A guide to self-tanning in spring
Regan Cameron for Harper's Bazaar
The sun is out and spring has arrived, at least for now. After months of covering up pale, pasty limbs it's time to start the summer prep and give your skin a healthy, radiant glow. Here is Bazaar's definitive guide to achieving a natural-looking, sun-kissed tan perfect for spring.
Step 1: Rehydrate
Soft, smooth skin is the essential starting point for self-tanning. To rehydrate, massage a good quality body oil into dry skin – we love Garnier Body Ultimate Beauty Oil, £7.99, and Dr Hauschka Rose Nurturing Body Oil, £20.50 – before getting into a warm bath. For extra nourishment, add two drops of Aromatherapy Associates Revive into your bath. The oil will not only moisturise skin, but it also removes any leftover tan.
Step 2: Exfoliate
"When going for the natural glow be sure to gently exfoliate any dry skin and leftover oil from the skin to ensure the tan is even," says tanning expert James Harknett. For those who love gritty exfoliators, look to Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub, £21.50. We also love Sanctuary Resurface & Refine Ultra Polish, £12, as it's quick, easy and doesn't leave skin feeling stripped.
Step 3: Nourish
Before applying self-tan, use an oil-free body cream, such as Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturising Body Treatment, £27, or Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Smoothing Body Creme, £42.65.
Step 4: Tan
For a natural finish opt for a gradual tan, such as Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk, £11.99, Sisley Super Soin Self-Tanning Hydrating Body Care, £78, and St Tropez Gradual Tan Body Lotion, £14.50. If you have pale skin, mix your tanning product with an oil-free body moisturiser for a streak-free finish. This is a trick that Harknett recommends employing when tanning tricky areas, such as the ankles, feet and elbows. Also: "If you're misting the legs, do so on a dark surface and generously moisturise the feet first, to avoid any over-spray darkening the feet," says Harknett.
Optional Step 5: Contour
"Layer a darker wash-off tan on top of your existing glow – Sienna X Instant Bronzing Gel, £12.95, is perfect for this as gives a dark look and dries instantly on the skin for a gorgeous contouring effect," says Harknett. "For the best and quick results always use a tanning mitt – it does all the work for you." If you don't want to use another self-tan, a semi-matte bronzer will give you the same effect. Look to Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder Mist, £41. When applying, concentrate on the areas that the sun hits, down the centre of the legs, across the collarbone, etc.
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