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
![Here are my favorite everyday self-tanners, for a gradual healthy glow in the dead of winter. Uncover my best tips and trick for streak-free skin.](https://whitneysowles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/whittneysowles.com-372-683x1024.jpg)
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.