With this self-tan regimen, you will be begging for beach days just to show it off!
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I am starting to realize that not all social media influencers are telling the truth about the products they use (like, duh). I REALLY confirmed this when I fell for all of the Instagram ads last year for tanning products. Although I experienced many oompa loompa moments last summer, at the very least I believe it makes me semi-qualified to write a post about which tanning products actually work!
History of The Self-Tan
Before becoming a mama, I had a whole night dedicated to tanning. Am I the only one?
It was a designated night to perform the long drawn-out process to achieve the perfect self-tan. This included shaving, exfoliation, lotion, and then applying whatever toxic product I was using at the time. Then I would lay a dark towel down over my nice sheets, set up a fan next to my bed, and put on my loosest and frumpiest pajamas.
No bras allowed, which means no leaving the house. Definitely no coming into contact with liquids which includes toddler spills AND baby puke. My husband knew not to even give me a goodnight kiss, let alone look in my direction. There are multiple reasons why that tanning routine no longer fits into my current lifestyle…
Skip The Tanning Bed
I wish I could kick myself in the butt for spending all that time in the tanning bed. My very first job was working at a tanning salon, so I was allowed to tan as much and for as long as I wanted to, for free!
If you take any piece of advice from this post, I am begging you to please ditch the tanning bed! I saw firsthand how it can become an addiction. And I don’t think I need to go into the risks of repeated exposure.
As I have gotten older, I have a much better appreciation for products that are more natural. Especially products that will be sitting on my skin. When it comes to products, I have found that the more natural the product is, the more natural results I get (which is my goal, personally). I also prefer products that have a bit more of a “gradual” effect. Many instant tanners I have used tend to cause the streakiness that we all try to avoid!
FAVORITE FACIAL SELF-TAN MIST:
There is a hands-down clear winner here and it’s the Bondi Sands PURE Self-Tanning Face Mist. I love everything about this mist, but specifically the ingredients compared to most tanning mists. We also always love a cruelty-free product, am I right?
I use a facial tanning mist about every other night, year-long. I apply this spray as the very last step in my nighttime routine. And I wake up with a sun-kissed glow that is not overdone. Many of these tanning facial mists come with other skin benefits like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C. I love that this tanning face mist evens out my skin tone overall! I feel comfortable not wearing any makeup at all, which I tend to do most days.
FAVORITE SELF-TAN LOTION:
Sticking with the natural theme, Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion comes in first for my number one tanning lotion. I like to apply this with a tanning mitt after my shower like I would any other body lotion. I love that it doesn’t have that intense tanning smell that my husband always used to complain about. Another great thing is that I have noticed it doesn’t stain my sheets (big points there)!
This lotion is formulated with Cocoa + Shea Butter, Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, Vitamin C for radiance, and vitamin E for rejuvenation. It leaves my skin feeling so soft and the best part is, is that it’s not this long drawn-out process that you have to plan for. Just use the lotion as you would anything else and you are on your way, mama!
I would be remiss if I didn’t include my second runner-up. I had used this for years before the Bondi Sands came out with a pure line. The Beauty by Earth Self-tanning Lotion is another that you can’t go wrong with. It’s one of the most natural tanning lotions I have tried and it gives a nice and even glow.
FAVORITE LAZY GIRL PRODUCT
If you are a mama like me, you are always looking for ways to “kill two birds with one stone” so to speak. The St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Lotion does just that!
Per the instructions: “Simply apply in the shower and rinse in just three minutes.” This product does ask that you turn the shower water off while the lotion sits for 3 minutes.
I use this opportunity to put a deep condition mask on my hair, daydream about what I would do with the money if I won the lottery, and do as many squats as I can, during the 3-minute time frame. I probably look super silly to my newborn who is usually in his bouncer watching my every move.
I will say that this tan can be streaky if you aren’t careful. I suggest using a mitt to apply for a more even application. It also smells a bit like the typical tanning lotion, but doesn’t last as long since you do wash it off.
Removing a Tan
Looking to remove a fading tan and start fresh? Or had an Oompa loompa moment like me? No worries, we have products for that too!
The last thing you want to do is layer fake tan on top of fake tan for weeks at a time. Start with a fresh palette each week with a tan remover and skin primer. I LOVE the b.tan Self Tan Remover for this step. It is vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty free. It strips the skin of any remaining product while leaving the skin feeling clean and moisturized.
And there you have it, my simplified and streak-free self-tan recommendations that are mom (and partner) approved.
I hope this post gave you some tips to achieve a sun-kissed glow without all the hassle of a “tanning night”.
Please let me know if you try any of the products and/if you have any tips for me and the rest of the readers!
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