By Luisa Petch
I have a serious product crush when it comes to a good self tan.
What other product can you apply at night and wake in the morning a Bronzed Goddess!
Well maybe I am not a Goddess but I do wake with enough confidence to don a bikini and submit myself to a public beach if need be.
With summer waiting in the wings a nice tan can dull a multitude of sins such as cellulite, pigmentation, and even dimples, freckles and scars don’t stand out as much.
Using a self tanning product is the safe way of achieving that golden glow. Unfortunately New Zealanders seem to be very slow learners and literally bake themselves to a crisp in the sun, therefore becoming the highest rating melanoma victims in the world. So if you’re ‘dying for a tan’ do it the safe way.
If you are a self tan virgin I recommend using a gradual tan product such as:
Johnson & Johnson holiday skin RRP$9.95
or
Dove summer glow RRP$7.99
Readily available at Pharmacies/Supermarkets and Department stores
Gradual tans are pretty much fool-proof. Apply them like a body moisturiser and they build up the colour gradually. Continue using daily as your regular body moisturiser through summer. They also won’t stain your sheets as much or deplete your bank account.
Creams, gels or lotions are easy to use also but don’t be in a hurry as you could end up with demarcation marks.
Spray tans are for the confident users. And can be messy. If you are desperate and about to head to a function with ghostly white pins, stand outside or in the shower and follow directions on the can. You may need to blend around ankles and knees by giving a rub with your hands.
Self tan products do have active ingredients and react differently on different skin types. It really is a trial and error process. Beware of the ‘Oompa Loompa’colouring, you are supposed to look like you have a nice golden glow, not like you were raised in ‘Charlies Chocolate factory’
Here are the ins and outs on what we ourselves and our guinea pigs have sampled over the past few weeks as far as self tans go:
Piz Buin Summer Sensation Tinted Lotion
“Love the colour! Not orange at all. Best colour I have found, although quite smelly, so suggest you apply at night and leave to shower off in the morning. Will definitely buy it.”
L’Oreal sublime bronze fresh feel gel
150ml rrp$28.99
“Being a gel it was really nice to apply. Felt light, glided on well and dried quickly. Made my skin feel nice probably because of the vitamin E. A good subtle colour.
L’Oreal nutrisummer moisturising lotion
150ml rrp$15.99
“ Nice daily moisturizer which gives a hint of colour. In an easy to use tube.
L’Oreal sublime bronze airbrush effect dry mist
150ml rrp$29.99
“Quite good as far as spray tans go because it was subtle. It wasn’t too dark and blended well with my own skin tone”
Hints for a good self tan
- Exfoliate prior to application. This ensures the product will glide on easier, and the product won’t accumulate around dry patches.
- Be sure to use gloves when applying.
- If you do have rough spots or you are a Self Tan Virgin then moisturize around ankles, knees, and elbows before applying the tanning product.
- Don’t go and put on your favorite cocktail dress until the product is completely dry or the product will rub off. Even better if you can do it at night and sleep with it on, then shower to reveal your new colour in the morning.
- NEVER USE A SUNBED!
- For some colour on your face mix a little tan with your regular face moisturizer.
- Go easy; it is better to reapply than to walk out looking orange.
- Don’t forget you still need to wear sun block!
Stay in touch as Dana and I bring you our reviews on the latest sun blocks to use over summer.