How to Put Self-Tanner on Your Face & Have It Stay
Self-tanning lotions and sprays give you the sun-kissed look without the damaging effects of tanning under the sun. Sun damage can lead to uneven skin texture, burning and skin cancer. Self-tanners can be applied to the entire body, though some are specifically designed for the face. The self-tanners made for the face are less harsh and made with moisturizers. Follow all directions on the container before using, as each brand has different directions. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hairband or clips
- Exfoliating facial cleanser
- Clean soft cloth
- Moisturizer
- Rubber gloves
- Makeup sponge
- Self-tanner made for the face
- Mirror
Instructions
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Pin back all of your hair from your face using a headband or clips.
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Wash your face using an exfoliating cleanser. Make sure you exfoliate the entire face.
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Dry your face with a clean soft cloth.
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Apply a small amount of quick-absorbing moisturizer if your face is very dry or has uneven texture. Let dry.
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Put on rubber gloves to protect hands from the product. This is optional, but self-tanner is difficult to remove from hands once it has set.
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Apply a small amount -- about the size of a dime -- of self-tanner onto the makeup sponge or one of your gloved hands. Dab the tanner on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Use a mirror so that you can see any spaces you are missing.
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Rub the tanner in using the makeup sponge, starting with the forehead, up to the hairline. Work to the cheeks, up to and behind the ear, then your nose, up in between the eyes, and around the eye line and finally the chin, feathering the tanner down under the chin and into the neck. Feathering is lightly dabbing the tanner into the skin in the areas where the tanned skin is meeting un-tanned skin.
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Wipe down your entire face using clean and dry, gloved hands, making sure the product has covered the entire face. If not, apply a little more tanner on the sponge and apply to the missing area.
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Let your face dry for the recommended time indicated on the lotion bottle, usually one to two hours.
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Apply more if needed, or into the cheekbones and nose, where sun would naturally hit.
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Tips & Warnings
Test a small area the day before applying to ensure you are not allergic and that the tanning color is the right tone for you.
Apply lemon juice or facial toner to remove mistakes made by the tanner.
Avoid getting your face wet for at least five hours and do not use harsh cleansers or exfoliants on your face until you are ready to reapply the tanner.
Re-apply tanner to build-up the tan look or to refresh the look after two to three days. The self-tanners for the face do not usually remain fresh for more than four days.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
