tip: light colored polish. a nude/light pink polish really sets off a tan like no other [not to mention if you have oddly short fingers like i do, it makes them look longer], so to compliment your at home masterpiece of a spray tan, choose a light colored polish. i have always been a tried-and-true essie or OPI girl, but lately i’ve been using the Sally Hansen versions and LOVING them! they dry quickly, go on smoothly, and usually last a long time. plus, this is kind of weird, but if you use their gel polish, it peels off in one sheet if you are in the shower. weird, but super helpful when you don’t want polish left around your cuticles. any other brands i should be trying? let me know! either drop me a comment here or go comment on my latest instagram. thanks fam!
pro tip: tan in a can. the best thing since sliced bread. i am a former tanner, so i love a golden glow [although now without any of the collagen-busting risks]. my new go-to? i use gradual spray tanner after i get out of the shower, every other shower, and put lotion on top of it to help smooth it out. i’m currently using the neutrogena micro mist and can’t say enough good things about it. no gross after-spray smell, and i have yet to see a streak. i should note, i’m notorious for not being good about rubbing tanning lotions in enough, and i end up very streaky. the combination of spraying immediately post shower and putting lotion on over it has allowed me to look like a real professional, because nothing screams ‘amateur hour’ like streaky fingers.
here’s the breakdown:
1. shower. sometimes i shave, more often than not it doesn’t happen [sorry not sorry]
2. towel dry off. you will likely still be a little damp, but that’s fine
3. spray the micro mist all over [i even do my face! i’ve had good luck with not breaking out from this stuff, but try at your own risk]
4. cover with whatever body lotion you use. i’m currently using this one, and it’s great!
shower. spray. lotion. done. it’s that easy! no mitts, no streaks, no fuss. and NO GROSS SMELLS. that’s my other thing – it can’t smell like self tanner. my goal shade is for people to wonder if i had just gotten back from a quick weekend away [not a week in mexico, more like a jaunt to miami].
ALSO – this sounds so superficial, i’m aware, but this was a LIFE.SAVER. when i was on maternity leave. you literally do not feel like a normal human for the first month after you bring your baby home, and sprucing myself up a little bit really helped keep me sane [that and every day Target trips]. tip: do not spray on your torso if you are nursing, and FOR SURE if you got a c-section, like yours truly. arms/legs/face.
anything i am totally missing out on when it comes to the self-tan game? let me know! i’m down to try [almost] anything to keep that golden glow!
KP