Self-tanning products come in all shapes and forms, but one of the most common types of self-tanners is a lotion. Self-tanning lotion is easy to apply and spread evenly over the skin, giving you a natural-looking, smooth tan.
However, applying self-tanning lotion can be intimidating. You might be worried that the tan will come out too dark, or even dry out your skin during the tanning process. There is a trick to avoid both of these worries, and that is by mixing in some lotion or moisturizer with your self-tanning product.
Adding lotion to your self-tanner can help the most when applying the product to your face. It helps the developing tan be more subtle, and not stand out too much on your face, and it also helps keep your skin hydrated and avoid any drying due to the chemicals in the self-tanning product.
Lotion can also be added to the self-tanner you use on your body, helping to achieve a more natural-looking tan that doesn’t look too orange or have any visible streaks or patches. Lotion added to your self-tanner can be the answer to patchy and fake looking tans!
How To Add Lotion To Your Self-Tanner
Adding lotion to your self-tanner is actually pretty simple.
- Choose your favorite moisturizer and squeeze a small amount onto the palm of your hand.
- Add a small amount of self-tanner and mix it all together.
- Smooth it over your skin, starting on your face and working down to your neck.
- Make sure you apply it evenly and that you haven’t missed any areas.
Once you are happy that you have evenly covered your face and neck, start by blending the mixed lotion and self-tanner from your feet up to the rest of your body. The lotion gives the self-tanner a much more fluid texture, which helps to evenly smooth it over the skin, giving a natural-looking tan that is both hydrating and glowing.
Mixing self-tanner with lotion allows you to apply it daily, which helps you to build up a tan that you want. Once you have reached your desired tan, you can apply the lotion and self-tanner mixture every couple of days to maintain your summer glow.
Between the days of applying the mixture, you can use your normal moisturizer to keep your skin nourished, which will help the tan stay for longer, and fade more evenly.
Preparing Your Body Before Applying Self-Tanner and Lotion
While it is important to get the application right to achieve a natural-looking tan, it is just as important to make sure your prep your skin properly beforehand. You can do this by using lotion on your face or body prior to mixing with the self-tanner to create the perfect canvas for blending.
1. Head-To-Toe Exfoliation
The day before applying your self-tanner and lotion mix, you will need to exfoliate your body from head to toe to remove any excess skin cells that might cause a patchy tan.
Make sure to use an oil-free exfoliator, as an exfoliator that contains oil might act as a barrier for the self-tanner to react with the skin. It is also a good idea to shave with a new razor the day before, as this also helps to remove dead skin cells, but also removes hair which could also get in the way of the self-tanner blending in evenly to the skin.
Use an exfoliator mitt if you have one to help properly remove dead skin cells, and focus on the drier areas such as knees, ankles, and elbows.
2. Moisturize
Even though you will be using a moisturizer with your self-tanner, it is a good idea to moisturize a few hours before your self-tanning application as well.
Using a fragrance-free and oil-free moisturizer will once again prevent there being any oil barriers between your skin and the self-tanning lotion. Focus on the drier areas, such as your knees, heels, and elbows.
Hydrated skin holds a tan much better than drier skin, and dry areas might turn out darker and patchy, which could cause the tan to appear very unnatural and blotchy.
If you have large pores in certain areas, you could even apply lotion or moisturizer to those areas 20 minutes before your self-tanner application, to stop the self-tanning lotion from absorbing too deep into the pores.
3. Application
When applying the self-tanner and lotion mix, try and perform the application in a room that is cool. Becoming hot or sweaty during the application can cause your tan to be patchy or have streaks, as your sweat could act as a barrier between your skin and self-tanner, and might wash the product away before the proper darkening reaction can take place.
Wait until your skin is dry to put your clothes on and then wait between six to eight hours before showering. Showering could wash the product off before your tan has set.
Self-Tanning Products To Mix With Lotion
There are a few different self-tanning products to choose from if you want to mix the product with lotion. You will not be able to mix moisturizer with a spray tan, but there are other options available.
Self-Tanning Lotion
Self-tanning lotion is the most obvious option to use when you are wanting to mix moisturizer.
The consistency of the self-tanner and the moisturizer should be the same, so the two products should mix in fairly easily with each other. You can choose how much moisturizer to mix in to get the right blend of self-tanner and moisturizing agent.
My absolute favorite self-tanner to mix with lotion is Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Milk.
The instructions on the bottle are to apply without moisturizer, but I have had the best results by moisturizing my skin first, letting it sink in, then applying the tanning milk afterward. I have extra-dry skin, though, so if you have naturally oily skin, then you might be able to use this tanning milk without the added moisture.
Self-Tanning Mousse
Mousse is a little more tricky to mix with lotion, but it can be done.
Start by adding a small amount of lotion to the self-tanning mousse, and increase the quantity while mixing to achieve the right consistency.
Do not completely dilute the self-tanning mousse, but just add enough motorizing lotion to help hydrate the skin and make the self-tan be more subtle and easy to spread evenly across the skin.
Self-Tanning Drops
Self-tanning drops were created to be mixed with lotion, making them a great option if you want to build a tan with a daily application while using your favorite moisturizer. These self-tanning drops are my favorite.
There will be guidelines that come with the self-tanning drops you buy, advising you on how many drops to add to a certain amount of moisturizer. This is the perfect option if you want to start off with a subtle tan, being able to build your tan daily and then maintain your desired tan from there.
This is one of the best ways to keep a glowing summer tan all year round with very little maintenance.
Self-Tanning Towelettes
Towelettes are great to use to tan on the go, but they can also dry out the skin and be quite difficult to apply onto dry skin. Moisturize your skin just before you use the self-tanning towelettes to give your skin extra hydration to allow the self-tanning ingredients to spread evenly and to last longer on your nourished skin.
Related Questions
Is self-tanner safe for your skin?
Everyone can agree that tanning under the sun is really damaging to your skin, making a self-tanning product much safer to use. While some self-tanning products may contain harmful and drying ingredients, there are some wonderful products out there containing natural and organic ingredients which are kind and gentle on the skin, all while giving it a natural-looking tan all year round.
How long does self-tanner last?
The life span of self-tanner does depend on the product you use, but most self-tanners last between seven to fourteen days. The life span of the self-tan can be extended by using lotion or using a gradual tanner which can be applied daily to reach your desired tan and then used once every few days for maintenance.
Can I bath after a fake tan?
Bathing or showering after a self-tan is perfectly fine, as long as you wait at least six or eight hours before doing so. This gives the self-tanning agents enough time to properly develop with your skin. Once you have showered or bathed, apply a moisturizer to lock in extra hydration.
The Importance of Lotion For Self-Tanning
Lotions and moisturizers are so incredibly important when self-tanning. From prepping your skin with some extra moisture leading up to the application, using lotion to dilute self-tanning lotion for a more subtle tan, and for hydrating and caring for your skin after the application to keep the tan lasting longer and to fade evenly.
Without lotion, your skin will not be ready to hold a natural-looking self-tan, and your tan will fade in patches and streaks and pretty much just look dreadful.
A fragrance-free, oil-free moisturizer will be your best friend when trying to achieve the perfect sunless tan and will be key to looking absolutely gorgeous all year round while protecting and nourishing your skin daily.
Not only will a moisturizing lotion help your tan look great, but it will just keep your skin healthy in general, and combat against early aging.
