self tanning tips for beginners: achieve the best long-lasting tan! 💖

we know the struggle when it comes to self tanning for the first time, so we’re here to lay down some helpful tips & tricks that will take your self tan game to the next level!! whether you’re trying to become tanned AF® or find your shimmer, we’ve got ya covered, bestie.😉 these tips & tricks are sure to help you achieve a gorgeous, longer-lasting tan that will give you the confidence to get out there and shine!✨ when it comes to capturing that perfect self tan, it’s not just about how you apply that self tanner. the before and after care are equally important to developing and maintaining a healthy, lonnng-lasting self tan! keep reading to learn alllll the deets. 

before the application:

• make sure you use a moisturizing body wash like the b.fresh fresssh AF! invigorating body wash to ensure your skin is healthy & super hydrated before tanning. 🧼
• moisturize & exfoliate 24 hours before the application, paying particular attention to drier areas such as the elbows, knees, ankles, etc. 🛀
• wax or shave at least 24 hours prior to treatment. 🪒

the prep work you do for your bod goes a long way and can vastly change the results of your final tan. it all starts with how you treat your skin before you even apply your self tanner. use nourishing and moisturizing body washes and soaps that leave your skin feeling healthy and hydrated! keeping your skin healthy and in tip top shape sets you up for the best possible tanning results. make sure to exfoliate and moisturize 24 hours before you tan so you can shed those nasty, old skin cells and leave your skin feelin’ super fresh! when you exfoliate and then immediately apply your self-tanner you run the risk of creating a blotchy tan, and nobody wants that! we encourage you to wax or shave your bod at least 24 hours prior to your self tan application, as this gives your pores time to close and prevent the appearance of any pesky dots. now that you’ve done all the prep work, let’s get to funnn part!! applying your self tan!

the application: 

• ensure that no other products, such as moisturizers, perfumes, deodorants, lotions, etc. are on the skin during the application to prevent patchiness. (though we do recommend adding lotion to particularly dry areas like hands, feets, elbows, etc. before you apply!*)🤭
• apply several pumps of self tanner per body part. (for a smoother and more even application, we recommend using the b.tan i don’t want tan on my hands mitt!👋)
• let your tan develop for 1-8 hours, depending on how dark you wanna go! 🥰
• wear dark, loose-fitting clothing after you self tan to avoid any transfer onto your cute clothes. 💁‍♀️
• rinse off your tan in lukewarm water for roughly 45 seconds, avoid using soaps and scrubs while you rinse.🚿

when you apply your self tan foam, you want to take it piece by piece. we suggest several generous pumps per body part to ensure that each section gets covered properly. then, gently rub the self tanner in a circular motion into your skin using your mitt, making sure to evenly apply it to avoid a patchy or streaky tan. once your bod is covered, the darkness of your tan comes down to you! whether you’re looking for a light touch up or when dark just isn’t dark enough, our self tan foams will work for your desired tan depth. if you want a lighter tan, we advise waiting between 1-2 hours, 3-4 hours for a richer medium tan, and for the darkest possible results wait around 5-8 hours. after you apply your tan, it is preferable to wear dark loose-fitting clothes until you rinse, wearing tight clothes/underwear may cause the appearance of unwanted marks. when you’re ready to see the results, simply rinse off in lukewarm water for roughly 45 seconds, making sure to not use any soaps or scrubs in the process. 

after the rinse:

• continue to moisturize daily to help your skin be happy and healthy! 🧴
• avoid baths and long periods of water exposure as much as you can. 💦 
• use gentle body washes/soaps when bathing that won’t exfoliate the skin and strip your tan. 🫶
• extend your tan by topping it off with a gradual tanner! 💗

in the days after you rinse your tan, there are multiple things you can do to help slow down the fading process so that you can enjoy your tan longer! ‘cause no one wants a brief tan! 🙂‍↔️ it’s best to avoid baths and any long exposure to water after you tan, as this can accelerate the fading process.🫧  when you do shower after you self tan, avoid harsh body washes or scrubs that will exfoliate and strip away your tan. instead, use gentle, moisturizing body washes/soaps, like the ones from our b.fresh body wash collection! continue to moisturize at least once a day after you apply your self tan to ensure that your skin is well hydrated. we also recommend making sure you’re hydrating your skin from the inside out by drinking plenty of water! by staying well hydrated and moisturized, you’ll help your self tan to not go patchy and to fade evenly as time goes by. on day 3 or 4, we recommend using a gradual tanner so that your tan is continually being topped up! our plump up the bronze everyday glow lotion is a great option to add into your tan routine. 

there are tons of factors that go into play that can help you develop and maintain a gorgeous self-tan that will leave you feeling more confident and glowy!✨ these are our fave tips for better self tanning habits for better results! let us know on socials @btan.rocks if you try out any of these self tan tips, or if you have any expert advice that you wanna share! and as always, stock up on your b.tan & b.fresh faves for the best self tan results out there at btan.rocks.com 🛍️