Self-Tanner Application | Tips and Tricks

Apr 25

If you have been following me for some time or since the beginning of my blog launch back in November, you know I love my gal Tara from @tantaratans. But in case you are new around here, Tara lives right here in Kansas City and runs her very own mobile airbrush tanning business. I have been using Tara as my go-to source to get my monthly glow (aka spray tans) for over a year now - I am so thankful our paths crossed last January before we went on a trip to Mexico! If you happen to live in the Kansas City metro area and need a spray tan, I cannot recommend Tara or her services ENOUGH. She has been so fun to get to know over the past year and her spray tans are by far the best and most convenient sunless tan you can get in the city.

Anyways, because of everything that has been going on in our world recently, Tara finally had the opportunity to come up with her very own signature self-tanning foams. She has developed three colors, one of which she calls her signature blend - which is my absolute favorite color! The other two color options are violet sunset and golden sunrise. For context, her signature blend is a mix of the violet and the golden self-tanning foams. Although self-tanning isn't quite like the real deal in

terms of getting a spray tan, it definitely works when you are in a pinch for a last minute event or date night! Or like when you are being quarantined in your home for eight weeks 😆

This past week, Tara dropped off her signature blend self-tanning foam and a tanning mitt for me to test-drive and give my own personal review on her newest product. I can't wait to share the process and my thoughts with you below! Along with my review, I figured it would be helpful to also share my personal self-tanning tips and tricks - especially if you choose to buy Tara's signature self-tanner!

Tan Tara's Signature Blend Self-Tanning Foam

Her products require some slightly different prep work and application than you might already be doing, so I want to make sure I am setting you up for self-tan success! These tips and tricks can also be used if you get an actual spray tan done by either Tara or another tanning specialist as well.

Below I have outlined everything you need in order to apply your self-tanner, how you should properly prep your skin beforehand, how to actually apply the product and then how to make it last. If you have any questions, please always feel free to shoot me an email or message me over on Instagram!

Tara is obviously the brains behind all of her products and services, so always feel free to reach out to her personally as well. She is an amazing resource and seriously knows the ins and outs on the science behind how these solutions should work for your skin. There isn't one size that fits all when it comes to spray tans and her tailored approach is something that I have loved so much about Tara. She finds what works best for you and your skin. Something I feel like you don't get just anywhere.

Self-Tanning Supplies: What You Need to Get Started

Things you will need in order to prep your skin and apply your self-tanner:

1. A good razor. You will need to make sure you shave before you apply your self-tanner. Shaving afterwards strips the tan and it won't last as long. Make sure you shave everything really good before applying the self-tanner. I have somewhat sensitive skin, so I have liked using this brand!

2. Something to exfoliate your skin with. I personally use a lavender salt scrub that I get from Trader Joes. I LOVE IT. It smells amazing and it is under $10. However, you can really use anything that will get the dead skin cells or any previous self-tanning or spray tan product off your skin. Here is another option I found off Amazon that has great reviews. My Mom has actually used this and really liked it.

3. A self-tanning mitt. In order to prevent your hands from getting super colored or streaky, I recommend purchasing a tanning mitt. Tara gave me the one you see here, but you can purchase these from amazon or at your local beauty store (think Ulta, Beauty Brands, etc.). Here is one I found off Amazon that has good reviews. It is $9 and also comes with a face mitt and a glove to exfoliate with. Side note: I don't personally tan my face (I will tell you what to do if you choose to tan your face), but if you choose to do so, I would recommend using a different mitt for your face than the one you use for your body.

3. Self-tanner. I used Tara's signature blend self-tanning foam. As I mentioned above, she has three different mousse colors that you can purchase. Check them out here.

4. Tan safe moisturizer. You should wait at least 12 hours before applying any lotion to your skin after using a self-tanner. I use this Hempz lotion that Tara recommends because of the ingredients in it. I get it from my local Beauty Brands store. Linked here if you are interested.

5. Baby wipes. Tara uses baby wipes to wipe off anything that gets on your nails and around the edges of your feet. You might already have these around the house, but I linked some from Amazon if you don't have any.

How to Properly Prep your Skin for Self-Tanning

In my opinion, prepping the skin is by far the most important part of this entire process - especially if you want your tan to last a long time. This goes for both self-tanning and for when you are prepping to get a spray tan. Here are the key takeaways for prepping your skin:

Shower with plain water (no less than four hours prior to your tan), shave and exfoliate. Exfoliating will remove any dead skin cells so the tan will last longer. Tara recommends that you try to not shower with moisturizing shower gels, especially Dove products. These can actually act as barriers to the products she uses and can potentially prevent the tanning solution from completely soaking in to the skin. Who woulda thought!?
You want to make sure that you schedule any waxing, facial, nail appointments, etc. prior to applying your self-tanner or going to your spray tan appointment. It is important for waxing to be done no less than 48 hours prior to your appointment for optimal results!
Come to your spray tan session or prior to self-tanning with clean, dry skin. This means no makeup, lotion, deodorant, sunscreen, etc. Again, do not shower with moisturizing shower gels, especially Dove products. These can act as barriers not allowing the tanning solutions to completely soak into the skin.

Tips for Applying Self-Tanner

These tips are specific to the self-tanner I used - the signature blend self-tanning foam by Tara. You may need to alter your application process slightly depending on the product you are using!

Be sure to shake your self-tanning foam well prior to using.
First, apply some tan-safe moisturizer to your hands and feet.
For a streak-free tan, pump the foam onto a tanning application mitt and massage into your skin using a circular motion, making sure to smoothly cover ALL the areas you want to tan. For context, I prefer to have a darker tan, so I went over the body parts I wanted tanned TWICE.
To avoid streaky knees, elbows, ankles and knuckles, be sure to bend when you are applying the product to those areas.
I would recommend using your self-tanning product sparingly on the tops of your hands and feet. I typically do those parts last and will just use whatever is left on the mitt.
Once you are done applying your self-tanner, grab a baby wipe and clean around your nails and edges of your feet.
Once you have done all of that and again, this next step is dependent on your self-tanner and how dark you want your tan, wait approximately 2 to 4 hours for the initial tan to develop before rinsing off. Tara's self-tanning foams are rapid foams, so they develop fairly quickly. For a light tan, wait 2 hours. For a medium tan, wait 3 hours. And for a dark tan wait 4 to 6 hours. I waited 6 hours before rinsing because I wanted a dark tan.
Once you have allowed the tan to develop, you will rinse in the shower with warm plain water. No soap. I repeat, JUST water, no soap.
You should not use any soap or lotion for the first 12 hours after you have washed the tan off with just water.
After the 12 hours is up and you are ready to take your second shower, you are clear to use body soap and then moisturize afterwards with a tan safe moisturizer. Again, I use the Hempz triple moisturizer.

If you choose to tan your face

Tara recommends taking a make-up sponge and apply the self-tanner that way. Since I don't personally tan my face with self-tanner, I went ahead and linked some cheaper beauty blender options from Amazon for you - comes in a set of five for $9, over 12,000 reviews.

How to Make your Tan Last

Unfortunately the work doesn't stop after you have applied your self-tanner or gotten your spray tan. (You gotta WORK for this glow!) If you want to reach the absolute maximum longevity of your self-tan/spray tan, follow these tips below:

Avoid exercising or physical activity for at least 12 hours. Perspiring before the tan fully develops can result in uneven color and streaking.
Avoid rain and exposure to water for 12 hours.
Do not apply makeup or lotion for at least 12 hours.
You will want to shower within two to eight hours as instructed by your self-tanning solution or your spray tan specialist. The temporary cosmetic bronzer will wash off once you shower and that is normal - don't freak out when you see it on the floor of your shower. Remember, DO NOT use any soap during your first shower. Just rinse off with plain water.
After your second shower, you are able to use body soap and able to moisturize your entire body. Use designated products to increase duration of the tan. Like mentioned above, I really love my Hempz lotion. I feel like it has made my tans last the longest. Just a personal preference on what I have found to work for me.
Last but not least, try to avoid long showers or baths as water can act as a natural exfoliant. Avoid hot tubs and chlorine pools which can cause a tan to fade faster.

Whew, I think that covers everything! Again, if you have any questions about any of my tips and tricks to self-tanning/getting a spray tan, please let me know! I love chatting with you guys and I know Tara would love to hear from you too. If you are wanting to book an appointment with Tara, the best way is to reach out to her is by phone. Her number is 816.914.2363!

with love,

~Katie

Abby Hunter