Beauty Blogging- Go Bronze, do's and don't of tanning.

It's almost Spring, time to start sloughing off that winter skin and getting ready for a smooth sun kissed look. Whether your aiming for a simple glow or a deep bronze, there are some rules and regulations to follow in order to "tan tastefully".

As a woman with naturally beige skin, I've pretty much tried every self tanner out there, and even dabbled in tanning booths (not proud of it). I know the ins and outs of self tanning and let me tell you this, There is NO reason to be ORANGE. I self tan all the time and never do i resemble a carrot, nor have i been called orange. With the RIGHT product for your skin and these basic tips, you will look like you spent a day at the beach. (minus the burn and damage).

 There are two approaches to deepen your tan, sunless tanning, or lying in a tanning bed. I'm sure you are well aware of the risks involved in using a tanning bed, which include an increased risk of skin cancer and premature wrinkles. However, being a former tanning bed user i understand the appeal of an even natural looking tan that is easily obtained through tanning beds. Nonetheless, to avoid sagging wrinkling skin, Let's concentrate on faux glows, which i recommend to protect your skin cells.

There are many different types of sunless tanners on the market. First decide whether you are looking for fast results ( 2 to 4 hours) or gradual results. I recommend using a product that promises results i a few hours and waking up to a nice glow. The gradual tanners take much longer to notice a difference and usually i do not notice a change at all. however if your skin is very fair, it is worth a try for a "natural" effect.

Next you want to choose either a lotion, spray, or mousse. I recommended using a tinted product, especially for first timers. This will let you see where you have applied your tanner and avoid most mistakes. Next - sprays dry the quickest--especially aerosol, however it is difficult to assess how much product you are applying, which can lead to uneven streaking. Also, they tend to smell the worst.
The second type is a lotion, which usually hydrates while delivering a dose of tanner. And the last mousse, mousse gives great results, and dries quickly, great for first time or amateur users. I always use a lotion or mousse.

**Clinique has a great self tanner mousse that goes on quick, is tined, and delivers great results.
If your confident and do not need a tint, **Neutrogena sunless tanner is a great pick for those with a tight budget. Color is subtle, but reapply for desired affect.

Step 1 - Prep skin,
Exfoliate dry areas thoroughly, using a loofah, concentrating on areas prone self tanning product buildup like the chest, knees, and elbows.
After drying skin completely, using any lotion, smooth over dry areas also prone to product buildup, such as elbows, knees, tops of hands, tops of feet, ankles, and wrists. This is to be applied prior to self tanner, this lotion acts as a barrier.

Step 2 - Application
Start off from the bottom first as a rule of thumb, from the ankles working your way up in circular motions *use sparingly on dry areas*. you have about ten to 15 minutes until product will stain hands, to be safe you can use an application glove, however i find the best application is without. I always apply with my fingers and wash hands thoroughly after, washing hands promptly prevents any staining.

Step 3 - After care
your tan will last several days depending on your skin. remember to wash hands after use if you did not use a mitt. Wait 10 to 15 minutes or until tanner is dry before getting dressed as it will stain clothes. Reapply to deepen color and lotion skin to maintain it.