If a spring celebration is in your future, you might be looking for ways to get a bronzy glow at home.
The self-tanning world can feel oversaturated with so many different products to sift through. We have all asked the age-old question, "Will it streak?" "Does it smell weird?" and "Will my skin turn an orange hue?" (Hello, 2003.)
Thankfully, Jules Von Hep, celebrity tanning expert and creator of the brand Isle of Paradise, has shared his sunny attitude and extensive self-tanning knowledge to help you achieve a natural glow in your own home. We also tapped Maggie Mariotti, professional tan artist and owner of East Coast Cosmetics to share her best practices for pre and post-tan.
Von Hep suggests starting with the shade closest to your day-to-day skin tone. "Pick your shade as you would pick your makeup," he said.
If this is still leaving you puzzled, Von Hep suggests starting with a medium shade -- you can't go wrong.
Mariotti shared that the key to a long-lasting tan is starting with exfoliation. "I always advise my clients to exfoliate 12 to 48 hours before tanning. One of my favorite techniques to get a deep exfoliation is using a Korean exfoliating mitt, not only do these mitts work wonders but they're easily accessible and affordable," Mariotti told 'GMA'.
Von Hep suggested the following products based on a variety of skin needs.
For the beginner: "If you are already moisturizing daily, facial drops are the easiest place to start."
For dry skin: "I would suggest tanning water."
For those who are busy: "Use a gradual tan product that is easy to add to your day-to-day routine."
For the advanced tanner: "Express foams and butter are the way to go."
"If you are a beginner to self-tanning, moisturize your entire body in the morning. What that will do is act as a bit of a barrier or the tan absorption, so when you put your tan on at night it won't go as dark," Von Hep said.
Be sure to exfoliate but don't fret if you are unable to.
Pro tip: Be sure to add extra moisturizer to the hands, feet, knees and elbows before and after tanning -- this helps blend the tan out.
"Life is complicated enough," Von Hep said. "Tanning doesn't have to be another thing you have to worry about."
Your sun-kissed glow is just a few clicks away.
"For those who are avid tanners and need a little extra help getting off that old stubborn tan. The Rose & Caramel 60 Second Miracle Express Self Tan Remover pairs perfectly with an exfoliation meant to leave you fresh-skinned and self tanned ready," Mariotti shared.
"I also suggest Norvell's Body Buffing Exmitt to help with stubborn areas that you may have missed. I love this product because it can be used right before the tan which is perfect for busy clients who may not have had time to do a deep exfoliation the night before tanning," she added.
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"Never tan your face too dark -- remember the best fake tan is the one that looks real," Von Hep said. "The Isle of Paradise self-tanning face drops are my must-have recommendation for beginners."
"The secret weapon to tanning at home is a tanning mitt and a blending brush -- this will buff and blend everything evenly," Von Hep said.
