How to Avoid a Bikini Tan Line

Avoiding a bikini tan line, while wearing a bikini is almost a contradictory of terms.

Or....is it ?

The line may not be avoidable, if tanning in the nude is not an option.
However, the line can be hidden and made to blend using the correct techniques.

Continue to read and follow the steps to a flawless tan.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An Exfoliating Cream or Gel
• A good loofa mitt, brush or sponge.
• Moisturizer
• A pair of snug disposable gloves.
• A Sunless Tanner

1. Prep Time in the Shower is the first step. You must ex-foliate the skin to allow the self-tanner to spread on evenly avoiding those awful streaks as well to ensure the longest wear of your tanned areas. Be sure to avoid oil-based exfoliaters, the residue they leave behind on your skin will prevent the self-tanner from absorbing.
   To be sure of the softest looking skin, shave, rinse well then dry thoroughly with a nice thick soft terry towel.

2. Now it is time to moisturize those areas that the self-tanner will be applied to. Be sure to use a non-oil based moisturizer, once again anything oil-based will leave a residue that will not allow proper absorption of the tanner.

3. Avoid getting your palms and wrist turning orange by slipping on a pair of snuggly fitting disposable gloves.

4. Now your ready to apply the self-tanner. Pour some of the tanner into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together so that each palm gets evenly coated with the tanner.

5. Begin applying to the areas of tan lines with full strokes at first, then change to a circular motion, the changing of direction will allow for better blending of the product and as well avoid streaks.

6. Be sure not to miss a spot when covering those lines, try to avoid as much as possible over lapping the already tanned area's, by blending the tanner well, up to the edges of the existing tan will allow for a better color match.

7. The above steps may need to be preformed a few days in a row, depending on how dark of tan is already there from the sun.
   However, with proper application and care, you can have a flawless looking tan without tan lines.

8. To maintain your tan from the sun as well as the tanner, be sure to moisturize daily as well as diligently, however do wait at least 8 hours after applying tanner to assure proper absorption of the product.
   Self-Tanners can contain ingredients that can dry your skin and as we all know the sun itself will defiantly dry your flesh out.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not apply the tanner when in a hurry, you will more then likely miss a spot and as well the product will not have enough time to dry and absorb correctly.
• Wait at least three hours before applying any makeup, the make-up can decrease the absorption of the tanner.
• Do not exercise within eight hours of applying the tanner, this too will decrease the absorption of the tanner as well as cause streaking due to the skin perspiring during the workout.
• Always do a skin sensitivity test to be sure your not allergic to any of the products ingredients. Apply a small amount of the product to a spot on the inside of your wrist, wait an hour or so and look for any abnormal reactions such as redness or swelling of the area, indicating an allergy to the product.
• Remember tanning in the sun can be hazardous and can cause skin cancer !

Resources

• Sunless Tanning.

[cmontmorency]

on 4/19/2009 Great tips! You can avoid tan lines altogether if you use a BikiniBand (bikinibands.com) ... totally saved me on spring break!!

[MichaelJMotta]

on 7/4/2008 Very thorough article. Personally, I think tan lines are sexy, and I'd prefer seeing them on a gal (hey, if you're seeing tanlines, you must be getting somewhere), to seeing fake tan stuff. Tan lines also make the tan seem so much the tanner, by adding contrast. But obviously this article was written more for women anyway, so what does my opinion matter? :)

[mikay]

on 9/10/2007 tanx 4 d article....

[mikay]

on 9/10/2007 tanx 4 d article....

[revisitingnixon]

on 6/27/2007 Congrats on having this article be picked as the winner for the "Top Written Requested How to Article!" Check out the forums and see which other winners we have this week. Check it out at:

http://www.ehow.com/community/forums/forum_1728_ehow-winners:-article-requests.aspx

-Rich