The desire for a tan has been part of Australian culture since the mid-1900s. That golden-brown-just-been-on-holiday-skin makes you feel good and can hide a multitude of sins. However, we now know that deliberately exposing skin to UV radiation can increase your risk of developing skin cancer and skin damage speeding up the aging process.
Enter the fake tan! – A good fake tan will even-out your skin tone, it’s kinder to your skin, and a natural looking fake tan is just as sexy looking and with the latest quick-acting formulas, there’s now no easier way to get a summer colour without damaging your skin.
You should aim for two to three shades above your existing skin colour for the best results. Remember orange is never a good look on anyone so the people with pale and freckly skin naturally, should go with it, instead of trying to cover it up in a mass of badly applied fake tan.
So which one? Tanning lotions, creams, sprays, mousses, milks, wipes and combined moisturiser. I say a combination works well whats great on your legs may not work for your face. Fake tans generally last between 5-10 days depending on how well you prepare, and take care of your skin afterwards.
Beauty salons and tanning salons offer 20 minute spray tans that are super effective and cost from as little as $30.00. But, if you can’t get into a professional salon for a spray tan or you’ve never tried one before just follow this Step by step Fake Tan Guide for Self Tanning.
Check the Use by Date – This is one time you don’t want to use an out of date product all over your product!
Shake Shake Shake – all bottles before each use we need this potion mixed up well.
Exfoliate – To ensure longevity and the best out of the fake tan the most important things that you must do is to thoroughly exfoliate before spray tanning and any Waxing and shaving. The shallower the dead skin layer on the surface of your skin, the more time it will take for this layer to build up before it starts rubbing off. That means the better the exfoliation, the more even your tan will be throughout its life and the longer it will last. Try an exfoliation mitt you can find these in supermarkets for as little as $2.00 or try the body shop exfoliating gloves $8.95 is great to use as part of your normal skin care routine anyway!
Moisturise – Slather your body in moisturiser and then let it fully sink in before you before you fake it. Be sure to pay particular attention to wrists, elbows, ankles, knees and feet and any areas that can get dry and need extra moisture and then again in the days following your application.
Gloves – To avoid that beacon glowing hands and grubby fingernails, get into the habit of applying tan wearing latex gloves. Yes, it seems foreign at first, but after a couple of applications it’ll become second nature. Remove the gloves and use cotton wool pads to apply a small amount of tan to the back of each hand.
Loose, dark clothing – unless your ready to go naked after tanning, wear dark, loose clothing to avoid marking any wardrobe favourites and keep legs bare to optimise your tan potential.
Have fun faking it!
x Josie
Tranzformations Artistry
