As we approach the chill of winter, you may not be as inclined to keep up with your spray tan appointments, but you can still keep that beautiful glow with a self-tanner on your face.
Of course, there are many questions that come with using self-tanner. How do you apply self-tanner to your face, can you incorporate it with other skincare products, and how do you keep it from getting orange or blotchy?
To help you out, we’ve put together this quick guide and video at the end for how to self-tan your face to maintain a natural-looking tan no matter what time of year.
1. Choose Self-Tanner for Skin Type
Consider your skin type: oil, dry, normal, breakouts? Some self-tanners are non-comedogenic, which can help prevent blockage of pores if you’re prone to breakouts. Using a self-tanner that’s specifically designed for your face will typically be better suited for facial application than a tanner formulated for the body.
Self-tanners can come in shades or be transparent (like some self-tanning mousse) while still offering the benefits of self-tanning. Since pigmented facial tanning products tend to be lighter than body tanning products, consider the shade of self-tanner carefully to complement your skin color. If you do choose a body self-tanner for your face, you can try diluting it with a non-oil-based moisturizer to lighten it.
2. Prep Your Skin
Whether a part of self-tanning or spray tan care, preparing your skin is an essential part of getting the most out of your tanning routine. Before you start applying self-tanner on your face, try these tips for cleaning and moisturizing:
• Use an oil-free cleanser to thoroughly clean your face and neck (if tanning your neck). If you use an oil-based cleanser, it can prevent self-tanner from evenly absorbing.
• Use an exfoliating mitt or other gentle exfoliators to remove dead skin and residual products, just make sure to do this a few hours before application, not right before.
• Avoid using skincare products right before (and after) self-tanner application for optimal absorption.
• Use an ice cube, cold washcloth, or roller to cool your face and close pores prior to applying self-tanner. Make sure to fully dry your face before application. This will help prevent tanning products from clogging pores.
• Protect your brows by adding a small amount of moisturizer directly around eyebrows before applying to prevent tanning solution from saturating the skin around your brows.
• Choose your timing: Consider applying self-tanner to face at night so that it has more time to develop on your skin.
2. Apply Self-Tanner on Face
Applying self-tanner can certainly be intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. And applying on the face can be even scarier. But if you follow these tips and the instructions provided with your self-tanner, you can rest easy knowing your face will be sun-kissed in no time.
• If you choose a spray tan mist, hold it about 4 inches from your face, spraying in a downward direction on the center and sides of your face.
• If you choose a cream self-tanner, use fingers to gently and evenly massage into skin, up to the hairline and on front, sides, back of neck, around ears, and a smooth, even layer on ear lobes.
• If using a pigmented self-tanner, you can contour to add dimension to your face. Using a makeup brush or your fingers, add pigment under jawline, onto the arches of brow bones, and across cheekbones.
• For application before bed, you can optionally apply a translucent powder over self-tanner to help set it and prevent it from smudging while sleeping.
3. Post-Tan Care Tips for Your Face
Learning how to tan your face isn’t just about the prep and application, but how you care for it after, too. Obviously, you want your tan to last and look beautiful so use the few days after applying self-tan to your face to practice a simple skin care routine:
• Avoid exfoliating
• Mist with a lightweight serum to hydrate skin
• If applying moisturizer, use and oil-free one
• Use lightweight sunscreen to protect your face and self-tan
• Avoid products with retinoids or exfoliants when you have self-tanner on your face as they may dry out your skin or limit the self-tanner on your face
Conclusion
Spray-tanning the face may not be for everyone, but it’s a simple way to keep the bronze glow going all year long. And with these quick tips for how to tan your face, like choosing a self-tanner, prepping your skin, applying the product, and post-care, you’re sure to feel confident every time you walk out the door.
For more spray tan tips, like removing a spray tan, or self-tanning know-how, make sure to check out all our amazing resources at Be Bronze. And, if you’re ready to book a spray tan appointment, contact us today!