As seen in Grazia Magazine... these are my top ten tanning commandments! Follow these ... or beware of turning Lindsay-orange...
1. Thou shalt exfoliate
It’s all about exfoliation. Patchy skin equals patchy tan. Dry body brushes and exfoliating gloves are the safest picks – AHA-based exfoliants or scrubs might leave a residue behind that interferes with tanning agents. If you need to de-fuzz, avoid irritation by waxing the day before or shaving in the morning before an afternoon tan. And remember, shaving is a form of exfoliation.
2. Thou shalt not moisturise
You read right: not moisturise. Unless your tan instructs you to slather up straight before tanning, don’t. Only apply tanners to skin that is dry to touch – moisturiser can leave a barrier on the skin or dilute the tanning formula, which ends in streaks and tidemarks. If your skin is dehydrated and desperately needs moisture, give it some – just be sure it soaks right in before you tan up.
3. Thou shalt be flexible
To avoid looking like you’re wearing knee and elbow patches, try bending them as you smooth on your tan – it helps stop product pooling in crinkles. This is also the only time to bend Tan Commandment #2 – adding a little moisturiser to trouble zones will help to stop them “grabbing” too much colour.
4. Thou shalt not TUI
Tanning Under the Influence – don’t risk it. You should never (ever) tan after more than one glass of wine. Heck, even after a strong coffee if it makes you kinda jumpy. You need all your wits razor sharp if you’re going to apply the perfect dose and blend to perfection.
5. Thou shalt blend
Never operate under the illusion you don’t need to blend. You do. Even if you’ve got a gradual tanning moisturiser. Even if it claims streak-resistant superpowers. For novices, formulas with tinted pigments make it easiest to avoid missing spots.
6. Thou shalt learn from LiLo
May Lindsay Lohan’s recent Diesel Global Party gaff serve as a lesson: never neglect your feet. But when DIY-ing a spray tan, consider this: as you mist your body, some solution will naturally fall lightly onto your feet. So just the gentlest dusting will finish the job.
A similar principle applies if you’re using a pre-loaded tanning glove or towelette: tackle the rest of your body and use the very last of the solution to lightly cover your feet (and the backs of your hands).
7. Thou shalt invest
To keep your tan fresh and glossy for as long as possible, love it. Spend some time moisturising yourself every day. Invest in tan-extending butters and body washes. Avoid harsh, skin-stripping chemicals and take it easy on the chlorine pools and saunas (excessive perspiration is not a bronzed goddess’s best friend).
8. Thou shalt not rub
Remember, a rough rub down with your towel works just like exfoliation and will take off tan. Instead, dab yourself dry and use moisturiser while still “glistening” damp to lock in that beautiful colour.
9. Thou shalt not cling
Accept when it’s over. Once your tan starts to look uneven or unnatural, scrub it off, move on and start again. Relax in a warm bath for 10 minutes before using exfoliating mitts. Important note for true tanorexics: tan-infused moisturisers are not meant to be applied every day for months! You must exfoliate at least once a week – or risk fresh colour forming an orange, uneven mess on top of last week’s leftovers. No arguments! Just let it go…
10. Thou shalt not panic
So you wish you’d read rules one to nine. It’s all gone a little wrong. But do not freak out and soak yourself with Jif, Windex or any other household cleaning chemicals (you’ll be sorry…). There are some tan-mending products out there, but there are also better ways to spend your money. Instead, pop a little bicarb of soda or toothpaste on a wet washcloth to fade out blotches or try a pumice stone on overdone ankles, toes and elbows. Got a tandoori tan problem? It’s time to take that long bath, exfoliate like you mean it and hit the sauna to sweat it off.
— Tracey Withers
Still don’t dare to DIY? Make like the bronzed Sydney celeb set and see Katrina for a professional spray tan at The Bronzing Boutique, Joh Bailey Salon at Level 1, 7 Knox Street, Double Bay, Sydney. Visit www.thebronzingboutique.com.au
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