Autumn and winter can be quite a challenge for your skin at times, especially if you miss the sun and want to maintain your tan. Then self-tanner is the perfect (and healthiest) solution for the grey, dark months. With the right self-tan routine, you can enjoy a natural, glowing complexion all season long, without the harmful effects of the sun. Here you will discover the best steps for the perfect self-tan routine in autumn and winter, with tips and products to ensure a long, beautiful tan.
Step 1 Exfoliate skin well
An even and long-lasting tan starts with proper exfoliation. If your skin is dry and flaky, or still has old self-tanner residue on it, the new self-tanner layer can start to settle between them, causing blemishes. A gentle scrub or an exfoliating product will help the skin absorb the colour evenly.
What you need:
- A scrub like Janzen &C Shower Scrub Vanilla Peach
- A facial scrub or peel for the face, such as the VVBETTER AHA Boosting Toner
Make sure you rinse and dry your skin well afterwards so that no residue from the scrub is left behind.
Step 2: Hydrate your skin
Self-tanners work best on moisturised skin. Dry areas, such as at the elbows, knees and ankles, can absorb extra product, making you stain faster. Make sure you moisturise your skin well with a good body lotion or self-tan moisturiser.
What you need:
- Moisturising body lotion, such as that from Moroccanoil Body Lotion Original
- Face cream, like the Cottan Evanescent Face Cream, also one of John's favourites
Step 3: Choose the right self-tanner
Choose the right self-tanner for your skin type and desired result. There are an awful lot of different formulas, such as mousse, sprays, creams and drops that you can mix with body lotion. Of course, there are also different colours, from light to dark brown. Look for a formula that absorbs quickly into the skin, does not smudge and does not leave an orange tint.
What you need:
- Self-tanner, there is an awful lot of choice here. For example, tanning sprays like the JAYJO The Original Professional Spray Tan, or a tanning mousse like the GlowXX Mousse. Another option is a body serum like those from ROQUEBRUN.
- A self-tanner applicator mitt, such as the JAYJO Exfoliating Tanning Mitt.
- For the face, there are also special formulas, such as a tanning mist, for example that of Coco & Eve Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist
Click here to see our entire tanning range
Step 4: Apply the self-tanner
As mentioned above, use an applicator glove to apply the self-tanner evenly. Start with your legs or arms and work up towards your tummy and chest. This will prevent you from touching your hands or other body parts too much, ensuring a streak-free, natural tan.
How to apply:
- Start with small amounts and work up from your feet. Make sure you massage the product well into the skin.
- Pay close attention to the edges of your hands, feet, ankles, elbows and knees. Apply here carefully and not too much to avoid applying too much.
Tip: Don't forget your hands! It is often useful to apply some extra product on your glove and smear the last remnants of self-tanner on your hands. That way, you won't have clear lines on your wrists or hands.
Step 5: Let the product soak in
After applying self-tanner, it's important to wait a few hours (or as indicated on the packaging), especially before coming into contact with water. Usually, you should let self-tanner soak in for 6-8 hours for best results. The longer you wait, the deeper the colour becomes.
What you need:
- Loose, dark clothing to wear when the self-tanner is applied. This prevents staining on white or tight clothing and ensures the self-tanner stays on the skin better.
- Patience!
Tip: Be careful, self-tanners can leave stains!
Step 6: Maintain your tan
After your self-tanner has soaked in, you naturally want the colour to last as long as possible. Hydration is essential to keep your tan looking great. Use a self-tan moisturiser or a regular body lotion to keep your skin supple and reduce fading.
What you need:
- Hydrating body lotion (ideally a moisturiser with tan-extender, which prolongs the colour), such as the Self-tan moisturiser from That'so Gradual Tanning Moisturiser. This moisturises and can extend the shelf life of the self-tanner for a longer tan.
After a while, you'll probably want to remove and reapply the self-tanner. Scrubbing is the best way to evenly remove a fading tan. Scrub your skin gently to remove all residue of the self-tanner. Then follow the steps again!
