How to Get a Brazilian Tan

You can achieve the same color of tan from a bottle as you get lying on a beach.

If your finances won't stretch to a week-long vacation in Rio de Janeiro, the best way to get a Brazilian tan is to fake it. With so many good quality, affordable self-tanning products on the market these days you can achieve a deep, natural-looking tan at home. A beach vacation may be preferable but of course too much sunbathing is not good for the skin, whereas a tan from a bottle is completely risk-free.

Things You'll Need

• Exfoliating scrub
• Moisturizer
• Latex gloves or tanning mitt
• Self-tanning product
• Cotton wool

Instructions

1. Prepare your body for its tan by removing all unwanted hair at least 24 hours in advance. If your skin reacts badly to shaving or waxing, wait until it has calmed down before applying the tan. You want a surface that is as smooth and blemish-free as possible.

2. Exfoliate your entire body. Pay close attention to areas that tend to be rough, such as ankles, knees and elbows.

3. Apply moisturizer to your skin, taking your time to cover your whole body and again paying attention to areas prone to dryness. Many self-tanning brands nowadays have a whole range of skincare products, including moisturizers, but any oil-free moisturizer will do the job.

4. Put on latex gloves or a tanning mitt to apply the fake tan. If a water-resistant fake tan gets on the palms of your hands or underneath your nails, it will be impossible to scrub off.

5. Apply your fake tan in circular motions, beginning with your feet and working your way up your body. Make sure you don't miss parts, like the backs of your knees and under your armpits. Most fake tans go on brown so that you can see exactly where it's going. Ask a friend to apply the tan to your back: There is no way you will be able to do it yourself. Leave your hands until last; take off your gloves, wash and moisturize your hands well and then apply the fake tan using cotton wool.. Take care not to overdo it.

6. Allow the tan to dry completely before applying another coat, if you want a deeper color. It is advisable to wait a day or two to let your tan really develop before deciding whether to go darker. It may take a bit of practice and experimentation to find the exact shade of tan that you are happy with.

7. Maintain your tan by re-applying it once a week. In between applications, keep your skin well moisturized to prolong the life of your tan.

Tips & Warnings

• The best time to apply your fake tan is shortly before going to bed. Make sure it is dry first: It will still leave some marks on your sheets, however these will wash out easily.

• If you have to apply your tan during the day, put on loose fitting clothes afterwards and avoid wearing underwear and socks if possible; these are likely to leave marks.

References

• 21st Century Beauty Bible; Sarah Stacey and Josephine Fairley; 2006
• soFeminine.co.uk: How to apply fake tan