Living in New England we can go weeks without seeing the sun! By mid-winter, all of my summer color is gone and this can leave me looking pretty pale. I play a lot of tennis in the winter and my middle-aged legs definitely look better with a little color on them. And not gonna lie, I always think I look a bit of a healthy glow on my face. The easiest and safest way to achieve this glow in winter is self -tanners or as I like to say, “a little tan in a can”. Here are the best everyday self-tanners for a healthy glow, and my tips and tricks for accident-free tanning.
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For the Face
Isle of Paradise Tanning Drops
For years I used Estee Lauder’s self-tanner for the face, but they discontinued it and I was heartbroken. I searched and experimented with other products, but when it comes to the face I am very picky. You don’t want to look like a Cheeto, and for us ladies of a certain age we have to avoid having our dark spots accentuated. So after a lot of research (aka reading lots of magazines), I came across Isle of Paradise. It’s a cross between an oil and a serum. You put a few drops in your moisturizer and apply it as normal. It comes in three formulas, from light to dark. I use the medium and do it about every other day.
Tips:
- Start with one drop every few days and you can gradually build up until you find your perfect amount.
- I put my moisturizer on the palm of my hand, and a drop or two of tanning serum, rub together and apply as you would regularly apply your moisturizer.Â
- WASH YOUR HANDS. Wash them well, or you may see some blotches on your hands.
- As long as you don’t go too crazy with the number of drops, it is really hard to make a mistake.
- Exfoliation always cleans the slate for even the application of self-tanner. Hopefully, you already incorporate exfoliating into your routine.
FOR THE BODY
Jergens Gradual Self-Tanner
If I am headed on vacation or getting ready for a party I might use Rodan & Fields or St. Tropez tanners, but for every day my go-to is Jergens. It comes in fair to medium and medium to tan. There is also a firming version. I’m not sure if it actually firms, but at my age, it can’t hurt so that is the one I get. This has been the perfect solution for keeping my legs tennis skirt ready in the winter.
Tips
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! This can really make a difference between streaks and no streaks. I love to use Neutrogena Sesame oil. I turn off the water in the shower and apply the oil before I towel off.
- If you aren’t applying it right after the shower, I would put on a thin layer of lotion on especially on your knees and ankles. Â
- If you are going to make a mistake it is usually around your ankles and feet. Just make sure to apply all over the tops of your feet to avoid strange lines.Â
- I suggest starting with the fair to medium and you can build on it.
- Don’t get dressed right away! Especially socks. I apply it right out of the shower and let dry while I do my hair and make-up. (ok – that sounds like I am way fancier than I am, but you catch my drift)
- Don’t forget: WASH YOUR HANDS
Both of these are meant to build up gradually, so don’t get disappointed if you don’t look like you just got home from the Caribbean right away. Also, I use these products for more of a natural glow to get me through the winter rather than a savage tan. I just want to look healthy.
What is your favorite tanning tip or trick?
Love this week’s blog. I ordered the Spread the Love Cards to use as writing prompts. Can’t wait for the inspiration to flow through my finger tips!
Try TanCeuticals for self-tanning. It was recommended by my doctor’s very picky daughter!
Love this blog. I use those tanners, but my go to is the Jergens Mousse. I use disposable gloves to apply so goes on evenly.