Fake That Bake: How to Get a Natural Looking Fake Tan

We would all love to spend everyday all day grilling our hard bods to an envious glow…but lets get real.   The majority of us sure as hades do not have enough time or cash to spend toting ourselves, our pets and all the veg snacks we can shove into our totes, to the beach every week.   Hell, most of the time our schedule’s don’t even allow us to take our frantic fannies out to the backyard or mini-terrace/ fire escape for some quality bonding time with Senor Sun.   We’re pretty sure that the fantasy world called “summer vacation” disappears as soon as you finish up that last college exam and decide to call yourself a grown up.

Good for her, but who has time for this?

The UV rays given off from the sun are extremely damaging anyway, unless you are anally persistent about reapplying your sunscreen.   And even then, the damage (much like the rhythm) is gonna getcha.   So what are your options?   We know tanning beds feel SO good and get you brown quick as a pram, but this may just finally break you free from that addiction: Officials from the International Agency for Research on Cancer have listed tanning beds as “carcinogenic to humans” the highest category for cancer risk. A Center for Disease Control study revealed that the UV rays given off by tanning beds are just as harmful, and equally to blame for melanoma, as the rays of the sun itself.  Another study by the FDA linked tanning directly to skin cancer, premature aging, and eye damage. We think this is one threesome you would rather not get tangled up in.

It’s time to send in some reinforcement.   We’re not talking about frying you translucent bootay at your local “Hollywood” tans, using a tanning bed is the last conclusion you should jump to.   From self tanners for the face and body to tinted hydrators, and bronzers that work fabulously, you really don’t need your membership to Cancer Tan anymore anyway. Say hello to our little friend…self tanner! Not just any old self tanning lotion either, but all-natural, vegan, cruelty-free, toxic chemical and smell-free self tanner! Now this is the threesome you should be tearing your clothing off for.

Our Faves:

Bronzo Sensuale: The name is as cheesy as it comes, still the product is made with organic ingredients and completely vegan and cruelty free.   This line of tanning lotions gives you a truly healthy glow.   And if that’s not enough to satisfy your sensual summer cravings the company also carries a line of totally natural adult products.   We’ll let the sexy couple in the video on the company’s website speak for us… is that Fabio we see? Find it here.

Bronzo Sensuale's Self-Tanning Lotion, $16 @ houseofnutrition.com

Kiss My Face: This company is like our old, reliable BFF. Like their other products KMF’s instant sunless tanner contains no animal ingredients or artificial colors and chemicals, plus it’s made with super anti-oxidants like green tea and walnut leaf extract. We’re also loving that the lotion gives you a light tan in just seconds and a sultry, deep tan in four hours. Thank you instant pleasure!

Kiss My Face Instant Sunless Tanner, $12.95 @ kissmyface.com (or at any natural foods store)

Lavera: This sunless tanner reps its green, vegan pride to the fullest and has the awards to prove it. Organic soy and sugar extracts combine with organic jojoba oil, calendula, aloe vera and rose water to make this magic potion lotion simply amazing. To use, first jump in the shower for some serious exfoliating action then apply the lotion like you would your daily moisturizer. In 1-2 hours you should be ready to rock that microscopic mini dress without worrying that you’ll get arrested for blinding drivers with your pale skin as you cross the street.

Lavera Self Tanner Lotion, $26. @ lavera.com

Now you have your products… how to apply properly?   Here are St. Tropez Tan’s best self-tanning tips to ensure your tan is perfectly gorgeous for as long as possible….:

10 steps to the perfect tan

1. If you’re a tanning junkie, make sure you exfoliate regularly to avoid build up as several layers of tan can result in an uneven result.
2. If you’re waxing or shaving before tanning, make sure you do it more than 24 hours before your tan.
3. When you’re tanning give yourself a good all-over polish and apply plenty of moisturizer the night before to get your skin as silky as possible. The most common cause of a patchy tan is dry skin, so it’s crucial to moisturize problem areas (wrists and hands, elbows, knees, ankles and feet) immediately prior to self tan application.
4. Keep palms tan-free – try using latex gloves or our applicator mitt when applying, then simply sweep the backs of the hands with self tan diluted with moisturizer.   St. Tropez Tan Remover- which you can use for up to four hours after tanning – removes any unwanted tan.   (EDITORS NOTE: Want to remove your tan naturally/ cheaply?   Simply exfoliate with scrub gloves/ a loofah in the shower or run a lemon or some baking soda or oatmeal scrub on the the splotchy area to even out your patches.)
5. When you’re applying your tan, make sure you’re covered all over. Don’t worry if you go over the same area twice – the tan will only be patchy if you miss a bit, not if you double up.
6. Make sure you don’t rub in your gradual or self tan. Gentle smoothing is all you need, then you can let the product do its work. Rubbing may make the finish uneven.
7. Try to avoid washing your hands for as long as possible in the development time – a minimum of 2 hours. Try a washcloth or wipes instead.
8. Your tan won’t get deeper the longer you leave it – once it’s been on for the required amount of time (check the package of whatever product you use) it will have given you the natural-looking golden color you’re after. For a deeper tan you should re-apply on successive days – 2 – 3 days in a row will give you a really deep, rich bronze tan.
9. When you’ve applied your tan wear loose, dark clothing and avoid tight-fitting underwear. Anything that’s pressing on skin may make the results a bit patchy.     (EDITORS NOTE: It’s best to just stay naked for at least 30 mins after applying to ensure no globs.   It’s freeing to be nekky anyway.)
10. The hands and face will fade quicker than the rest of the body so re-apply to the face and the backs of the hands to keep your tan looking fresher for longer. For a color boost for the rest of the body, try using a Tan Intensifier every 2-3 days – but don’t forget to polish and moisturize, too, or your color won’t fade evenly.

Have more tanning Q’s or your own horror/ success stories with self-tanner?   We can’t wait to hear!   Leave your comments below!

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