My Self Tan Routine with my Budget and Bougie Product Recommendations
I love being tan, but as much as I love being tan, I am terrified of skin cancer and looking like a leather bag in my 40s. I began spray tanning for special events in college and have been doing them a few times a year since, but have never had the confidence to try and self tan myself.
It felt like a good way to turn my self into an umpa-loopa, or discolored zebra.However, it quickly became a quarantine hobby as I tried, tested and perfected my self tanning routine.
I have gathered my top favorite products and will tell you about my process in achieving a tan that isn’t cancer or streak inducing!
The Routine
Step 1: Exfoliate & shave.
I start my routine the morning of my night-time tanning session by showering, shaving and my whole body at least 12 hours before my tan. I will also use a pre-tan lotion to moisturize. (linked below)
Step 2: Rinse off any sweat, deodorant, and make up from the day.
Don’t use warm water so you don’t re-open your pores simply rinse, pat dry, and wait a few minutes before applying tanning foam.
Step 3: Set up the room to tan.
Lay down some towels you dont mine getting tanning drops on and I like to turn on a fan or heater to help dry me as I apply.
Step 4: Tan
Apply 3- 4 pumps of lotion/foam to your mitten while already on your hand. DO NOT APPLY DIRECTLY TO SKIN like shaving cream. This will create strange dots and shapes where you place it.
I like to begin at my feet and apply in circle motions (think karate kid, WAX ON). Go all the way up your leg and around the back side of your leg. Make sure you check your legs in mirror. If I don’t check well I will miss a spot on the back side or in the crease of my leg.
I then do my stomach, arms, and back (there is small area I have to phone in a friend for, but I am typically able to do full application in 15 minutes.
Step 5: Stay Naked & Dry
For 20-30 minutes after tan I stay naked ( I know, sounds crazy), I usually stand in front of the tv or straighten up the bathroom while I wait.
Step 6: Put on loose fitting dark clothes.
I wear loose black joggers and a big baggy shirt to sleep in, to help keep any color transferring to my sheets. Since I waited 20-30 minutes, I usually don’t have an issue with orange sheets in the morning.
Step 7: Wash off tan.
Take your shower, rinse off the tan. DO NOT SCRUB or use exfoliating scrubs or washes.
Step 8: Moisturize after shower with a tan extender.
Just as you would apply your tan with covering your whole body, do the same with the lotion. Do not use the mitten.
Step 9: YOU ARE TAN!
Enjoy your tan, keep using extender after every shower, and make your glow lsat 7-10 days!
The Products
Pre Tan - Bougie Tan Primer Not a must have, but it CERTAINLY makes a difference. I haven’t found a budget version that produces a similar result.
Tanning Mitt: The budget version works great and comes with a pack of two, which is nice if you need to do a touch up in the morning and your mitt is still damp from washing it.
The bougie version is incredibly soft and no hard edges which helps keep from streaking or creating lines when applying.
Tanning Foam: Bougie Tanning Foam is my holy grail and I have tried MANY. My skin looks dark without the smallest bit of orange. It also starts to work the fastest and last the longest. If I was going to splurge on one item it would be THIS! This brand also layers nicely which is great if you want to do more than one application. I also haven’t had issues with it getting on my sheets.
Budget Tanning Foam is hard to beat for less than $15. The color is great, but isn’t as “cool toned” as the bougie option. It delivers great results but it’s downfalls to be expected with the price have most to do with it not giving as much color, and transferring to clothes and sheets when you excessively sweat. Before summer hit, THIS WAS MY GO TO. I am now using the bougie version, as it does best with dealing with sweat and water.
Tan Extender: Bougie Tan Extender has made my tan last two weeks before. I am serious. It packs a serious punch and also smells great. This would be great to take on vacation if you want to keep your tan going and not have to reapply or if you don’t want to have to apply every 5-7 days during the summer when you are hitting the pool or beach frequently.
Budget Tan Extender this is an old faithful product and can certainly be used alone. However, it doesn’t over the same level of sealant for your tan. This is what I use on the daily basis when I am not needing to pack as much punch with my tan. I also love using this on my face.
I hope you found this helpful and try a few products! I would love to know what you think!!
oxox,
Kendall Mariah