How To Fake A Tan

Fake tans are in; real ones aren’t. And that’s because a real tan is indicative of skin damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Despite the knowledge that tanning is a no-no many of us still feel better sporting one. Whether it’s because it makes us feel sexier, healthier or happier, who knows? Friends just tell me they do. If you want to minimize premature skin damage from the sun and reduce your risk of getting skin cancer, then you may want to embrace the fake tan.

You can achieve a fake tan by using a self tanning lotion such as Neostrata Insta-Tan or La Roche Posay Autohelios. Self tanning lotions contain the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and can darken skin for up to weeks at a time, without damaging skin.

Here’s how to do it right:

Face:

1. Pull hair away from face using a headband or ponytail holder.
2. Cleanse and exfoliate skin gently to remove patches of dry skin and any dirt. Skip the moisturizer, which may interfere with the tanner. But, you may want to apply a cream under your eyes so that it doesn’t ‘tan’. A skin color lighter under the eyes can help to make you look younger.
3. Blend a few drops of self-tanner with an equal amount of moisturizer in the palm of your hand then apply over face and neck. The goal is to look natural so strive for one shade darker than your natural color at most.
4. Leave on for three hours to allow color to develop.
5. Use remaining tanner over your earlobes and upper ears. Wash hands thoroughly.

Body:

1. As with the face, exfoliate skin with a scrub. Pay special attention to rough areas such as elbows and knees. It’s also a good idea to shave before applying a self tanner. Skip the moisturizer.
2. Tanner is best applied limb by limb, starting with the legs. Apply over the shin and calf, sweeping tanner down over your ankle, foot and toes. Work your way upwards applying to your thigh from front to back, using any excess to cover your knee. Repeat on your other leg.
3. Next apply tanner to your hips, stomach and torso, following with your shoulders and arms.
4. Wait 10 minutes for tanner to dry before dressing and avoid any excessive activity that will make you sweat for at least a few hours. Sweat can cause streaking if your tan hasn’t set.

Follow with bronzing powder or shimmer for that perfect glow!