When I was in middle school, I coated myself in Coppertone QT — for you youngsters unfamiliar with that product, it was one of the earliest self-tanners on the market. It made you as orange as an Oompa-Loompa, but I thought I looked amazing as I came back to school from a very chilly spring break at the beach with a full “tan”.
Thankfully, self-tanners have come a long way — from streak-free application mitts to improved formulas without that distinctive smell to glowy body lotions that work without self-tanning to highlight richer skin tones or to enhance your skin for just one night.
If you do self-tan, preparation is key for the best results. Start with clean, exfoliated skin. Shave or wax prior to application and get your mani-pedi beforehand. Prep certain areas (knees, elbows, ankles) with a bit of body lotion. And most importantly, find the right formula for your skin tone–(fairer gals especially) and definitely use a mitt for smoothest results. Not into self-tanner, but want to zhush up your skin tone? There is a whole category of skin enhancers out there to make your exposed limbs look smoother and more even toned.
Still feeling timid? A professional spray tan can airbrush your body to golden perfection when you need to feel your absolute most confident. Scroll down for our Scoop deal at Gorgeous Glo, one of our favorite local beauty, blowout and spray tan boutique biz.
Best Luxury
Best Goof-Proof Formula
Best for Faces
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Best for Faking Perfect Skin
Best Shimmer For Darker Skin Tones
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This product inspired Glossier Cosmetics and Into the Gloss founder Emily Weiss to get on the self-tanning bandwagon on Vogue.com
Want to leave it to the professionals??
Head over to Gorgeous Glo in Myers Park or Southpark. Scoop readers who are new Gorgeous Glo clients get $10 off their first spray tan during the month of June.
The staff there is super-friendly and did a beautiful job on my daughter’s pre-prom spray tan. Tell them Scoop sent you.
The beauty bible Allure magazine shares its advice on self-tanning here if you are still wanting a little more, or if you really want to get technical, one of my favorite You Tube beauty vloggers Tati Westbrook has her whole routine explained in detail .
