Tanning Techniques — adlibbing life

I always feel better with a little color. If you’ve followed me for a bit you know I love to get a Sunless Body Blend with Laurel at Laurel Corrinne Studio. This patented treatment makes Laurel the artist and your body her canvas. She carefully rolls the customized color on then blends every square inch to perfection. It lasts a good 7-10 days and looks so natural and lovely.

When salons and studios including Laurel’s were temporarily shut down due to Covid, I started to look for alternate ways to get a tan. Admittedly as of late I’ve been in the sun more than usual this year with twice daily walks during quarantine. But I have discovered a few tips and tricks for a great at home tan to keep you glowing behind that face mask.

PREP:

First thing’s first: prep your skin. Drink lots of water (always) but especially in the days leading up to getting or applying a tan; your skin will absorb it more evenly and the hydration will keep areas like knees and elbows from getting orange and streaky.. Exfoliating gloves make it easy to scrub everywhere and get your skin nice and smooth before you apply your at home tanning products. I also recently got the P50 Body Lotion and mitt. This exfoliating miracle potion is perfect for getting skin tan ready. Pay special attention to elbows and knees. It’s also great for targeting cellulite!

Exfoliating gloves available at drug stores and Target. Lotion P50 for the body available at Laurel Corrinne Studio.

ST. TROPEZ BRONZING MOUSSE:

This classic mousse is the perfect natural looking glow. The mitt is key for application. It goes on easy and lasts. This one is best applied during the day before you get dressed and when you really don’t have anywhere to go. Put it on and let it sink in then rinse before bed so it doesn’t get in your sheets. Available in my amazon store and at Ulta.

These little tan towelettes are great for travel, they’re not messy and they leave my skin not only tan but really soft and moisturized.

L’ORÉAL TAN TOWELETTES:

I grabbed a box of these little tan towels on a whim one day at the grocery store. The pastiness of quarantine had set in and I wanted to try something new (to me) that worked fast. Even though you can’t see the “tan” (it rubs on invisibly) these are easy to use, they don’t smell super funky as many tanning products can, and they add extra moisture to my skin. I use the medium shade and rub on before bed, letting everything dry before putting my pj’s on. One towel is enough for your entire body but for extra thorough coverage I use two towels: one on my lower body and one on my upper body. Occasionally I swipe lightly across my face for some added color there. When I mentioned to my friend Katie how much I loved these handy little towels she told me she’s been using them for years. She loves them because the tan they give her fair skin is natural and realistic; no orange streaks. And they don’t stain my sheets! Available at grocery and drug stores and Target as well as my amazon store under “Beauty.”

Tanned AF products are included in the Quaran-tan Kits from The Tan Kitty, Professional grade tanner you can use right in your home!

QUARAN-TAN KIT FROM THE TAN KITTY:

The Tan Kitty is to spray tans what Laurel is to the body blend. Owner Jessica Rosholm is spunky, fun and really, REALLY good at giving you a fantastic spray tan. You can customize your shade, she sprays EVERYWHERE precisely and carefully at her home studio (by appointment) and then she sets it with lavender- scented baby powder before providing specific after care instructions to help you get the most out of your tan. When Covid hit, Jessica pivoted to create at home “Quaran-tan” kits available for pick up.

Stocked with everything you need from gloves to a velvety mitt to different tan solutions of varying shades and intensities, following the instructions is easy and helps you get a fantastic tan right in your own home. I recently used the Tanned AF solution in my kit and applied it with the mitt for a warm, bronzed glow. It’s professional quality that lasts, doesn’t smell funky and doesn’t ruin your sheets. Available at The Tan Kitty, (657) 444-7050..

These little drops are so good to keep your face glowing! Use a few times a week to maintain color.

E.L.F. SUNKISSED BOOSTER DROPS:

These concentrated drops can be used on their own (that’s how I prefer to do it) or add them to your favorite cream, foundation or serum. I apply to clean dry skin before bed time. I use these as a way to maintain color on my face and typically use once or twice a week. Available at Target, grocery and drugstores.

My favorite bronzer duo! Always in my makeup bag.

E.L.F. BRONZER COMBO IN ST. LUCIA

This inexpensive bronzer combo has a peachy side and a bronze side. Combined they give a perfect sun kissed look. I put mine on after my concealer and foundation. It’s a fantastic dupe of the more expensive “Laguna” bronzer duo from NAARS. Available at Target.

Take any good tan to the next level with HydroPeptide Nourishing Glow Body Oil and some Funny Bunny by OPI on fingers and toes.

PRO-TIP: Apply HydroPeptide Nourishing Glow Body Oil to make your tan shimmer and shine. You’ll look like candlelight! And every tan looks better with OPI’s Funny Bunny in fingers and toes. I also love the “Cream” filter on Instagram for snapping a nice, tan selfie or for Insta-stories. Swipe it from my stories and add it to your own effects!