Faking It: Your Guide to Self Tanners

Posted by Alexandra C. | Thursday June 7, 2012

Alright, ladies. Now, I don't want to get all "preachy, naggy mom" on you but there's something we need to discuss. It's about the Snooki-inspired orange-tastic tanned look that quite a few of us are guilty of. Myself included, I will reluctantly admit to a certain incident back in high school (orange palms, not so hot). While I do give you gals kudos though for sticking with the fake n' bake method and not indulging in some wrinkle causing sun bathing, that Oompa Loompa look is so out (hem, hem, Lindsay Lohan). Instead, why not treat yourself to a natural looking, glowy fake tan?

To get that tan that says, 'why, yes sir, I did just come back from a Caribbean cruise", check out this article for a few basic steps you need to follow. I also suggest going with the principle of 'less is more' for self tanners. The goal of self tanners isn't to be one shade from head to toe, this isn't natural. Instead, aim for a sun kissed, rich and dewey glow on your body and face. In areas where the sun wouldn't normally touch you or in areas where you're already naturally darker (elbows, knees), don't feel that you need to apply a lot of tanner there.

When you're ready to go make your self tanner purchase, may we suggest one of these?

1. Clinique Self Sun Body Tinted Lotion (C$25.00)
2. Banana Boat Summer Color Self Tanning Lotion (US$6.99)
3. The Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil (C$22.00) + The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Gel For Face (C$14.00)
4. Elizabeth Grant Soleil Smart Face (C$25.00) and Body Bronzer (C$25.00)
5. Baléa Glow Sunless Tan Clear Gel (C$8.99)

1. St.Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse (C$38.00)
2. Bliss Self Tanning Mist with Quick Drying Sunset Bronzer (C$40.00)
3. Origins Faux Glow Radiant Self Tanner for Face and Body (US$20.00, each)
4. Rodial Brazilian Tan Clear (C$45.00) and Brazilian Tan Face (C$45.00)

Do you self tan chicks? What are your favourite self tanners or tips and tricks?

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10 Comments

	on June 14, 2012 AmandaH607 1,260 said: I am very pale and cannot sit out in the sun like I used to do.... self tanners are my saviour for giving me that summer glow :)
	on June 13, 2012 no1-mom 1,031 said: Yes, I am a user! My preference is Nivia because I like the smell. Lately I've been using Olay. Olay is okay not real difference in texture or quality.I like to use it before swim season starts so that I don't look like a ghost and have a bit of colour on me.TIP - Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate when in the shower. That will eliminate the spotting
	on June 09, 2012 farouknabela 3,469 said: Haha I am a medium-tan skin tone and people always wonder why I, of ALL people, use bronzer. Its great for EVERY skin tone and especially for me it's great to just even my body out from blotchiness (hello tan lines :S) and give a subtle glow. I'd say it's a must-have for EVERYONE
	on June 08, 2012 GoneBatty 3,196 said: I can not find one that works well for me. I'm so pale that everything just looks orange because it doesn't blend with any pigment on my skin. I'm just destined to look like I'm ill.
	on June 07, 2012 Bren 26,031 said: I have not found one that works for me either.I have very pale skin and it always comes out a weird color or streaky on me.I just read a article somewhere not to long ago about people making there own self tanners out of tea.They were steeping the tea and putting it into a spray bottle and spraying them self with it and saying it really worked well they were adding a few more ingredients but I forget what they are.
	on June 07, 2012 gl0ss 6,194 said: I used to use the one from VS, smelled great and left you with great colour :-)
	on June 07, 2012 Aliza 14,011 said: I stopped using them. I could never find one that worked out for me so I just stopped.
	on June 07, 2012 kerri1990 2,824 said: Hmm! I'm going to have to try the Balea! A lot of their products have actually surprised me.
	on June 07, 2012 KatelynRose1984 20,704 said: I haven't found a self tanner that I have liked either. I always find they don't go on smooth enough, and leave my skin with patches. Or, even orange tones! I'm probably doing it wrong, and putting too much lotion on - but I find that it's just more convienient (and satisfying) to sit out in the sun, with a margarita!
	on June 07, 2012 takoda 28,648 said: Nope, I don't care for them. I haven't found one that works right, but I tan easily enough on my own. It's not something that I worry about, if I get a tan I do, if I don't I don't.