This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bryant chapter.
As we get closer to spring and summer, it is best to keep in mind that safe tanning is very important. We all want that perfect glow and there are many ways to get it. The safest way? Tanning lotion. We know, we know, you’ve heard the orange horror stories. Lucky for you, the following techniques come from several years of practice (and proms).
1. Choose the right lotion for your skin tone. This is very important and where a lot of girls go wrong. If you don’t want to end up orange, don’t skip this step. If you have fair skin, choose the fair lotion. Don’t get medium because you think it will make you darker. It won’t.Try Jergens Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer.
2. Buy separate lotion. specifically made for your face. Trust us, the body one will be way too dark to use on your face.Try Natural Glow Healthy Complexion Daily Facial Moisturizer.
3. Exfoliate. Get rid of any dead and dry skin before you apply your lotion. Just hop in the shower and use a simple 2/3 sugar and 1/3 olive oil scrub all over your body. Completely dry off afterwards.
4. Apply lotion in circular motion. Do not use too little lotion but don’t use too much, your body should feel dry in just a few moments if you’re doing it right. With a lotion, use a full pump per arm and two for each leg. With foam, it should be about a cotton ball size amount (careful, the foam expands once it’s in your hand). This is your best way to avoid any streaks.
5. Make sure to do this all over. Any spot you miss will definitely be visible tomorrow. Get under your arms, the insides of your thighs, and behind your knees.
6. Have someone help with your back, you don’t want it to be a different color than the rest of your body.
7. Be careful on elbows and ankles. Use a very small amount in these areas. Make sure to bend your elbows when applying to get the whole elbow covered. Don’t forget about the tops of your feet.
8. Apply one fingertip amount to your face at a time to avoid using more than necessary. Go very light on your face. Avoid your eyebrows and make sure to get around your hairline but not too far in. Make sure to get your neck, behind your ears, and you can even use a tiny amount on the outside of your ears. Don’t forget to use a very tiny amount on your eyelids—very tiny!
9. IMMEDIATELY wash your hands. They will turn orange if you don’t. Don’t just rinse, use soap to make sure it’s completely off.
10. Take a cotton ball with a dab of lotion. This makes the application to the backside of your hands and fingers easier. Make sure to get around your wrists as well.
11. Let yourself dry. If this means standing in your room naked, do it. You don’t want to rush to put clothes on.
12. Shower the next morning. You’ll want to get the scent off and any residue that may get on your clothes.
13. Apply regular lotion as you normally would.
14. Only use the tanning lotion every two days. TRUST US. You do not want to overdo it. You will still get color from applying every two days.
Keep in mind that you may not get this perfect at first. Definitely test it out a few weeks in advance if you are planning to tan for an event. Remember: practice makes perfect! If we could do it, then you can too!