How to Apply Tanning Drops
If you’re after that perfect sun-kissed glow without the harmful UV rays, tanning drops are your new best friend. These customizable drops give you total control over your tan, allowing you to adjust the intensity, tone, and coverage. Whether you're aiming for a light glow or a deeper bronze, tanning drops are versatile, easy to use, and blend seamlessly into your skincare routine. But for the best results, it’s all about proper application. Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to apply tanning drops for a flawless, streak-free glow.
Step 1: Prep Your Skin
Prepping your skin is key to achieving an even, long-lasting tan. The smoother the surface, the more flawless your glow will be.
- Exfoliate: Start by exfoliating your skin to remove dead skin cells. Focus on dry areas like your elbows, knees, and ankles. This will ensure your tan goes on evenly and lasts longer.
- Cleanse: Make sure your skin is clean and free of makeup, oil, and sweat. Any leftover residue can cause uneven application and blotches.
- Moisturize: Hydrated skin is happy skin. After exfoliating, lightly moisturize dry areas. This step will help prevent any patches from soaking up too much tanner and looking too dark. But avoid applying heavy lotion all over your body right before tanning, as it can dilute the effect of the tanning drops.
Step 2: Mixing the Tanning Drops
One of the biggest perks of tanning drops is their versatility. You get to control the depth of your tan by adjusting the number of drops you use. Here’s how to mix them for both your face and body.
For the Face:
- Mix 2-4 drops of tanning drops with your daily moisturizer or serum.
- Use fewer drops if you want a subtle glow, and more for a deeper bronze.
- Blend the mixture well in your hands before applying.
For the Body:
- Use 4-6 drops per body part (legs, arms, etc.) mixed with your favorite body lotion.
- Again, more drops will give you a darker tan, so adjust according to your preference.
- Mix the drops and lotion well in your palms before applying.
Now that you’ve mixed your tanning drops with moisturizer, it’s time to apply them evenly. This step is essential for achieving a streak-free glow.
- Apply in Circular Motions: Whether you're using your hands or a tanning mitt, always apply in circular motions to ensure the product is evenly distributed.
- Face Application: Start from the center of your face and work outward, blending the product into your hairline, jawline, and down your neck. Make sure to cover every area evenly, and don’t forget behind your ears and under your chin for a seamless look.
- Body Application: Start at your legs and work your way up, using circular motions to apply the mixture evenly. Pay special attention to areas that tend to absorb more product, like your knees and elbows. Lightly blend around your ankles, wrists, and the tops of your feet to avoid harsh lines.
Step 4: Don’t Forget Your Hands and Feet
Your hands and feet can be tricky areas when it comes to self-tanning, but they’re just as important for achieving a natural look.
- Hands: Apply the tanning mixture to your hands last, using the leftover product from your face or body application. Lightly blend it into the tops of your hands and between your fingers. If you notice the product settling in the creases of your knuckles, use a little moisturizer to smooth it out.
- Feet: Similar to your hands, use whatever is left over from your legs to lightly blend over your feet. Be sure to avoid the soles of your feet and blend around the edges of your ankles.
Step 5: Wash Your Hands
After you’ve finished applying your tanning drops, wash your hands thoroughly. You don’t want any leftover product to tan your palms or settle into the creases of your fingers.
Step 6: Let It Develop
The tan will take several hours to develop, so patience is key here! To get the best results, follow these tips:
- Avoid Water: Don’t wash your face or body for at least 6-8 hours after applying the tanning drops. This will give the DHA (the active tanning ingredient) time to work its magic.
- Wear Loose Clothing: After applying the product, opt for loose, dark clothing to avoid rubbing the tanner off before it develops fully.
- Sleep On It: If you can, apply your tanning drops before bed and let them develop overnight. When you wake up, simply rinse off in the shower for a fresh, golden glow.
Step 7: Rinse and Reveal Your Glow
After your tan has developed (usually after 8 hours), it’s time to rinse. Here’s how to ensure your tan stays flawless:
- Rinse with Lukewarm Water: Avoid using soap during your first rinse. A quick, lukewarm rinse is all you need to wash away the excess product.
- Pat Dry: When drying off, be gentle. Pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing it, as this can cause your tan to fade unevenly.
Step 8: Maintain Your Tan
A great tan doesn’t have to be fleeting! Follow these steps to keep your glow going strong:
- Moisturize Daily: Keeping your skin hydrated will help extend the life of your tan. Apply a moisturizer or body lotion every day to prevent your skin from drying out and the tan from fading unevenly.
- Avoid Exfoliating: While exfoliation is essential before applying tanning drops, avoid harsh exfoliants after your tan has developed. This can cause your tan to fade more quickly.
- Reapply As Needed: Tanning drops typically last about 5-7 days, so reapply once or twice a week to maintain your glow. You can experiment with fewer or more drops during your reapplication to adjust the depth of your tan as desired.
Pro Tips for a Flawless Tan
- Patch Test First: Always do a patch test with your tanning drops on a small area of your skin, especially if you’re using a new product. This will help ensure that the product reacts well with your skin before applying it all over.
- Use a Tanning Mitt: While using your hands works, a tanning mitt can help you achieve an even, streak-free finish. It also keeps your hands from absorbing too much product, which can result in unwanted color on your palms.
- Tan in Layers: If you prefer a deeper tan, don’t try to get it all in one go. Apply a lighter layer first, let it develop, and then apply a second layer if needed.
The Final Glow
And that’s it! With these steps, you’ll achieve a beautiful, natural-looking tan that looks just like you’ve spent hours in the sun—minus the UV damage. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle glow or a bold bronzed look, tanning drops are the perfect way to get that flawless finish.
Enjoy your sunless, streak-free glow!