When it comes to self tanners- I’ve been every shade from translucent to oompa lumpa orange. I’ve been streaky, sticky and stinky but- I’ve also learned a lot. It would be selfish to not share these tips and tricks to save you the embarrassment and frustration!
Without further ado: I’ll show you my latest go- to self tanners.

From left to right are the products I’ve been using since the end of March. They are also in order of how I use them.
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub Tropical Mango, 18oz
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007DGRT3K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wvrgDbKN2HZBN


It’s no secret that you should start with clean, exfoliated skin. This helps the product stay on longer and creates a blank canvas for application. I love the Tree Hut line of sugar scrubs. I have them in almost every scent and am truly impressed with how it works and smells.
Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer for Body, Medium to Tan Skin Tones, 7.5 Ounces
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1MYYDX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3lrgDbXXHTD6Y

This next one I was hesitant to try but was not disappoint. After many attempts with the Jergens Natural Glow lotion with no luck, I was a bit skeptical. This after shower lotion goes on without a color guard but provides even coverage. It serves up a great color payoff as well. The drawback: I don’t love the smell. I am not a fan of the way any of the Jergens products smell. Besides the smell, I’ll be using this all year round for a healthy glow.
St. Moriz Darker Than Dark Instant Tanning Mousse, 200 ml
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075P2G47T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PprgDb72F70F4

Reneetan 3 Packs Self Tan Mitt Sunless Tan Gloves Applicator Face Mitts for Self Tanner
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L0RCEJM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NnrgDbA8QP3DG

Sheer-Gold 2-In-One Double Sided Self Tanning and Exfoliating Mitt | Self Tanning Back Applicator Strap with Handles
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077N1BZS9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_errgDbGD7QDW6


For my favorite all over tan, I LOVE St. Moriz! I have used every product they’ve produced and have never found myself unsatisfied with the results. At under $13 a bottle, this darker than dark tanning mousse gets the job done. I love the coverage, the color guard to reduce streakiness of patchiness, the smell is not offensive, it dries quickly and there isn’t as much tackiness after application.
SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE! When applying, use a mitt for the places you can reach, the back applicator for the hard to reach spots, a brush to buff in the tops of your feet, hands and face and follow it up with baby powder. I wasn’t the first to think of this but I thought of it without guidance. In the spots that get tacky most- elbows, knees, armpits, underboob and bikini line- I pat the baby powder to reduce sweating to keep an even tan. I’ve tried the pricier $40 alternatives and found them to be sticky, smelly, runny and far too expensive. Although the bottle says 1 hour, I tend to put it on before bed and sleep in it overnight. I wake up in the morning and gently remove the excess guide with a wash clothes and mild soap. DO NOT RUB OR SCRUB the morning after!
L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk Medium 5.5 fl. oz.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074M9XXKT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bsrgDbTBBSP57

To extend the tan, moisturize often! I love this milk from L’Oréal Paris. It hydrates and produces a subtle glow.
Minetan Remover

No matter how many times a person can do or apply a tan, mistakes happen. Thankfully Minetan formulated this miracle solution to remove a tan at any point in the application process. Whether you want to remove a week long tan or you had an oops, this quick and easy product can fix anything. JLo in The Wedding Planner suggested : “A quarter cup of lemon juice, half a cup of salt and a loofah sponge. Scrub scrub scrub.” – those days are gone 🙌🏼 thanks to Minetan!

My dos and don’ts:
Do
Do exfoliate well and shave before you apply.
Do give yourself at least 8 hours to let the product do its thing.
Do sleep in darker colored sheets- white often stains.
Do moisturize the days following the tan.
Do apply baby powder to spots that get tacky after application.
Do ask a buddy to help with spots you can’t reach or invest in a back applicator.
Do use a brush to buff in the color onto the tops of your feet, hands and face. It will be easier to control the color and less chance for errors.
Don’t
Don’t get your tan wet after application- you’ll become speckled.
Don’t believe you need to pay high end prices for a better product.
Don’t exfoliate your skin after you put the tan on. You run the risk of uneven color.

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