How to Use Bronzing Oil

Finding a good sunless tanning product that works well with your skin tone isn't always easy. As an alternative to self-tanning creams, lotions or powders, try bronzing oil. There are a number of bronzing oils on the market, which give you natural looking color rather than a fake, orange tint.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Research bronzing oils through friends or fashion magazines to find a few good recommendations. Choose one or two products you think should work best with your skin tone. If you're fair, make sure you begin with a light to medium bronzing oil.

2. Exfoliate to remove any dry, dead skin before you apply any bronzing oil. Dry your skin and leave it unmoisturized, as this interferes with the bronzing oil.

3. Shake the oil well before use and, if the bottle has a squirt or spray pump, hold your hand close to the pump to make sure you don't get oil on anything other than your hand. Bronzing and tanning products often stain clothing, rugs and towels.

4. Apply the bronzing oil quickly and evenly over your skin. Upon first use, apply sparingly, particularly around your elbows, knees and ankles, which are porous and tend to soak in more color than other areas of your body.

5. Make sure you haven't missed any spots or applied the oil too thick in any particular area to get the most natural looking, even color.

6. Wash your hands thoroughly as soon as you finish applying your bronzing oil.

7. Wait until the oil dries completely before putting on your clothes.

Tips & Warnings

• You don't need to apply bronzing oil to your entire body each time. Some areas may fade more quickly than others. The key is to keep an even tone.
• Don't reapply your bronzing oil upon first use for at least eight hours to help you gauge how your skin reacts with the oil.

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