DIY Fake Tan

Use a tea mixture to create a fake tan on your skin.

Since reports came out that excessive tanning can cause skin cancer and have other damaging effects, many sunbathers have been searching for ways to achieve bronzed skin without dangerous consequences. Many fake tanners are available at stores, but they can be expensive. However, you can easily make your own, inexpensive fake tanning product at home.

Things You'll Need

• 3/4 cup of water
• Stove or microwave
• Three tea bags
• 1/4 cup of lanolin and sesame seed oil
• Blender
• Bowl
• Washcloth or cotton balls
• Exfoliant

Instructions

Tan With Tea

1. Boil ¾ cup of water on the stove or in the microwave. Place three bags of regular tea in the water and allow it to steep until the tea is strong. Depending on the tea, it usually takes about 5 minutes.

2. Pour ¼ cup each of tea, lanolin and sesame seed oil in a blender. Turn the blender on a low speed and allow the ingredients to process until they are well blended. Slowly add the rest of the tea until it is fully incorporated into the mixture.

3. Pour the mixture into a bowl. Dip part of a washcloth or large cotton ball into the tanning solution and place a small amount on skin in an inconspicuous area of your body to see what the color will look like. If the result ends up too dark, make the mixture again, but brew a weaker tea. If you want a darker look, allow the tea to steep longer to create a stronger, darker tea.

4. Apply the tanning mixture to your body evenly with a washcloth using long strokes. For best results, exfoliate your skin before applying the solution to create even results. The mixture will wash off in the shower.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a new batch of tea mixture each time you use this type of tanner. Lanolin is usually available at beauty supply stores.

References

• Green Eco Services: Make Your Own Self Tanning Recipes