I hate the effort of self-tanning, but I love an even, natural looking tan in the Summer as much as the next girl.  Here’s my lazy girl’s guide to an easy-to-apply, foolproof self-tan.

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Exfoliation

Not all exfoliators are created equal.  This Korean washcloth will give you a thorough exfoliation no matter how dry your skin is. 

To use the Korean washcloth, first take a hot shower. Wearing the washcloth on your hand like a mitt, scrub in circles with emphasis on drier spots like your knees, elbows and ankles.  Don’t apply too much pressure- let the washcloth do the work. 

If you self-tan on consecutive days to build color, don’t continue to exfoliate before every application. Exfoliation before the initial application is enough.

St. Tropez Tanning Essentials In Shower Gradual Tan

If you can’t bear to have anything on your skin besides your favorite moisturizer, I hear you. St. Tropez In-Shower Gradual Tan is applied and rinsed off in the shower, so you can step out bare-skinned with no mess.

After showering and exfoliating, turn off the water and throw your hair up in a bun. Apply St. Tropez In-Shower Gradual Tan with your hands- it has a slick texture that you can use to ensure you don’t miss a spot. The medium color is safe to use on even the fairest skin tones, but the color change may not be noticeable for someone with a darker skin tone.  Set a timer for 5-10 minutes, and rinse off with warm water.

I like to use my Korean washcloth one last time to scrub elbows, knees, and ankles before I get out of the shower.  Repeat daily until you achieve your desired color.

Tan- Luxe Illuminating Tanning Butter

In addition to a natural-looking tan, the Tan-Luxe Illuminating Tanning Butter is a great moisturizer. It’s thick and hydrating, and sinks in quickly. 

To apply, use a self-tanning mitt in circular motions to one limb at a time before moving on to your torso and back.  Try to work most of the lotion in before covering drier areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and areas that you want to blend like your wrists and neck. Repeat daily until you achieve your desired color. 

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops (for face)

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops come in light, medium, and dark. 

Apply a drop (or drops) to your moisturizer, and work it into your face in circular motions.  Start slow. You can always repeat the process with more drops later if you’re dissatisfied with the resulting color.

Tips for an even tan

Always give your hands a thorough wash immediately after applying your self tanner- even if you were wearing a mitt. Pat your hands dry with a towel, and rub your wrists together and on the tops of your hands to distribute self tanner. Do this even with the St. Tropez In-Shower Gradual Tan- I wash my hands using the tub’s faucet before I start the timer.

There’s no problem that a little exfoliation can’t fix. In the event that you have any unevenness, take a hot shower and exfoliate those areas with the Korean washcloth.

All of these products can be applied immediately before getting dressed and leaving the house, but I prefer to use them in the evening before bed. After self-tanning, try to avoid hot, humid environments that could lead to sweating the tanning products off.

Keep your skin moisturized to extend the life of your self tan.

Look for these products on Sephora’s website.