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I figured it was finally time to put everything I know about self tanning into one spot because this is one of the questions I get most often! 

And honestly, I’ve been thinking lately about how thankful I am for self-tanner… lol. My teenage self would literally lay out in the sun for HOURS trying to get the darkest tan possible, while my 35-year-old self tries to avoid the sun as much as possible. It’s so nice that we can get a nice, beautiful tan just from a bottle!

If you’re wondering how to self tan at home or looking for self tanning tips that help you avoid streaks and orange tones, this is your guide. I’ve been perfecting my self tanning routine for years, and I’m breaking it all down step-by-step below! 

Self Tanning Prep: Exfoliate and Shave

Prep is the most important part of getting a natural, even tan. If you skip this step, you will definitely end up streaky or patchy. Here is what I always do before applying self tanner:

1. Exfoliate really well

I exfoliate the night before or the morning of. This helps remove old tan, dead skin, and any dry patches so your new tan goes on smooth and lasts longer. The Skin and Senses “Clarity” Sugar Scrub is my favorite. It’s not only great for getting rid of those dead skin cells, but it leaves my skin feeling SO SOFT thanks to its ingredients like grapeseed oil, apricot kernel oil and Vitamin E. (It also smells really good and is non-toxic, too!)

2. Shave before you tan

Always shave before, never after. Shaving after applying self tanner will drag the color off and leave you streaky.

3. Moisturize the tricky areas

These spots absorb way more color than the rest of your body, so you need a thin layer of lotion to help the tan blend. Apply lotion to:

• elbows
• knees
• ankles
• wrists
• tops of hands
• feet

This step makes a huge difference and gives you a much more natural looking tan.

How to Apply Self Tanner (Step by Step)

Once your skin is prepped, here’s exactly how I apply self tanner to get that smooth, even, “just got back from the beach” glow without streaks, dark patches, or orange ankles.

1. Start with a tanning mitt

I never apply self tanner with my hands. A soft tanning mitt keeps everything smooth and streak-free and prevents orange palms. I usually start with my legs and work my way up using this tanning mitt to apply the Loving Tan 2-Hour Express in “Dark.” 

Here’s exactly how much product I use for each area:

• 3 pumps for my calves
• 3 pumps for each upper leg
• 3 pumps for my stomach
• 3 pumps for my chest
• 3 pumps for each arm
• 3 pumps for my back

2. Use long, sweeping motions

Think paint roller, not finger painting. I use long strokes over larger areas (arms, legs, torso) and smaller circular motions around tricky spots like elbows, knees, and ankles.

3. Save your hands and feet for last

Whatever is leftover on the mitt after doing the rest of your body is plenty for your hands and feet. If you apply a full pump, your hands and feet will be different colors than your body!

4. Do your face separately

I do not use the same tanner for my body as I do for my face! The Isle of Paradise self-tanning drops have been a longtime favorite. I mix a few drops of the Isle of Paradise with my face moisturizer and apply to my face like normal (and then make sure to wash my hands!). After six hours, the tan is fully developed! I prefer to use this product in the morning. I’ve tried it at night and I sometimes wake up with a wonky tan due to pillow creases. Another tip is to just use a few drops at a time but use it multiple days in a row. I find that this works best for a gradual, even tan that lasts for a long time.

5. Let it dry before getting dressed

I usually let it dry for a few minutes, then throw on loose clothes while it develops. It’s not glamorous, but it works.

6. Avoid water or sweating while it develops

This is not the time for cleaning your house, working out, or bathing your kids. Just trust me! Thankfully, Loving Tan only takes two hours to develop, and then you can rinse it off (just don’t use any soap!).

Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Tanning

• How do you tan your back? 
  • I do it myself! It’s a little difficult haha but I’m able to do it! I use three pumps for my back and then take turns with each of my hands reaching around and rubbing it in. Loking in a mirror definitely helps. Since the Loving Tan has bronzer in it, you can easily see where you’re applying it and which areas need more tanner.
• What do you do about sunscreen after you apply self tan?
  • If I’ve JUST applied self-tanner, I usually try to avoid sunscreen and stay in the shade for a couple of hours until I can rinse off. If I absolutely need to apply sunscreen, I just use the kind that sprays, not the lotion that you rub in!
• When you wait the two hours after applying the Loving Tan 2-Hour Express, do you find that it stains surfaces you touch (like sitting on a couch), or that it stains your clothes?
  • Nope, it does not stain at all!!! I have applied it at night before bed and my white sheets stay white. The only exception is if you get wet or sweat, then it will stain, but if you stay dry it does not transfer to anything.
• After you rinse off the self tanner, do you use a body lotion?
  • I don’t apply body lotion right away! I’ll usually wait until right after I’ve fully showered and used soap (not just a rinse). 
• What do you use in between applications to extend the color? 
  • Keeping my skin moisturized helps to extend the life of my tan – this is my favorite body lotion, when I have on self-tanner I usually apply a little bit every day to make sure my skin stays moisturized.
• Can you apply makeup to your face after application or how long do you need to wait to put on makeup?
  • I let my face dry first and then I apply makeup right away! Probably 5 or 10 minutes after applying the drops.

That’s everything! My exact routine, every product I use, and all the little tricks that make the biggest difference. If you have any questions (or if I forgot something!), comment below or send me a DM here!