How to contour your body with self-tanner and bronzer

Self-tanner tips to help you glow

Ready for your warm summer glow? Learn how to apply self-tanner and bronzer with these products!

I am as fair as fair gets and I have always taken great lengths to protect my skin from the sun. While I’m thankful for soft, pretty skin, I have to accept my inevitable paleness. Until now! It’s simple and easy to apply self-tanners for the face and body. Here are some tips to prolong your golden glow as well as a few perfect items for when you’re traveling or on the go.

Prep your skin

This is the most important step! If your skin is rough or dry, your application of self-tanner will be scaly and uneven. No need to spend tons of money on expensive exfoliators!

Make this homemade scrub instead: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon sugar or salt and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Use this scrub all over your legs and arms and make sure to focus on the ankles, wrists, elbows and knees. You’ll also want to make sure you have cleanly shaven legs so the self-tanner blends evenly.

Prep your tanner

Before you start squirting that self-tanner into your hands and massaging it everywhere, maybe approach your application with a brush! Many cosmetic companies have started creating brushes to help you apply your tanner in a much cleaner and even way. These are a few I recommend.

Bare Minerals beautifully bronzed deluxe 2 piece collection: Not only do you get the tanner but also the small brush to apply coverage evenly! Apply the tanner directly to the brush and buff over the body in circular strokes.
MAC Cosmetics Buffer Brush: Technically for the face, this is perfect for buffing on your self-tanner! Applies bronzer evenly and smoothly as it starts to set into the skin.

Choose a self-tanner

With lots of self-tanners on the market, it may be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Below I’ve included liquid self-tanners, lotions and even towelettes.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare ‘alpha beta glow pads’ anti-aging exfoliating self-tanner for face: The first and only exfoliating self-tanner with active vitamin D. Packaged into individual perfect multitasking towelettes.
Kate Somerville ‘Somerville360’ tanning towelettes: These towelettes will produce a uniform, natural-looking glow within two to four hours. To deepen tan, reapply as desired.
Clarins ‘Instant Smooth’ self-tanner: Mostly used only on the face and neckline. This self-tanner really is magical! Instantly smooths skin and promotes a beautiful, natural-looking glow for the face and decollete. It immediately enhances your skin tone. You’ll see an immediate glow, and with continued use, your tan will continue to develop.
‘Dior Bronze’ Self-Tanner: Good for the whole body! This gel-based bronzer works with your pH balance to ensure your skin type blends perfectly with the self-tanner formula for a beautiful and controlled radiance that always looks natural.
LORAC SelfTANtalizer body bronzing gradual self-tanner and mitt: This dual toned self-tanner creates an immediate and long lasting bronzing glow. You can build a rich and natural color gradually and benefit from anti-aging ingredients.

Enhance your facial bone structure
with added powder bronzer

Now that you’ve enhanced your natural summer glow all over, here are some ideas for incorporating powder bronzers into your makeup application! This will give your skin a beautiful glow and help you play up your bone structure!

Tarte matte waterproof bronzer: Why not bronze and contour at the same time? This matte tarte bronzer does exactly that! Pair it with Royal & Langnickel large powder brush for a precise yet blended application of color.
NARS bronzer/blush duo: Orgasm blush and Laguna bronzer make the perfect summer pair! The blush has a peachy pink tone with just the right amount of shine for a summer glow and the bronzer will help you look like you are a healthy sun goddess. My favorite!
Benefit Cosmetics Sun Beam: Highlighting is just as important as contouring, and I have just the item for you! “Consider this liquid sunshine in a bottle,” seriously! Dot and blend over makeup on your cheekbones, ridge of nose, bow of lip and center of forehead for a beautiful summer glow.

More in beauty

How to find the best self-tanner
How to prepare skin for self-tanners
Top 10 self-tanners for face and body

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