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From Pale to Perfect – A Flawless Tan with b.tan Self Tanner

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Looking for a way to get a gorgeous glow without risking your skin’s health or spending hundreds of dollars on spray tans? Then look no further than my all-time favorite sunless tan product, b.tan self-tanner!

b.tan self tanner and tanning mit on counter top.

This is me every spring. It is the time of year for warmer weather, outdoor activities, and… shorts! If you are anything like me, your legs haven’t seen the sun since Labor Day, and they aren’t only pale but borderline translucent! But I promise, there is hope!

It has taken years of trial and error and many days of looking like an oompa loompa and embarrassing myself, but I can confidently say I have figured it out! I have found the perfect sunless tan product and have learned the best way to apply it.

woman walking with summer tanned legs.

I now get a natural glow with no streaks or splotches, and I am happy to share all my product and application secrets. So if you’re ready to get your glow on, grab your tanning mitt and get ready to b.tanned!

What is Self-Tanner?

If you are new to the self-tanning game, let me explain this wonder of the world. As a busy mom, you don’t have time to spend hours in the sun or at the tanning salon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a beautiful, natural-looking tan. That’s where self-tanner comes in!

Self-tanner is a product you apply to your skin to give it a bronzed, sun-kissed glow without exposure to harmful UV rays. It’s a safe and convenient alternative to traditional tanning methods that can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.

The great thing about self-tanner is that it’s quick and easy to apply, even if you only have a few minutes to spare. In just a few hours, you’ll have a natural-looking tan that lasts for days.

What Makes b.tan the Best Self-Tanner?

b.tan is a popular sunless tanning brand that offers a range of self-tanning products, including mousses, lotions, sprays, and more.

Here are some reasons why people might choose b.tan over other self-tanning brands:

  • Natural-looking results – b.tan products achieve natural-looking results and do not leave your orange or streaky.
  • Easy to apply – b.tan products are formulated to be easy to use with tinted formulas that make it easier to see where you’ve applied the product and avoid streaks.
  • Long-lasting – b.tan products are designed to last longer than some other self-tanning brands, with some products claiming to provide up to 11 days of color.
  • Vegan and cruelty-free – b.tan products are vegan and cruelty-free, which may appeal to people who prioritize using ethical and sustainable products.

Of the hundreds of brands I have tried over the years, b.tan has far exceeded my expectations and consistently delivers the perfect streak-free tan. You can purchase my favorite formula here!

Let’s first address some common questions regarding sunless tan application techniques.

Should I apply lotion before self-tanner?

It’s a good idea to put on lotion before self-tanner, but applying it 6-12 hours before using self-tanner is essential. It will help hydrate your skin and create a smooth surface for the self-tanner to be applied.

woman putting on lotion before applying self-tanner

Applying lotion can also help prevent streaking or uneven application.
Make sure to use a lightweight, oil-free lotion, as a heavy lotion can negatively impact self-tanner absorption into your skin, causing streaking or uneven color.

What is the best lotion to use before self-tanning?

Select a lightweight, oil-free formula that won’t interfere with the absorption of the self-tanner. Look for a lotion that contains ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera, which can help hydrate and soothe the skin without leaving a heavy or oily residue.

Some popular options for lotions to use before self-tanning include:

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is lightweight, oil-free, and contains hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin. Use this link to purchase CeraVe Daily Moisturizer.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is also oil-free and contains oatmeal to help soothe and nourish the skin.

St. Tropez Prep and Maintain Tan Enhancing Moisturizer is perfect for helping prepare the skin and maintain a healthy-looking glow. It contains shea butter and glycerin to hydrate the skin and extend the life of your self-tan. Use this link to purchase St. Tropez Prep Lotion.

Do You Put Self-Tanner on a Mitt or the Skin?

I 100% recommend using a mitt rather than applying self-tanner directly on the skin. Using a tanning mitt helps to ensure an even and smooth application of the self-tanner, and it also helps to prevent the self-tanner from staining your hands.

Self-tanning mitts are affordable and last forever. You can purchase a tanning mitt using this link.

When using a mitt, apply a small amount of self-tanner onto it and then work it into your skin in circular motions, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Be sure to blend the self-tanner carefully around your joints and hairline to avoid any streaks.

Using a mitt also helps to control the amount of self-tanner you apply, which can help you achieve a more natural-looking tan. After applying the self-tanner, wash the mitt thoroughly with soap and water to avoid any color transfer the next time you use it.

How to Perfectly Apply b.tan Self-Tanner

To achieve that perfect sun-kissed glow, you must follow a few steps to ensure you apply self-tanner correctly and are left with a flawless, natural-looking tan. 

Exfoliate – Before applying self-tanner, exfoliate your skin with a loofah or mitt to remove dead skin cells. I recommend repeating this step 2-3 times over the 48 hours before you apply b.tan self-tanner.

Shave – Make sure to shave 12-24 hours before applying sunless tan. If you shave and apply immediately, you will have dots on your skin that look like freckles or deep pores.

Moisturize – Apply a light layer of oil-free lotion to your skin after shaving and exfoliating. This will help hydrate your skin and create a smooth surface for the self-tanner to be applied.

Ensure skin is dry – Wait 6-12 hours after using lotion on your skin before applying sunless tanner. Your skin must be dry to the touch and not sticky. 

Use a tanning mitt – A tanning mitt will ensure an even application and prevent your hands from turning orange.

Apply in sections – Start with your legs and work up your body, applying the self-tanner in circular motions. Work in small areas and blend the self-tanner carefully around your joints and hairline to avoid any streaks.

Use a small amount on drier or delicate areas – Take special care when applying self-tanner to your feet, ankles, knees, armpits, and elbows.

Don’t rush – Give yourself ample time to apply self-tanner, especially if this is your first time. I allow 20-30 minutes for application and drying to ensure an event, streak-free tan. 

Please pay special attention to your wrists – Use the leftover self-tanner on the mitt and rub it up and down your wrists and onto the back of your hands. Do not put more self-tanner on the mitt for this step.

washing hands after using self tanner

Wash your hands – After applying self-tanner, rinse your mitt with soap and water and wash your hands thoroughly to avoid discoloration. Be sure not to let water splash back onto any treated body part; otherwise, it will leave a spot. 

Lotion your hands – Use a regular lotion and apply it all over your hands. Lightly extend the moisturizer on the wrists and blend so you don’t have a line.

Wipe off fingernails and toenails – Use a wet wipe or damp washcloth and gently clean them so the sunless tanner doesn’t stain them. 

using a baby wipe and wiping off self tanner from toe nails.

Let it dry – Once you’ve applied the b.tan self-tanner, wait 10-15 minutes before getting dressed or touching anything. This will give the self-tanner time to dry and prevent it from staining your clothes or sheets. I usually spend a few hours wearing dark, loose-fitting clothes. 

Shower – Wait 6-8 hours before showering. Once you shower, use light soap that contains no exfoliating ingredients. Pat dry with a towel.

Moisturize Again – Apply regular moisturizer after the shower to keep skin hydrated and ensure an even tan.

You will achieve a flawless, natural-looking tan following these self-tanning steps.

Does Layering Fake Tan Make it Darker?

Yes, layering sunless tanner can make your tan darker, but starting conservatively is important. Each layer of sunless tanner adds color to your skin, so if you apply too many layers, your tan may look too dark or unnatural.

It’s a good idea to start with a lighter sunless tanner and gradually build up to a darker shade over time rather than trying to achieve a very dark tan in one application. This will help you avoid any mistakes or uneven color.

How to Make Self-Tanner Last Longer

To make your sunless tan last longer, follow these tips:

Exfoliate before applying self-tanner. Exfoliating your skin before applying a self-tanner helps to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth, even surface for the tanner to adhere to. This will extend the life of your tan by preventing patchy or uneven fading.

loofah with suds ready to exfoliate

Moisturize regularly. Keeping your skin hydrated with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer can help extend the life of your sunless tan. Dry skin can cause the tan to fade more quickly, so regular moisturizing can help to maintain your color.

Avoid water and sweating for several hours after applying self-tanner. Water and sweat can cause the self-tanner to streak or fade more quickly, so it’s best to avoid these activities for several hours after using the self-tanner.

Use a buildable tanning product like b.tan. Buildable tanning products can often build up a natural-looking tan over time. Using a gradual tanner in between self-tanning sessions can help to maintain your color and extend the life of your tan.

Touch up your tan as needed. You may need to touch it up with more self-tanner as it fades. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product and use a light hand to avoid overdoing it.

What NOT to do When Using Self-Tanner

Don’t apply self-tanner on dirty or oily skin. Self-tanner must be applied to clean, dry skin for best results. Oils, lotions, or other products on your skin can create a barrier that prevents the tanner from being absorbed properly and may result in streaky or patchy color.

Remember to exfoliate. Exfoliating your skin before applying a self-tanner helps to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth surface for the tanner to adhere to. Skipping this step can result in uneven or patchy color.

exfoliating in the shower before applying b.tan self tanner.

Only apply a little self-tanner. Applying too much self-tanner can produce an unnatural-looking color that may appear orange or streaky. Follow the instructions on the product and use a light hand when applying to avoid overdoing it.

Don’t neglect certain areas. Areas like your hands, feet, and elbows tend to absorb more self-tanner than other parts of your body, which can result in darker spots. Be sure to apply a light layer of tanner to these areas and blend carefully.

Don’t wear tight clothing or sweat excessively after applying self-tanner. Tight clothing or excessive sweating can cause the self-tanner to rub off, resulting in uneven or patchy color. Wear loose clothing and avoid sweating or exercising for several hours after applying self-tanner.

Remember to wash your hands after applying self-tanner. Self-tanner can stain your hands if left on too long. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after applying tanner to avoid unwanted color on your palms.

Does Shaving Ruin a Sunless Tan?

Shaving after applying a sunless tan can cause the tan to fade more quickly. It may result in an uneven or patchy appearance.

Shaving exfoliates the skin, which can remove the outermost layer of the skin cells tinted with the self-tanner. As a result, the tan may fade more quickly and appear less even. Shaving can also cause the skin to become dry, which can cause the tan to flake off more quickly.

shaving legs prepping for self tanner

If you need to shave after applying a sunless tan, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours after application. This will allow the self-tanner to fully develop and adhere to the skin, making it less likely to be removed by shaving. Additionally, use a sharp, clean razor and gentle shaving cream or gel to avoid further exfoliating the skin.

B.tan Will Deliver a Flawless Tan

Using b.tan self-tanner is a great way to achieve a natural-looking tan without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays.

Me showing b.tan self tanner and a tanning mitt.

It’s quick, easy, and safe to use, making it a perfect option for busy moms who are short on time but still want to look and feel their best.

Following the steps outlined in this post, you can ensure that your self-tanner application is flawless and streak-free, giving you a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow that lasts for days. So go ahead and give b.tan self-tanner a try – your bronze skin will thank you for it!

Want the scoop on some of my other favorite products? You’ll love this blog post where I share my all-time favorite Amazon Wellness Finds!

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