Advertorial
Simple steps to self-tanning
Get a beautiful and flawless golden glow in minutes with Lorraine's make-up artist and beauty expert Helen Hand by following her quick and easy steps to gradual self-tanning.
Ensure you have the following items before getting started:
An exfoliator suitable for your skin type
A barrier cream or moisturiser
A wet and dry cloth for after application
An old towel
Baggy old clothes
It’s important to prep the skin to avoid streaks, patches and lines. Exfoliate the body at least once a week when using a gradual self-tan. Apply the lotion in circular upward movements in the direction of the heart. Avoid washing off with hot water as this could cause the skin to overheat and the tan to slide.
Make sure skin is free from any creams, oils and perfume as this can dilute the colour of the tan
Apply a light amount of moisturiser to the joints, paying special attention to the knees and elbows. Also apply cream to areas where tan can build up, including eyebrows, hairline, the upper lip, around the nails, feet, fingers and the soles of the feet and palm of the hands.
Use latex gloves or mitts to apply self-tan
In a large sweeping movement start at the feet and work your way up. The key is to be cover the area as quickly as you can to prevent streaks. If you miss an area pat the lotion and blend.
Once application is complete, remove your mitts and massage a small blob of tan onto the top of your hands
Immediately after, take a damp cloth and put it between both of your hands and rub together. This will remove any excess tan on your palms.
Use the damp cloth to wipe away any excess around the nails on both your hands and feet
Use a dry cloth to massage your eyebrows to prevent clogged hair follicles and repeat this on and around your upper lip if you suffer from hair in that area
Wait a good ten minutes before putting clothes back on
I recommend tanning late at night so you can sleep as it develops. Otherwise, leave tan to develop for at least four hours before washing it off.
When showering try not to scrub the skin to prevent tan from lifting
Keep the skin thoroughly moisturised to maintain the depth of colour for longer