BEAUTY 101

Makeup Tips And Tricks: How To Apply Self-Tanner

Fake it, don't bake it! Here's how you can score this season's sun-kissed glow without risking any more sun damage.
Posted on April 21, 2010 10:00 am by Mariel Chua
Photo: courtesy of ModelCo

Makeup Tips And Tricks: How To Apply Self-Tanner

Baffled by bronzer? It’s actually easy to figure out; and before you know it, you’re hooked. Here’s how to make the most out of Cosmo’s favorite body booster that you can enjoy even after this season:

Step 1. Patch test. Allergies are worrisome and icky-looking, so do this: Smear a bit on the inside of your arm (it won’t be seen anyway) and see how your skin reacts in a day. This also allows you to see how the color registers on your skin—amazing gold or a disagreeable orange.

Step 2. Exfoliate. Self-tanner will blend in easier if your skin is free of flaky, uneven patches. In the shower, get rid of anything that may come between a seamless application. Double-slough rough parts like elbows and knees.

Step 3. Apply. Smooth on an even coat of a formula you like (spray, gel, or cream). Do a thin layer first; you can reapply if you want to go darker. Dab tissue on areas where skin folds to prevent color from gathering on those parts.

Check out the gallery for some self-tanning products you can use.

With reports from Nizzi Gatdula

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Tags: beauty tips,skin care products,beauty products,skin care,self-tanning tips,self-tanning products,summer skin care

samantha987

16. i have heard that taning reduces stretch marks, but is there any other products in the market that is effective and cheap for removal of stretch marks?
May 16, 2010 at 12:21 am report abuse
MSDIAZ

15. be careful in tanning your skin for it can leave permanent damage
May 03, 2010 at 01:43 pm report abuse
BiancaValerio

14. Hi girls, let me try to shed some light on some of your comments: First, we are all born with different skin tones. So if we're born with tan skin, that in itself is ok but to try and achieve tan skin if we're more fair-skinned, thru SUN bathing or tanning beds, then that is UNhealthy. Take Raya Mananquil for example. She avoids the sun religiously but she has a medium-dark skin tone, naturally. As for rashes, like with any product, best to patch test on your wrist for a few hours. That's what store testers are for. Sometimes, it's an initial reaction then after more than one use, your skin adjusts to it. It's really a case to case basis. Next, spray tanners can be tricky in hard to reach areas but with a friend's help or patience, you can get it right- from personal experience :-) Lastly, ModelCo is world-renowned for its vast range of self-tanners which are DHA-based (non-toxic and made from sugar cane). Drop by Beauty Bar and you can test their spray, mousse, lotion and sponge applications. The newest one: Sun SPonge, think of it as like a shoes shine but bigger version for the skin. But my best advice, always exfoliate before any tanning process to avoid uneven application. Always moisturize to help your tan last longer to prevent dead skin from flaking off right away. Enjoy!
April 29, 2010 at 11:18 pm report abuse
pink_baby

13. I've never done self-tanning but this is helpful as I am thinking of doing this soon. I don't tan that much under the sun but I tan nicely and I hope it's the same when I do self-tanning :)
April 27, 2010 at 02:00 pm report abuse
Keri18

12. How much is The Body Shop lotion featured above? How is it compared to Vaseline Summer Glow Lotion?
April 26, 2010 at 04:37 pm report abuse
flyingfish

11. exfoliation is the key :)
April 25, 2010 at 01:17 pm report abuse
sexy_lola

10. I tried using something like this before but I had some rashes, so I was not sure if it was that or something else. I would like to try this soon!!!
April 24, 2010 at 08:20 pm report abuse
mhyneangelz09

9. nice one, very helpful esp. just today 39C temp.. tsk..
April 23, 2010 at 11:36 pm report abuse
akira_tokyo14

8. I envy those who have tan color but I've read an article saying that tan skin is not healthy.
April 23, 2010 at 10:04 am report abuse
kessthea

7. I have tried the spray but I needed the help of a friend for the hard to reach areas. :-)
April 22, 2010 at 11:46 pm report abuse
verybelicious

6. 6. is this safe for sensitive skin?
April 22, 2010 at 05:25 pm report abuse
bashful_vixen

5. weee. so pricey :( model co seems nice :)
April 22, 2010 at 12:16 pm report abuse
hazelnutzy

4. hahaha. im so tan all year round. :P
April 21, 2010 at 02:51 pm report abuse
sweetdecember

3. 3. like the bodyshop or nars
April 21, 2010 at 02:23 pm report abuse
summerinparis128

2. Nice! I bet this is the safest way,the sun is harmful na.hehe : )
April 21, 2010 at 11:38 am report abuse
zyramae_12

1. You don't need to have a sun bathing because with this products you will have a tan look..and give you that sexy look you long for!
April 21, 2010 at 10:43 am report abuse