How to Achieve the Ultimate Summer Glow: Self Tanning Tips & Tricks
The moment summer rolls around my mood instantly lifts... But, my skin on the other hand, is a completely different story. Between a long winter covered up from head to toe and the chilly winter air drying out my skin, it can begin to look a little lack luster. Let’s just say that my glow disappears quicker than my famous hedgehog slice did on Christmas day!
The good news is that hydrated, sun-kissed skin is definitely achievable, even when you’re trying to be sun safe. In fact, using a gentle, natural tanner during summer is one of the easiest ways to keep your skin even, hydrated and glowing all through the warm weather.
As someone who has been fake tanning for well over a decade (I’ve been every end of the spectrum - from translucent to looking like an oompa loompa) I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t and how to achieve an effortless golden tone that looks like you’ve just returned from a Euro trip.
With our new Natio tan range, my tanning routine has never been simpler and my skin has never felt softer!
A Natural Summer Glow
The best self-tan to see you through the summer is one that looks natural on the skin and enhances your complexion rather than masking it.
Like many of us here in the Natio HQ, you’ll soon be reaching for Natio tan this season to give you a healthy, hydrated glow rather than giving off that “I applied a tan in a can at 1am” look. It’s enriched with hydration heroes of Aloe Vera, Shea Butter and Vitamin E to help deliver moisture while you tan and prevent the dreaded “tiger bread” look.
Why should it be your summer go-to?
- No scent = perfect for hot days to prevent you from omitting that noticeable fake tan, biscuit smell
- No transfer = say goodbye to stained sheets and bathers
- Non-comedogenic = ideal for when sweat and sunscreen may already be congesting your skin
- Australian-made = designed with our customers and climate in mind
Pre-Tan Prep
The key to the perfect tan really is ensuring proper exfoliation and hydration before your self-tan application to create the smoothest application and prevent patchiness.
I know that this is the part that most people tend to rush, but it really is make or break when trying to achieve a natural tan. But, with the right preparation before your application, you too can achieve a natural looking glow whether you’re a tanning connoisseur or completely new to fake tanning altogether.
The great thing about a gradual tanning lotion and face tanning water is that application is quite simple - but what is most important is your pre-tan preparation and post-tan care.
Here’s my tried and tested pre-tan prep routine:
- Exfoliate 24 hours before fake tanning to remove dry skin so your tan absorbs evenly
- Moisturise lightly the night before, as hydrated skin tends to hold onto colour better
- Shave or wax 48 hours in advance of tanning to avoid dotted pores and patchy areas
- Moisturise elbows, knees and ankles right before tanning as these spots love absorbing a little too much tan
Fake Tan Application Tips
It’s important when applying your Natio tan, to apply in thin, even layers to give you the most natural looking summer glow.
Our Bronzing Glow Gradual Tanning Lotion and Radiant Glow Facial Tan Water are incredibly simple to apply, making them the low-maintenance, easy solution for beginners or anyone wanting an easy summer tanning routine.
For the body
Use our Self-Tan Application Mitt on clean, dry skin and work the lotion in long sweeping motions, followed by circular motions to blend the product in. For tricky areas such as the hands, wrists and feet, use our Blurring Contour Body Buffing Brush for a seamless result. With our gradual tan, you can apply as many layers as you want and build your colour day by day, depending on the depth of tan you want to achieve. Make sure to wipe excess tan from nails and between fingers and avoid perfume or deodorant immediately after applying.
For the face
Apply 6-12 drops of our Radiant Glow Facial Tan Water to clean clean hands and smooth evenly onto the face. To prevent “fake tan hands”, alternatively use our Blurring Contour Body Buffing Brush and apply the drops directly onto the brush before applying to the face. Our tan water absorbs quickly, won’t transfer onto clothes and develops into a soft, glowing tan.
Post-Tan Care
To keep that summer glow lasting, daily hydration and gentle maintenance will help your tan last longer and fade evenly overtime.
It’s important moisturise every day to keep your colour looking smooth and even. Exfoliate only as the tan begins to fade, then reapply using the Bronzing Glow Gradual Tanning Lotion or refresh your complexion with a few drops of the Radiant Glow Facial Tan Water.
The Natio tan range is a reminder that you don’t need long days in the sun to enjoy a gorgeous glow. The safest tan will always be the one that comes from a bottle, not UV. You can enjoy a hydrated, luminous finish all season long with the Natio tan collection.
Explore the full Natio tan range here.