Brown legs on skirt day
- 7 min reading time
The sun is shining, which means it’s time to wear skirts, dresses, and short sleeves again! As you stand in front of your wardrobe putting on that cute new skirt, you suddenly notice something you hadn’t thought about... Your legs haven’t seen the sun all winter and look more like two milk bottles. The first day you wear a summer outfit is both something you’ve looked forward to and something that can make you feel a bit insecure. Although this isn’t necessary at all, it’s understandable. Time to do something about it!
Tan without the sun
Some people are lucky and get a tan just by smelling the sun. Others turn red just by seeing the sunny weather forecast. Luckily, there’s an amazing product on the market today that gives you a quick tan without having to lie in the sun for hours: self-tanner. With a self-tanner, you’ll get an even tan in no time so you can confidently wear your skirt on skirt day.
We understand it sounds almost too good to be true, but it really is. A self-tanner contains DHA, or dihydroxyacetone. This ingredient reacts with the proteins in the top layer of your skin, where dead skin cells lie. This reaction creates a brown colour—and that’s exactly what we want! There are self-tanners that give you an instant tan and self-tanners that take a bit longer to develop.
Orange? No thanks!
Do self-tanners make you orange? Nope, that doesn’t have to happen. As long as you buy a good self-tanner and use it the right Manier, you’ll enjoy a natural brown colour. The higher the DHA concentration in the self-tanner, the browner and more natural the result. Because of the higher concentration, the self-tanner might be a bit more expensive than one with lower DHA, but the result is definitely worth it! Below, we explain which self-tanner suits you best and how to use it without turning orange.
How do you use a self-tanner?
First, it’s important to choose a self-tanner that suits your skin. There are different types of self-tanners. You can choose from a mousse, a Lotion, or a Spray.
Self-tanner mousse
A self-tanner mousse, also called foam, is perfect if you’re just starting out with self-tanning. A mousse is easy to use and gives an even tan without streaks. That’s why professional tanners often prefer to use a mousse. It’s ideal for tanning large areas like your arms, legs, and back.
Self-tanner Lotion
If you have dry or sensitive skin, a self-tanning Lotion is ideal. This tanning product also contains nourishing ingredients and, like a bodyLotion, hydrates your skin.
Self-tanner Spray
A tanning Spray is perfect for tanning your face and décolleté. Using a Spray gives an even tan, but it’s important not to stay too long in one spot to avoid streaks.
Self-tanner specially for the face
A common phenomenon: your body looks nicely tanned, but your face stays pale. This is because we often cleanse our face thoroughly and exfoliate. This gives us a beautiful, even, and youthful skin tone, but it also means that the tan doesn’t last as long. Should you wash your face less then? Absolutely not! Proper facial cleansing is very important. However, you can choose to apply self-tanner to your face. You can use the self-tanners mentioned earlier, but if you have sensitive skin, it’s wise to pick a self-tanner specifically made for the face. Two examples are the: Dr. Hauschka Bronzing Tint and the Collistar Magic Drops.
Found a self-tanner that suits your needs? Then it’s time for the next step!
How do you apply a self-tanner?
Always check the development time on the self-tanner packaging first, so you won’t be caught by surprise. ;) Make sure your skin is clean and free of dead skin cells. For a super even result, it’s best to scrub your skin and shave (if desired) before application. This removes dead skin cells and prevents streaks. It also helps the self-tanner adhere better so you can enjoy your tan longer!
Next, start applying the self-tanner. Using a application glove protects your hands and helps spread the self-tanner evenly. Take some mousse or Lotion on a tanning mitt and spread it evenly over your skin using circular motions. Follow the development time instructions and enjoy a relaxing me-time moment! When the development time is up, rinse the self-tanner off with water only, and voilà—brown legs that are sure to turn heads!
Tip: Avoid contact with cleansing products like soap and shampoo when rinsing off the self-tanner to keep your brown tint longer.
Standing firm, I travel the world
A self-tanner is a safe Manier to enjoy a tan. We’re more aware than ever that UV rays from the sun can harm our skin, and tanning beds aren’t great either. A self-tanner, however, isn’t harmful because it only reacts with dead skin cells, which naturally shed over time. Does this mean you can never go in the sun again? No, it’s not necessary to avoid the sun completely. The sun plays an important role in producing vitamin D, and many Dutch people are often deficient. You can supplement this with vitamin D supplements or spend time responsibly in the sun. Responsible Manier means not too long and always with sunscreen.
If you’ve just booked a holiday to a sunny destination but want to show off a tan on the beach straight away, there’s a tinted sunscreen. This sunscreen gives your skin a subtle brown tint and protects it from the sun!
A few more tips to make you glow!
Here are some handy tips to guarantee a successful tan!
Everything you need
In our range, you’ll find many kinds of self-tanners and lovely gift sets. These gift sets include all the self-tanning products you need to tan your skin. They’re great to give as presents or to buy for yourself so you have everything you need at a great price.
How to enjoy your self-tanner longer
To get the most out of your self-tanner, preparation is key. Apply the self-tanner to clean, exfoliated, and dry skin. Keep your skin well moisturised daily. Scrubbing, waxing, and shaving can shorten your tan’s lifespan, so try to do these before applying self-tanner.
How do I remove my self-tanner?
Not completely happy with the result, or ready to say goodbye to your tan? A self-tanner usually lasts five to eight days. After that, the tan fades gradually. If you don’t want to wait or have self-tanner on your hands that you want to remove quickly, we’ve got you covered!
Use a scrub to remove the self-tanner. You can also mix baking soda with water for a homemade scrub to easily take off self-tanner. Lemon juice can help remove self-tanner from your hands—put a little lemon juice in your palms, leave it on for a moment, then rinse with water. Be careful with cuts as lemon juice can sting. As a last resort, you can use baby oil. Mix baby oil with water, rub it on your hands or body, leave it on briefly, rinse, and voilà: soft skin without self-tanner!
The most important thing is that you feel confident. When you’re confident, you shine like the sun—and that’s the most beautiful thing. Embrace yourself (and your pale legs) and enjoy the summer! ☼
