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How to Get the Perfect Sunless Glow

Glow getters

Looking to achieve a healthy summer glow? Get a sun-kissed look (without the sun) with a self-tanner. Have no fear: The streaky, splotchy tanners from the past have been replaced by products that look and smell infinitely better. Here are some tips and products to help you get and maintain the perfect DIY sunless glow.

Step 1

Cleanse & exfoliate Since you can’t shower for 8–12 hours after applying, we recommend showering, washing your hair and face, and shaving before you apply. A common sunless tanning mistake is applying it to dry, flaky skin, as sunless tanners can sink into dry skin and leave dark patches. An exfoliating scrub is the perfect solution to ensure your product goes on evenly. Focus on dry or rough spots like the ankles, elbows and knees, and use an oil-free exfoliating cleanser or scrub on your face for best results.

Step 2

Dry off & moisturize After showering and exfoliating, wait 10 minutes to ensure your skin is completely dry. Moisture left on the skin will erase and dilute the sunless tanning product, causing patches and streaks. Before you begin the application process, make sure to moisturize your skin. Focus on dry spots like knees and elbows to make sure they don’t become discolored.

Step 3

Apply to face Start with your face first because it’s the easiest area to apply with your hands. (Wash them immediately afterward to avoid staining.) Follow the instructions on the packaging to apply. For a mist, hold the bottle about 4 inches from the face and spritz down the center and sides of the face. For a cream, apply it the same way you would a moisturizer. Make sure your coverage includes the entire face, including the front and back of the neck, over eyelids, under the eyes, the hairline and the ears.

Step 4

Apply to rest of body Applying self-tanner to the rest of the body is easy, especially with a self-tanning applicator mitt or self-tanning towelettes. Start from the bottom up, beginning with your feet and legs. Apply liberally throughout the body, blending onto the neck where you finished tanning the face for a seamless look. Tan your back by flipping the mitt over and stretching over each shoulder. Lastly, using the excess product on the mitt, blend from the wrist down to the hand, in between the fingers and down each side.

Step 5

Clean up mistakes When it comes to applying sunless tanner, mistakes happen—but a cleansing wipe can save you from having to start over. Be sure to keep cleansing wipes on hand for any mistakes during the application process or for touchups after the treatment is complete. Wipes can also be used to wipe product from your nails and cuticles. To maintain your sunless glow, ensure your skin is always moisturized and avoid using strong acne treatments and retinols that can can diffuse self-tanning product.

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