Sunless Tanning

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Over the course of my “womanhood” you could say I have developed a few tricks that I pull out from time to time. With social media, celebrities, and just the endless desire for women to be perfect all the time, it’s easy to think that we can do it all. NEWS FLASH, we can’t… and if you can, I assume you have a glam squad and a few assistants, which I am completely jealous of. 

Most people are surprised to find out I am half Portuguese. I get the “Up down” look and people get confused. Mostly because I live in a area where we are known for having the best snow on earth, I don’t exactly find myself laying out at the beach or getting my vitamin D besides in pill form. Creating your own sunshine proves to be quite a problem around these parts. Luckily, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to get a natural sunless tan instantly.

With all the concerns coming from tanning beds, it’s easy to see why sunless tanning has become not only the go-to way to get a confident glow, but a safe way. I do feel that a lot of people are scared of trying it due to the horror stories of streaks and splotchy color. Sunless tanning has come A LONG WAY people! You don’t have to sit in a booth and wait for a machine to unevenly spray you, you can apply a perfect sunless glow in your own home. JERGENS® Natural Glow® products are my go-to and allow you to control your level of tan from a sun-kissed glow to a weekend in Maui. As long as you follow the appropriate prepping techniques, you are a good as golden in no time!

Step 1: Exfoliate

Exfoliation is the number one cardinal rule when it comes to sunless tanning. It is essential to remove the top layer of try skin to allow your skin to hold the tan better and longer. After you shave, and wash your body (preferably with a loofa), be sure to fully exfoliate the surface you want to tan. I use organic sugar, more course and body and a little thicker, I think it does a better job of removing unwanted skin, while saving money on high end exfoliants. *Side note* – Be sure to scrub around your ankles, knee caps and elbows!

Step 2: Apply Lotion in Tricky Areas

Sunless tanner can get trapped in the tricky areas of our body like our hands, wrists, and ankles. It is essential to apply a liberal amount of body lotion in these areas (Feet / Hands) to make the blending process much more even.

Step 3: Use A Mitt

When it comes to sunless tanning, all instant use options don’t require the use of a mitt but it certainly makes the process much easier. Giving my JERGENS® Natural Glow® Instant Sun® Sunless Tanning Mousse a “driver” to apply evenly on the skin and take the product much farther. I like to believe it helps the blending process as well because you don’t have extra product on your hands or wrists.

Step 4: Apply Evenly

Apply instant sunless tanner evenly over a complete area. Use enough tanner to cover a whole area of your body at once (such as your entire leg) using long, smooth, downward strokes for even coverage. The color will start to develop in 60 seconds. I prefer to apply at least two coats but make sure you wait at least 5 minutes before you apply the second coat for a more intense, darker color. After applying your sunless tanner, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly, you can apply a small amount of foam to the tops of your hands with a kabuki brush or blending brush to help blend the color onto the tops of your hands and feet. Do not shower for 4-8 hours after application of Instant Sun. Allow the sunless tanner to deeply penetrate and build color. If possible try to avoid wetting your skin for a full 8 hours! (Sometimes I wait even longer than that!)

Step 5: Glow

As you can see, the before and after of applying my JERGENS® Natural Glow® Instant Sun® Sunless Tanning Mousse. It allowed me to determine my desired level of tan, and give me a serious confidence boost in all of my spring skirts! You can also maintain your tan in your off days with JERGENS® Natural Glow® +FIRMING Daily Moisturizer, extending your color while giving you skin a extra firming boost!

Be sure to check out all the amazing JERGENS® Natural Glow® products available at Wal-Mart to create your perfect sunless tan!

Photos: Haley Nord