The Best Self Tanning Products/My Self Tanning Routine

I have become quite the self tanning pro over the years and wanted to share with ya'll my all time favorite tanning products, and how I apply them. As you may be able to tell, I am a natural red head so fair skin comes with the territory. Although I am confident with fair skin, I also enjoy having a tan occasionally. Who doesn't? I have tried probably 50 different products and brands (I'm not lying) and feel I have found the best products out there. Keep reading to find out what they are!

PS: All products mentioned will be listed at the end of this post.

1. Fake Bake Flawless Darker

I have been using this product for years and always end up going back to it. I have never had any huge disappointments and always come out with the perfect, rich, dark tan every pale girl dreams of! Although it's not 100% perfect, I do believe this is the best affordable self tanning product out there.

Pros:

• Develops the perfect dark bronze color.
• Smells like coconuts (no nasty tan smell).
• Blends evenly with no streaking, If used correctly. 
• Lasts 5-7 days.
• Comes with a self tanning mitt.

Cons:

• Dries VERY fast. You really have to work the product in quickly.
• Application can be a bit messy.
• Can fade patchy in some areas (usually on day 7, which most tans do).

Overall I am in love with this product and the cons don't bother me too much. I highly recommend trying this self tanner out! It also comes in a lighter shade for more of a natural glow. 

2. Loving Tan

I have used Loving Tan products on and off for a couple of years and feel I have pretty good knowledge on the product. Although it isn't my number one favorite, it still is an amazing product. It comes in multiple shades and even different times you leave the product on. It is slightly more pricey than Fake Bake, but isn't too expensive compared to other brands out there. My favorites are the 8 hour Ultra Dark and the 2 hour express in the shade dark. 

Pros:

• Develops a super dark red/brown shade. 
• Scent smells pleasant and not over bearing. 
• Only have to leave on for 2 hours for a light glow (the 2 hour express one).
• Easy application. 

Cons:

• Takes quite a while to completely dry on the skin.
• Can be a little drying.
• Fades very quickly and patchy.
• Only lasts around 3-5 days (always completely off my hands by day 3).

3. St. Tropez

St. Tropez was one of the first big brands to come out with self tanning products and has been loved by many for years. I have always loved this brand, but haven't used it in a while and plan on using them again! They are a little on the pricey side, but so worth it. They have many different products to choose from such as dry oil, lotion, sprays and mousses! I personally prefer their mousse formulas as its easier to apply.

Pros:

• Has a great color guide so you know exactly where the product is going.
• Has a green undertone, no orange tones so it provides the perfect bronze color.
• Dries fairly quickly, easy to apply. 
• Tan lasts around 5 days.

Cons:

• Undertone can be a bit to green at times. 
• You have to use a lot of product to get a deep dark tan. 

These are the top three self tanning products I personally prefer and will always recommend! I have tried so many others, and while I did like them, I probably would not use them again. I know it can be intimidating with there being so many products to choose from, that is why I thought this post would be helpful for those who are not sure where to start. I will also link a few products I like to use along with the self tanning products to ensure my tan will last as long as possible. 

My Self Tanning Routine

Now that I have told you about my favorite products, I thought it is only fair to share how I use them. This may be a little lengthy, but I highly recommend you read all the way through as I will mention a lot of tips and tricks I've learned along the way. All items will be linked at the end of the post and will be linked so you can easily click along the way!

Products & tools you will need:

1. Exfoliating Gloves: These are very important and necessary if you will be self tanning. Before applying my self tanner, I always shower the morning before and exfoliate my entire body and shave what is necessary. I prefer exfoliating gloves because they are simple to use, and you can use them with any body wash you already own. Exfoliating scrubs sometimes can dry out the skin with certain chemicals and can really effect how your tan develops and lasts. 
2. Body Lotion: I ALWAYS apply a water based body lotion to my feet, ankles, knees, elbows, under arms, and hands. These areas on the body tend to be more dry and tanning products absorb a little too much in these areas. Applying a thin later of lotion prevents the tan from sticking too much and turning too dark in these particular areas. 
3. Tanning Mitt: With all three of the products I've mentioned above I use a tanning mitt to apply them. There are a few mitts that I have tried and have loved and hated. I will link a few of them below. Using a tanning mitt is the easiest way to apply self tanning products. It blocks your hands so they won't get orange, applies the product evenly without streaking, and can easily be cleaned between applications. 
4. Makeup Brush: I always use this makeup brush to blend on my hands and feet (I don't self tan my face, but you can use this brush on your face as well). It helps blend the product effortlessly around my knuckles and between my fingers or toes. I feel this is the best way to accomplish  the perfect tan on your hands and feet. They are the more trickier areas and I never have orange  or streaky hands using this method. 
5. Body Butter or Lotion: After your tan has developed over night and you shower the guide off, you must keep your skin extra moisturized. If you don't, your tan won't last long and it will fade all patchy and gross (yuck). I always use these products and feel they moisturize my skin the best. I usually only moisturize in the morning, but It's probably a good idea to moisturize at night as well. 
6. Tanning Oil: Sometimes after a few days I will notice my tan fading quicker in certain areas such as my neck, chest, and hands. If this happens, I like to use this product to boost and maintain my tan until the next application. It's a lighter product and won't be too harsh. It helps prolong your tan and keep it fresh looking. 

I wanted to quickly share a few little tips and tricks when it comes to applying the self tanner on your hands. After I apply the tan on my hands using a  makeup brush, I like to use a makeup wipe and gently wipe on my nails, knuckles, and anywhere else I am extra dry. It won't remove the tan fully, but instead blend and lighten the tan in those areas. Those are the areas that tend to get "orange" or streaky and I find using a makeup wipe helps prevent that from happening. 

After about 5-7 days I will notice my tan starting to fade and get a little patchy. At this point I start the process over again. You want to make sure to exfoliate all the previous old tan off so you have a new smooth canvas for your next application. 

I hope you found this post helpful! I know self tanning can be intimidating and scary, trust me I've been there. If you have any questions on something I didn't cover, please feel free to ask me anything, I'll be glad to help! If you read this far, I truly appreciate it (I know its pretty lengthy). Again, I hope this was helpful for you! What are your favorite self tanning products?