Fake It ‘Til You Make It: How to Get the Perfect Self-Tan

Are you ready for some professional beauty tips? Of course you are! Join us for our new beauty column from Merry Kline, owner of Belle & Blush. Merry will be giving her favorite beauty tips that will make anyone look and feel great!
As summer begins to wind down, some of us may be realizing we didn’t quite achieve the golden tan we intended to this year. Heading back to school, to appointments or work in that amazing shorts and blazer combo just isn’t the same when you’re working with a set of less-than-tan legs. My favorite solution to this particular dilemma is a great self-tanner, and using one to achieve a pretty, even tan is easier than you think! Here are my tips to getting the best of the best when it comes to fake tans.
 

The first step is to exfoliate to create a smooth canvas on which to apply the self-tanner. This step is optional if you’re in a hurry. However, if you want to get the most out of your tan, exfoliate 24 hours prior to the second step. We love Harper + Ari Exfoliating Bath Cubes because they smell good enough to eat and are perfectly portioned for each individual use. They’re amazing for exfoliating and nourishing the body.
The next step is to apply a small amount of body lotion to the drier areas of the body (like elbows, hands, knees, ankles and feet) to prevent streaking in these areas. Next, use a tan applicator mitt to apply the self-tanner in quick, upward, circular motions. If you’re new to self-tanning, we recommend starting with a mousse because they’re so easy to apply. St. Tropez and James Read both make great mousse-based products that we love. Two pumps of product per arm and four pumps per leg should supply the right amount for even coverage.
Finally, allow four to eight hours for the product to soak in before getting wet or applying moisturizer. Once the self-tanner has set, apply a moisturizer daily to prolong your amazing glow. Any body lotion would work, but the Baume de Rose Body Cream from By Terry is a deeply nourishing favorite that smells amazing.
Repeat these steps every three to five days or as often as necessary to keep your gorgeous glow going!
Before conceptualizing Belle & Blush, Merry built a career in corporate fashion and beauty. She put her degree in International Business to use as a Production Development Coordinator for a jewelry manufacturer before becoming a Corporate Buyer for one of the nation’s largest fashion retailers. Armed with experience, drive and an independent spirit, Merry opened Belle & Blush in 2013 and has overseen its consistent growth and success ever since.