Fall and winter can sometimes be quite a challenge for your skin, especially if you miss the sun and want to maintain your tan. That’s when self-tanner is the perfect (and healthiest) solution for the gray, dark months. With the right self-tanning routine, you can enjoy a natural, radiant complexion all season long, without the harmful effects of the sun. Here, you’ll discover the best steps for the perfect self-tanning routine in fall and winter, with tips and products that ensure a long-lasting, beautiful tan.
Step 1: Exfoliate the skin thoroughly
An even and long-lasting tan starts with proper exfoliation. If your skin is dry and flaky, or if there are still traces of old self-tanner on it, the new layer of self-tanner can get trapped underneath, causing streaks. A gentle scrub or exfoliating product ensures that your skin absorbs the color evenly.
What you'll need:
- A scrub like Janzen & C Shower Scrub Vanilla Peach
- A facial scrub or exfoliator, such as the VVBETTER AHA Boosting Toner
Be sure to rinse and dry your skin thoroughly afterward so that no residue from the scrub remains.
Step 2: Moisturize your skin
Self-tanners work best on moisturized skin. Dry areas, such as the elbows, knees, and ankles, can absorb extra product, causing you to get streaks more quickly. Be sure to moisturize your skin thoroughly with a good body lotion or self-tanning moisturizer.
What you'll need:
- Moisturizing body lotion, such as Moroccanoil Body Lotion Original
- Face cream, such as the Cottan Evanescent Face Cream, which is also one of John’s favorites
Step 3: Choose the right self-tanner
Choose the right self-tanner for your skin type and the desired result. There are countless different formulas, such as mousses, sprays, creams, and drops that you can mix with body lotion. Of course, there are also different shades, ranging from light to dark brown. Look for a formula that absorbs quickly into the skin, doesn’t stain, and doesn’t leave an orange tint.
What you'll need:
- There’s a huge selection of self-tanners to choose from. For example, tanning sprays like the JAYJO The Original Professional Spray Tan, or a tanning mousse like the GlowXX Mousse. Another option is a body serum like the one from ROQUEBRUN.
- A self-tanning applicator glove, such as the JAYJO Exfoliating Tanning Mitt.
- There are also special formulas for the face, such as a tanning mist—for example, the Coco & Eve Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist
Click here to view our entire tanning product line
Step 4: Apply the self-tanner
As mentioned above, use an applicator glove to apply the self-tanner evenly. Start with your legs or arms and work your way up to your stomach and chest. This prevents you from touching your hands or other body parts too much, ensuring a streak-free, natural tan.
How to apply:
- Start with small amounts and work your way up from your feet. Be sure to massage the product thoroughly into your skin.
- Pay close attention to the edges of your hands, feet, ankles, elbows, and knees. Apply the cream gently and sparingly to avoid using too much.
Tip: Don't forget your hands! It's often helpful to apply a little extra product to your glove and rub the last bits of self-tanner onto your hands. That way, you won't have any visible lines on your wrists or hands.
Step 5: Let the product soak in
After applying the self-tanner, it’s important to wait a few hours (or as indicated on the package), especially before coming into contact with water. Generally, you should let your self-tanner set for 6–8 hours for the best results. The longer you wait, the deeper the color will be.
What you'll need:
- Loose-fitting, dark-colored clothing to wear after applying the self-tanner. This prevents stains on white or tight-fitting clothing and helps the self-tanner adhere better to the skin.
- Patience!
Tip: Be careful—self-tanners can leave stains!
Step 6: Maintain Your Tan
Once your self-tanner has set, you naturally want the tan to last as long as possible. Hydration is essential for maintaining a beautiful tan. Use a self-tanning moisturizer or a regular body lotion to keep your skin supple and minimize fading.
What you'll need:
- Moisturizing body lotion (ideally a moisturizer with a tan extender, which prolongs the tan), such as That’so Gradual Tanning Moisturizer. This moisturizes the skin and can extend the life of your self-tanner for a longer-lasting tan.
After a while, you'll probably want to remove the self-tanner and reapply it. Exfoliating is the best way to evenly remove a fading tan. Gently exfoliate your skin to remove all traces of the self-tanner. Then follow the steps again!
