Self Tanners To Get That Gorgeous Golden Glow All Year Long

There’s just something about a natural-looking, bronzed glow that straight up mimics a day spent lounging by the poolside. But if we’re being honest, nailing the art of sun tanning is way more ambitious than finding the perfect shade of nude lipstick for your skin tone. Add to it the idea of transforming into a streaky, splotchy, tangerine version of yourself, and we’d say, “Bronzy dreams RIP, TYVM.”

The good news? Getting your glow on does not need to be a trial and error exercise. To save you from splurging on a thousand promising formulas, we have scoured the scene to bring you self tanning products that deliver ever-elusive, realistic sun-kissed limbs we all yearn for.

Before you reach for your most tan-talizing glow, here is a step-by-step guide that’ll help build on the gleaming masterpiece called your skin. Read on and then repeat: Tan skin, FTW!

What does tanning oil do?

As the name suggests, tanning oil gives off some serious shine, all while delivering an even tan that lasts for days. Formulated with good-for-skin ingredients, it sinks right in to condition, hydrate, and nourish skin, while developing a tan quicker than other self-tanners like tanning lotions and tanning sprays.

Tanner tip: For both a covetable tan and healthy skin in the long run, always layer sunscreen and wait for some time before slathering on tanning oil. This helps prevent premature aging, sunburns, and inflammation to help you get the perfect bronze after a day in the sun.

How to apply tanning oil?

Step 1: Buff the rough
A clean canvas is the priming step to an enviable tan. Make sure to slough away any flakes, dryness and dullness with a scrub for your most-satisfying self-tan development.

Step 2: Towel off — then hydrate Moisturizing dry areas (ankles, knees and elbows) is key to keep your tan from turning dark or orange. However, ensure that your skin is completely dry before dabbing in a hydrator as water left on skin dilutes the tan, leading to dreaded patches and streaks.

Step 3: Apply tanning oil Oils are easy to spread. So, less is more when working with tanning oil. Put on evenly over your body, starting with your legs and working your way up for that goddess glow that screams, “Wait, what! How did you get that stuff of dreams?”

Step 4: Add some sun Now that you’re all set to catch some rays, reach for your beach blanket and hit the shore! For supernatural results, smooth on another layer of tanning oil after swimming.

Step 5: Set it right You don’t want to burn to a crisp and let your tan develop darker, do you? Set it just right by locking in moisture for ultra hydrated and radiant skin that sparkles from every angle.

The bottom line: If done right, self tanning is more of a treat than a fright. From on-a-budget game-changers to too-good-to-pass-up luxe obsessions, find your godsend right here!