We all love to be confident, don’t we? I don’t know how you feel, but a bronzed glow is definitely my solution for a quick boost. To quote Audrey Hepburn – ‘On a bad day, there is always lipstick’ That resonates with me in a similar way; a splash of colour can make a difference to my mood and how I feel about myself. Something so simple and yet so powerful.

If this sounds like you, it may be helpful to know a little more about skin preparation before tanning. If you follow these 3 simple steps and make it part of your routine, then self-tanning will not only be a more effortless, enjoyable experience, but the time you spend will convert into feeling good for so much longer. Why not prolong your tan for as long as you can?

Step one – Hair Removal

Let’s talk about the various hair removal procedures available. This is important as the correct hair removal is fundamental.

Shaving is a quick fix, however, this is not the road to take if you want the best outcome and a longer-lasting tan. Yes, it’s a stopgap, but the hair will start to grow back within an hour and leave a shadow on the skin. So, even though you can tan immediately, it will not last for long, nor will it leave you feeling good in the following days. After self-tanning most will wait 2 – 3 days before shaving again. But shaving will remove the tan in patches and leave you feeling quite dissatisfied. You’re probably best to remove the tan and start again; in reality, it’s not a quick fix.

Waxing can react more vigorously to our skin than shaving, so you must allow at least 48 hours before applying a fake tan. As the hot wax is applied to the skin, it opens the pores; when the wax is removed, it removes live skin cells with it, and you don’t want that; you only wish to remove the dead, scaly, dry skin cells on the surface, not the live cells. It takes at least 24 hours for the skin to recover and the pores to close. So, in other words, immediately after waxing is not the best time to self-tan.

Sugaring is a better option if you wish to tan immediately. This age-old technique has been reinvented and is quickly becoming the leading hair removal method within the beauty industry. Sugaring is not just about hair removal, it is a complete skin care programme that cleanses, exfoliates, removes only dead skin cells, and nourishes and conditions the skin. It is an investment of both money and time, but the results are excellent. Believe me, your skin will be transformed forever.

Hair removal cream should be used 24 hours in advance of applying a fake tan as too many chemicals on your skin at once can lead to excessive irritation.

Also if you apply the cream after you tan, you will remove that gorgeous glow from your body.

Laser hair removal is also an investment of time and money. It is highly rec-ommended that you wait at least 1-2 weeks after a treatment session before using a fake tan. You must be extra cautious with your skin during treat-ment sessions to avoid any damage to the skin.

Step Two – Exfoliation;

Now you have removed the unwanted hair from your body, it’s time to exfoliate correctly.

We recommend dry brushing, for so many more reasons other than removing dead skin, please see our dry brushing blog. Honestly, if you only do one thing, purchase a dry body brush. I can honestly say, hand on my heart it’s the best product I have ever used to improve my skin and lymphatic system.

If you wish to use salt or sugar based exfoliate product, choose a cream-based one that can be applied before showering, it will be more effective. You will really be able to work it into the skin and receive the full benefits.

Simply step into the shower afterwards to remove the product and cleanse your skin.

Step Three Hydration;

It is so important and this is the step that many of us get wrong. Choose a water-based moisturiser for the best possible results other than an emollient. Water-based products penetrate the skin allowing deeper nourishment, conditioning the skin and making it feel soft, truly hydrated and youthful. I will use the cornflakes analogy to explain.

If you have a bowl full of cornflakes and pour yoghurt or honey on top, both the yoghurt and honey will rest on the surface of the cornflakes. However, if you pour milk into the bowl, it will naturally fall directly into the bottom of the bowl and soak into the cornflakes. A water-based product is definitely what you want for your skin.

Tanning

So, now lovely ladies, you are ready to apply the best tan in the world. Simply apply your favourite mousse, cream, lotion, oil or liquid onto the surface of the Tan Brush and brush it onto your amazing skin. Use circular movements to buff it in, making sure that you reach every curve and crease. As you work the brush the product will dry flawlessly and enable you to get dressed quickly. Remember to cleanse the brush every time you use it, if you do, it will last you for years.