- Joined
- Feb 26, 2006
- Messages
- 12,224
- Reaction score
- 3
Why spend money on costly salon tanning treatments or risk your health by using a sunbed when you can fake it like a pro at home courtesy of The Ten Tanning Commandments
1. Get scrubbing
No matter how 'miraculous' or 'realistic looking' a fake tan claims to be it'll look downright terrible if you don't exfoliate your skin before applying it. Why? Because bumpy, flaky skin results in an unsightly streaky and uneven tan
2. Be a smoothie
Your fake tan needs to seep into your skin in order to look natural and if your legs and arms are drier than the Sahara desert than you need to start slapping on some moisturiser pronto. Ideally try to use a deeply nourishing cream for at least three days before you apply your fake tan if you want the best base and most convincing results
3. Play the waiting game
No matter how keen you might be to transform yourself from ashen to golden you have to be patient. Firstly you need to allow at least ten minutes between applying your regular moisturiser and your fake tan otherwise you'll end up with a slippery, smudged effect. Also, before getting dressed you should, ideally, wait for an hour in order to let your self-tan product settle. If you don't you'll only stain your clothes
4. In the shade
Make sure you choose the right self-tanning product for your skintone otherwise you'll end up looking like you've been Tangoed. If you're not sure which category you fit into talk to beauty assistants at the cosmetic counters or do a patch test on your wrist. By experimenting a little you'll find the perfect shade for you
5. In the mix
If you're a fake tan virgin or just want a hint of golden glow as opposed to the rather full-on 'just returned from the Caribbean' vibe then blend half of your fake tan quota in with your regular moisturiser (this applies to both body and face) so you achieve a more natural look. Simply mix in the palm of your hand and apply in smooth, sweeping movements all over your limbs
6. Hand in glove
If you're a serious self-tanner then you'll know that wearing a pair of Latex gloves, like these St Tropez Gloves (£2.50, available at Boots), stop your palms from staining and your nails from taking on that 'just been digging the garden' look – two of the most common giveaway signs that your tan isn't real. Most chemists sell these and once you've started using them you'll never look back. Just remember to change them frequently
7. Don't crack up
When applying your self-tan make sure you go over the troublespots (such as ankles, toes, hands and heels) that are prone to dryness and tell-tale tidemarks. Always leave these areas until last or when you have the least amount of fake tan on your hands. You should also go over them with a damp cloth or cotton wool pad as they can end up soaking up excess product. If this happens then gently exfoliate the area every day until the tan becomes even
8. Mind the gap
Don't forget to apply your self-tan product to areas that might give away the fact you're faking it. Your neck, underarms and bottom might be hard to reach but they're a dead giveaway if you leave them white
http://www.handbag.com/graphics/library4/washinghands.jpg
9. Wash and wipe
Always remember to thoroughly wash your hands afterwards otherwise you'll end up with fingers that look like they've been dunked in a tub of sticky treacle. The smell will also linger for longer if you don't wash your hands
http://www.handbag.com/graphics/library4/tannedfacemakeup1.jpg
10. Making-up
Once you're gorgeously glowing make sure you adapt your make-up in order to complement your tan. Bronze, pale metallics and pretty peach shades on eyes, and sheer glosses on lips work best for the most flattering face
http://www.handbag.com/graphics/library4/afrocaribeancurls240.jpg
Faux by pro
If you're going to fake it like a pro, why not trust Olay Everyday Sunshine to give you a foolproof golden glow this season, and see how you can inject a little summer into your winter wardrobe with our top sunshiny fashion tips...
source:handbag
/emoticons/
