze not natural color that is blotchy and smells for days after showing at least once a day. Some say tan towels smell on them but for me there is no smell whatsoever as I have asked friends if I had that self tanning smell and they always say no and had actually no idea I was using anything. The same ones who definitely noticed the Jergens smell.

It isn't necessary to use specifically a sugar scrub as there are salt scrubs and many other excellent exfolliants but you should use one of them before self tanners.

[JackieBlue]

Oh shoot! That reminds me about the other channel having Tan Towels as a Today's Special last week. I was planning to buy, but forgot until reading this thread!

[hfpint]

I love the Bare Minerals faux tan out of the self tanners that I've tried. I like to apply mine with a tanning mitt. Using the mitt has been the best way to get an even tan and not streaky or heaving around my knees, ankles or elbows.

[JackieBlue]

There was a thread that I saw yesterday with someone saying she used Sally Hanson (can't remember if she said the lotion or the spray) Airbrush, and then used a make-up setting powder to "set" the color. I think she said she made it thru a long hot day with success! I used Sally Hanson Airbrush spray last week at a baseball tournament (watching not playing). I did sweat but it didn't run. I didn't get any on my clothes, just noticed a small amount on the top part of my socks. Maybe because I didn't let it dry enough before putting on my shoes. I was pleased with the results enough to buy it again. I didn't notice an odor and it didn't look orange as some do on me.

[NickNack]

Thanks everyone! I ended up ordering the Tarte self-tanner from Sephora. I'm also getting a free sample of Vita Liberata self tanner. I debated between Tarte and Tan Towels. Don't know why I went with Tarte. I ordered the Salux cloths for exfoliation from salux.com. Thank you very much for the hints and suggestions. I'm hoping to have better luck this time.