A healthy golden tan always looks good. The procedures for obtaining that appearance, however, are a bit complicated. That’s a whole different story. If you really must have a suntan, then frying for hours in the sun is an absolute no-no, and tanning beds aren’t even a viable option. While their formulations are perhaps healthier for our skin and certainly safer, they’re hard to master, frequently leaving behind unattractive streaks and splotches, and a false tan scent and orange tinge, not to mention the fact that they’re prone to streaking (yeah, not cute).
It is excellent news that today’s self-tanners have gone a long way and are much better than in the past. A classic example: tanning water.
What Is Tanning Water Made of?
It is a self-tanner that gives you a smooth, moisturized, and more even-looking glow with a lightweight, translucent solution that combines water with active tanning and skin-nourishing ingredients. St. Tropez skin-finishing specialist and celebrity self-tanner Sophie Evans believes that self-tanning waters, which provide additional skin care advantages, are easier to apply and less messy than regular tanning lotions.
She informs us that “the major benefit of tanning water is that it goes on clear.” As you use the clear self-tanner, you may get dressed soon thereafter, so your clothes won’t be stained. Even if you’re wearing white, you may apply your self-tanner and let your skin darken on its own. Additionally, there is no need for a shower, as there is no quick built-in tanner to shower off.
Tanning Water Application
When it comes to application, Evans states that the tanning waters are less fussy than other gradual tanning products, but they must still be used correctly. “The first thing you should do is properly exfoliate the skin and moisturize any really dry regions, including elbows, knees, hands, feet, and any other areas where it is difficult to avoid dryness,” she claims. The products assist to produce a barrier that helps to lighten the self-tan color so that these regions can go five to seven shades darker than the rest of the body.
Another thing Evans stresses is the use of a tanning glove-like St. Tropez’s Luxe Double Sided Tan Applicator Mitt to prevent palm stains and improve the application process. She also says that “when you apply tanning water, you should work in sections.” “Since tanning fluids dry out and disappear rapidly, it’s easy to overlook spots and leave you with an uneven tan.”
She recommends you use your tanning water in sectional increments and work from the back of the thigh, around the lower leg, and to the upper leg. Also, if you believe you missed a place, you have nothing to fret about. “Any self-tanner [of any sort] that you apply to your skin can only be absorbed a specific amount,” explains Evans. “Feel free to mix it into the hands and feet as you restore places that you might have missed.”
According to Evans, after application, your solution should dry in a matter of minutes, at which time you should apply a dab of moisturizer to your heels and wrists to help blend the color and finalize the look. This solution will slowly develop over a few hours, giving you a bronzy appearance in about three hours.